Life with chronic illness
Donation protected
Hello. My name is Desi, and I’m here because I have to be. I have chronic medical conditions requiring multiple medications to control my symptoms, in an effort to keep some stability with my health.
In just the last week I lost 14 pounds and am trying my best the handle any further uncontrollable loss. I have experienced severe, blackout level pains, vomiting, nausea, and bleeding.
I am trying to control the loss to prevent that which I had already experienced. Previously I had lost 150 pounds in less than six months. My hair coming out in chunks. I had also blacked out from the levels of pain.
In my journey of seeking diagnosis and treatment for a debilitating illness, with symptoms that affect every aspect of my life I have learned (in the hardest way possible) that, the healthcare system does not serve all equally. Like so many of you and those around you, this has left me struggling as I continue more testing and appointments with specialists. Throughout this battle to maintain medical care, without a steady source of income my health continues its nosedive.
As of this writing, I am moving into an apartment I can no longer afford. That’s because I lost my job this past week due to my health-related issues. I am actively looking for another position that will not exacerbate my condition, while providing means of support. I also have a dog - Ariel, and a cat- Lucy who depend on me, as I do on them; those of you who are pet parents will understand our necessary relationship.
I rarely ask for help, having been raised to “bootstrap” it, but neither those bootstraps nor well wishes will address my illness and its scary costs, nor the basic needs of shelter, food and safety. Your financial assistance is crucial to help me overcome these hurdles, making a immense difference.
The goal: I am asking for money to help cover continued treatment, rent/food, and buy a tiny trailer in which I can live and focus on healing. 8,500 is what that dream would take.
Life is a constant game of your money or your life; especially where healthcare is concerned. You see the stories in the news daily. I’m choosing my life; I'm not ready to give up … and I'm here asking for your donations.
The ongoing post will be a stream of consciousness, reiterating the above, and also providing a window into me, who I am, and what exactly I am asking you for. As well as my current health reality and the importance of donations right now. Thank you for getting this far.
In just the last week I lost 14 pounds and am trying my best the handle any further uncontrollable loss. I have experienced severe, blackout level pains, vomiting, nausea, and bleeding.
I am trying to control the loss to prevent that which I had already experienced. Previously I had lost 150 pounds in less than six months. My hair coming out in chunks. I had also blacked out from the levels of pain.
In my journey of seeking diagnosis and treatment for a debilitating illness, with symptoms that affect every aspect of my life I have learned (in the hardest way possible) that, the healthcare system does not serve all equally. Like so many of you and those around you, this has left me struggling as I continue more testing and appointments with specialists. Throughout this battle to maintain medical care, without a steady source of income my health continues its nosedive.
As of this writing, I am moving into an apartment I can no longer afford. That’s because I lost my job this past week due to my health-related issues. I am actively looking for another position that will not exacerbate my condition, while providing means of support. I also have a dog - Ariel, and a cat- Lucy who depend on me, as I do on them; those of you who are pet parents will understand our necessary relationship.
I rarely ask for help, having been raised to “bootstrap” it, but neither those bootstraps nor well wishes will address my illness and its scary costs, nor the basic needs of shelter, food and safety. Your financial assistance is crucial to help me overcome these hurdles, making a immense difference.
The goal: I am asking for money to help cover continued treatment, rent/food, and buy a tiny trailer in which I can live and focus on healing. 8,500 is what that dream would take.
Life is a constant game of your money or your life; especially where healthcare is concerned. You see the stories in the news daily. I’m choosing my life; I'm not ready to give up … and I'm here asking for your donations.
The ongoing post will be a stream of consciousness, reiterating the above, and also providing a window into me, who I am, and what exactly I am asking you for. As well as my current health reality and the importance of donations right now. Thank you for getting this far.
Co-organizers (2)
Desiree Garrett
Organizer
Kennewick, WA
Arielle Benson
Co-organizer