Sarah's Aneurysm Medical Bill Relief
On April 29th, 2021, I had a cerebral aneurysm. I was home alone and started to get the worst headache of my life and recognized that this wasn't normal. I called a friend and he called the local EMS for me as I was having a really hard time speaking and finding the words.
I believe myself to be extremely fortunate that I survived. Many people lay down and wait for the headache to go away, pass out, and die. I went out and sat on my front porch to make sure that someone would eventually find me. The EMS came and I don't remember any of it. They took me to the closest ER and then I was med-flighted to UW Hospital in Madison, WI. That night I had surgery to insert a platinum coil into the aneurysm and a drain in my head to release the pressure on my brain. While in ICU I had 4 angioplasty procedures to address vasospasms in my brain. My final surgery was to remove the drain and fix an abnormal vein to artery connection that has formed. I was in the ICU for 22 days and was discharged on May 20th.
In order to continue getting a paycheck while I was in ICU I used up all of my vacation time that I was saving up to take my 3 daughters on a trip. I also had to borrow some that I'll have to pay back to my employer. Luckily, the company I work for is very flexible and understanding. Short-term disability only pays 60% so using vacation time just made more sense. I'm grateful that I was able to get back to work right away, 4 days after I was discharged. I need to take more breaks and most of my evenings are spent sleeping, but I feel better and better every week!
I have 3 daughters ages 19, 15 & 15 who are with me half of the time. My oldest was able to visit me in ICU but my twins were too young to visit. It was a long 3 weeks to be away from my younger girls. As a single mom, I've already got enough on my plate with paying bills and the hospital bills are starting to become due. It is not easy to ask for help, but friends and family often ask what they could do and this is really the only thing I'm struggling with. Your kindness and generosity are very much appreciated! I know how lucky I am & even if this takes me a few years to pay off, it's worth it to be with my daughters.