Mending from Long Covid, & Supporting Family
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While I've lived most of my life as a disabled person, in March 2020 things changed drastically for me when I got Covid. My two youngest kids were sick first and I spent over a month sleeplessly taking care of them as they scarily teetered in the hands of the virus. By the time I got sick, I was already deeply depleted and for the few weeks in bed I honestly felt closer to death than ever in my life. As I slowly emerged I had a feeling the recovery would be hard but never imagined how much. Months later I still had extreme pain in my right lung, never-ending intense fatigue, neurological body pain, major brain fog and confusion, as well as full hallucinations. I would wake up at night gasping for air, unable to breath. I would become unable to walk because the floor was rippling in waves. Then 7 months into Long Covid my liver showed signs of major damage for no apparent reason.
Throughout this time I sought care through the ER and my primary care dr (who is very ablest and has caused harm to disabled people in my region). The ER was unable to offer support and my dr told me that she thought it was anxiety and stress. When my liver showed signs of damage she said it could only be from heavy drinking, even though she knew I can't drink at all for immunocompromised reasons. My liver damage was only noticed in my blood work due to my own request for basic blood work and the lab messing it up 3 times, so I had to go back for multiple drawings. It was then that I noticed my increasing liver damage and tried to advocate for care.
This past spring I was able to switch to another dr. She listened and so I thought I might find support and care. She then mostly told me she had no idea what to do with me and that I should see a neurologist. The local neurologist then said he "didn't do long covid." I have been on a waitlist and yet to get an appointment at the hospital with another neurologist since May. My dr then said she was worried about abdominal cancer so she recommended a CT scan. When I got the iv for the CT scan I started going into anaphylactic shock. Nothing was found with the scan. But this leads me yet again into the moment that I am needing true foundational care, competent support and having to go outside what my health insurance has given me access to.
This summary of what it's been like feels so incomplete. It doesn't include all the intricacies of how it's felt each day, the confusion, trying to continue functioning, working, parenting during a pandemic.
Now over a year and a half later in this Long Covid journey I am making this decision to reach out at the loving nudge of a dear loved one. I would love to be able to see a dr, have a few follow up visits, have access to blood tests, and body work support.
I am grateful for those who have been present during this time. And I'm sending such big love and care to all those who are also navigating the difficult journey that is Long Covid. Thank you for taking the time to read this and thank you for your support.
Expenses:
450 Initial dr visit
750 Follow up visits
1800 Blood Testing
450 Supplements
450 10 Chiropractic appts
1185 Medication not covered by insurance
200 Transportation
155 Gofundme fees
------------------------------------
5440 Total
****EDIT TO ADD: December, 2021****
For any additional money I'm able to fundraise. I would love to be able to share it with my family. I sent them money this past week, but know that there is continued follow up care they need.
My two eldest have been having health issues. My eldest lives very remotely in eastern Nicaragua and has been very sick with parasites and H. pylori, as well as COVID two times so far. My other child lives in northern Nicaragua and tested positive for COVID 2 weeks ago. My 1.5 year old grandchild has also been in and out of the hospital recently due to COVID, anemia, parasites and continued cough.
Also, a few months ago my godson was hit by a truck. He is very lucky he survived, but he lost his knee cap and the use of his leg. He is about to have his 3rd surgery and I would love to be able to help his family with transportation from the countryside to where the hospital is, as well as other costs.
Throughout this time I sought care through the ER and my primary care dr (who is very ablest and has caused harm to disabled people in my region). The ER was unable to offer support and my dr told me that she thought it was anxiety and stress. When my liver showed signs of damage she said it could only be from heavy drinking, even though she knew I can't drink at all for immunocompromised reasons. My liver damage was only noticed in my blood work due to my own request for basic blood work and the lab messing it up 3 times, so I had to go back for multiple drawings. It was then that I noticed my increasing liver damage and tried to advocate for care.
This past spring I was able to switch to another dr. She listened and so I thought I might find support and care. She then mostly told me she had no idea what to do with me and that I should see a neurologist. The local neurologist then said he "didn't do long covid." I have been on a waitlist and yet to get an appointment at the hospital with another neurologist since May. My dr then said she was worried about abdominal cancer so she recommended a CT scan. When I got the iv for the CT scan I started going into anaphylactic shock. Nothing was found with the scan. But this leads me yet again into the moment that I am needing true foundational care, competent support and having to go outside what my health insurance has given me access to.
This summary of what it's been like feels so incomplete. It doesn't include all the intricacies of how it's felt each day, the confusion, trying to continue functioning, working, parenting during a pandemic.
Now over a year and a half later in this Long Covid journey I am making this decision to reach out at the loving nudge of a dear loved one. I would love to be able to see a dr, have a few follow up visits, have access to blood tests, and body work support.
I am grateful for those who have been present during this time. And I'm sending such big love and care to all those who are also navigating the difficult journey that is Long Covid. Thank you for taking the time to read this and thank you for your support.
Expenses:
450 Initial dr visit
750 Follow up visits
1800 Blood Testing
450 Supplements
450 10 Chiropractic appts
1185 Medication not covered by insurance
200 Transportation
155 Gofundme fees
------------------------------------
5440 Total
****EDIT TO ADD: December, 2021****
For any additional money I'm able to fundraise. I would love to be able to share it with my family. I sent them money this past week, but know that there is continued follow up care they need.
My two eldest have been having health issues. My eldest lives very remotely in eastern Nicaragua and has been very sick with parasites and H. pylori, as well as COVID two times so far. My other child lives in northern Nicaragua and tested positive for COVID 2 weeks ago. My 1.5 year old grandchild has also been in and out of the hospital recently due to COVID, anemia, parasites and continued cough.
Also, a few months ago my godson was hit by a truck. He is very lucky he survived, but he lost his knee cap and the use of his leg. He is about to have his 3rd surgery and I would love to be able to help his family with transportation from the countryside to where the hospital is, as well as other costs.
Organizer
Atalanta Sungurov
Organizer
Cheshire, MA
