Maleesha Needs Help Fighting Her Painful Disease: R.A.

Hi, my name is Maleesha and I've been struggling with a very painful and debilitating disease called Rheumatoid Arthritis. I was diagnosed 3 years ago after I came out of surgery. I had never had any sign or symptom before that.

Two days after my sinus surgery, I tried to get out of bed and realized that I couldn't stand. My feet had swollen and were very painful. My hands were swollen, and my fingers looked like mini sausages. I immediately called my doctor, who sent me to the emergency room and straight in to be seen by another doctor. After tests were run, a few hours later I was told I have Rheumatoid Arthritis. I didn't know a lot about it but figured he would tell me what to do and it would just go away. It did not, in fact, 'go away'.

I was eventually able to qualify for AHCCC and see a Rheumatologist. I was treated with Methotrexate and self-injectable shots of Enbrel. It helped for a bit, and I was beginning to feel better.

I struggle with keeping a job because most of the time I can barely lift a glass without a bolt of lightning shooting up my arm, let alone stand on my troll feet for hours at a time. Payments for bills went on credit cards until I hit my limits. I started DoorDashing because it didn't hurt my hands and it brought in a little income. Since I've started DoorDashing, AHCCC dropped me because I make too much money, and I don't qualify for disability.

Every day I wish I hadn't gotten that surgery. This disease is the most physically painful thing I've ever gone through. I am in constant pain from the swelling and the stabbing pains shooting down my arms all the time. The last straw for me was 2 months ago when someone pulled out in front of me, causing an accident. The trauma from the accident has caused my R.A. to reignite, and now I'm back to square one. I give up. I NEED HELP!

This has taken me weeks to write because it's super hard for me to do this. I am asking for donations in order to help me get back on my feet and get to the doctor again.

Thank you!!!