Three months, three hospitalizations, and zero insurance… Pablo and I have had a bizarre start to the year with a series of medical maladies.

After my 36th birthday in February, I was “gifted” a case of pneumonia in my right lung. I was prescribed antibiotics at urgent care, but I endured severe stabbing pain in my back and chest for several days before the pain finally started to subside. Even when I was nearly finished with the antibiotics, I was still experiencing residual pain and coughing up blood. That prompted us to get an outpatient CT scan.

The scan revealed an abscess in my lung, which sent us straight to the ER, where I was admitted to the hospital. To make my stay extra special, I also contracted RSV my first night. I spent the next three days being pumped full of various antibiotics through IVs in both of my arms. Thankfully, the abscess improved enough that there was no need to drain any fluid. I was discharged with another two weeks worth of oral antibiotics. I improved quickly, and life seemingly returned to normal.

The following month of March, we celebrated Pablo’s 35th birthday. A few days later, Pablo was “gifted” with strangely intense pain in his upper abdomen. After two days of pain, his temperature shot up to 102 degrees. When we couldn’t keep the fever down, we realized something was seriously wrong. Not wanting to risk the delay of outpatient testing, we decided it was Pablo’s turn to visit the ER.

After a CT scan and ultrasound, the doctors informed us that Pablo’s gallbladder was inflamed, full of stones, and needed to be removed. Pablo underwent surgery that same evening. Four incisions later, he was one organ lighter. Pablo spent the night in the hospital and was discharged the next day. Although the first few days post-op were painful, he made a swift recovery.

Then came April and our much anticipated fifth wedding anniversary. Naturally, we had a few more “gifts” to receive. Pablo worked an event with children and brought home the flu, which passed to me just in time for our anniversary. This flu hit me much harder than it hit Pablo. Along with the fever, chills, and body aches, I experienced shortness of breath, lightheadedness, and a racing heartbeat from simply walking across the room. When chest and back pain started, I became worried I had developed pneumonia again, so once again we found ourselves at the ER.

The viral panel came back positive for the flu, and my CT scan revealed bilateral pulmonary emboli – blood clots in both lungs – along with possible pneumonia in my left lung. Needless to say, I was admitted to the hospital again. I spent four days receiving blood thinners, oxygen, antibiotics, antivirals, pain medication, ultrasounds, X-rays, and more.

I was discharged with home oxygen, blood thinners, and pain meds. More than a week later, I’m still dealing with elevated heart rates, sharp chest and back pain, and limited energy. I improve a little each day, but it will take time to get back to normal.

After all of this, we are now facing three hospital bills and several months worth of expensive blood thinners. Thankfully, the hospital automatically applies uninsured discounts, and we’ve also applied for financial assistance. Based on the aid that was already applied to the first bill, we have some idea what the other bills may be reduced to. For the sake of this fundraiser, I’ve shared my best estimate of what our total financial need will be.

We truly appreciate any support, whether through donations or simply sharing this post. Pablo and I are also celebrating 10 years together this summer, so please send some good energy to thwart any more unwanted “gifts” from this chaotic year.