LEARNING TO THRIVE in a new reality
Donation protected
Since Sept 2021 I’ve been unable to walk & experienced progressive loss of sensation in my shoulders, arms, hands, legs & feet.
I’ve survived on donations and loans from friends. I am raising funds to have money until disability is decided and to begin to repay loans from friends.
Working will not be possible for the foreseeable future because of the neuropathy in my hands and remaining foot. I’ll need to balance exercise & mobility with avoiding advancing the condition in my legs and hands.
The federal disability filing process is slow and feels unending. My lawyer says the primary obstacle and reason for the “rubber stamp” denials when I’ve been unable to walk for nearly 3 years is being under 50. We continue to appeal but I’m told the process may drag on. Tests from earlier this month show decreased motor nerve conduction and negligible sensory nerve function in all 4 limbs. There’s been significant deterioration since the last EMG in 2020.
Despite these events, life sober from alcohol and stimulants since May 2020 is far better than life prior. I remain hopeful and have faith that there will be life worth living on the other side of this.
I currently receive “food stamps” and as of March 1st, Medicaid.
A timeline of the last 3 years:
2020
Mar - lost my job
May - sobriety from stimulants & alcohol
Jun - diagnosis w/ neurological condition
Aug - saw orthopedic surgeon & neurologist re: plan
2021
Mar - separated from husband
May - heart attack - myocarditis from vaccine
July - left hand & arm surgery
Aug - ankle fusion & 2 months nursing home
Oct - mom & dad move to assisted living
Nov - federal disability filing begins
Dec - right hand surgery
2022
Feb - divorce
May - ankle surgery
Jun - bankruptcy filing
Aug - mom & dad move to memory care
Sep - moved from LA to friend’s spare room in SF
Nov - informed of need to amputate
2023
Jan - amputation & move to acute rehab/skilled nursing
Today I remain in skilled nursing at a county facility and hope to begin using a walker soon. Thank you for any support you are able to provide.
I’ve survived on donations and loans from friends. I am raising funds to have money until disability is decided and to begin to repay loans from friends.
Working will not be possible for the foreseeable future because of the neuropathy in my hands and remaining foot. I’ll need to balance exercise & mobility with avoiding advancing the condition in my legs and hands.
The federal disability filing process is slow and feels unending. My lawyer says the primary obstacle and reason for the “rubber stamp” denials when I’ve been unable to walk for nearly 3 years is being under 50. We continue to appeal but I’m told the process may drag on. Tests from earlier this month show decreased motor nerve conduction and negligible sensory nerve function in all 4 limbs. There’s been significant deterioration since the last EMG in 2020.
Despite these events, life sober from alcohol and stimulants since May 2020 is far better than life prior. I remain hopeful and have faith that there will be life worth living on the other side of this.
I currently receive “food stamps” and as of March 1st, Medicaid.
A timeline of the last 3 years:
2020
Mar - lost my job
May - sobriety from stimulants & alcohol
Jun - diagnosis w/ neurological condition
Aug - saw orthopedic surgeon & neurologist re: plan
2021
Mar - separated from husband
May - heart attack - myocarditis from vaccine
July - left hand & arm surgery
Aug - ankle fusion & 2 months nursing home
Oct - mom & dad move to assisted living
Nov - federal disability filing begins
Dec - right hand surgery
2022
Feb - divorce
May - ankle surgery
Jun - bankruptcy filing
Aug - mom & dad move to memory care
Sep - moved from LA to friend’s spare room in SF
Nov - informed of need to amputate
2023
Jan - amputation & move to acute rehab/skilled nursing
Today I remain in skilled nursing at a county facility and hope to begin using a walker soon. Thank you for any support you are able to provide.
Organizer
Scott Dalke
Organizer
Alameda, CA