Hello. I’m Carolyn Lynn. I never thought I’d have to do this, but I really have no other options. A couple of years ago, Jeff and I separated. I moved back to California to be near the girls. I am disabled with degenerative disk disease as well as having fibromyalgia and arthritis riddled throughout my back. During that back surgery, a nerve was partially severed in my right leg, and I was declared 100 percent disabled. I was doing okay up until a few months ago when my right leg and lower back began to hurt. I attributed it to the sciatic nerve and did what I could to alleviate that pain. My daughter decided to move away, and I needed to afford to be on my own, but I can’t even think of how with my health getting worse. By then, both legs and hips began hurting, and I knew that it wasn’t sciatica. I went to the emergency room, and X-rays and a CT scan showed it was severe spinal stenosis with a compression fracture of the L4 lumbar. I could not even think of how to get things paid. I can barely walk and had to start using a cane. My primary doctor ordered an MRI as well as put in referrals for physical therapy and acupuncture. But that is taking longer than anticipated to go through, and I am in severe pain. I can’t do much.

I’ve been to the emergency room 4 times in the last 2 months as well as to urgent care and my primary doctors. No one can help me until I get the MRI to see how severe my spinal stenosis is. My rent is paid with my disability, but the state of California messed my paperwork up, and $555 was taken out of my disability (wrongly) for insurance premiums. So, my rent isn’t fully paid for the month of April until maybe June, when I should receive reimbursement. My other bills are in arrears, my bank account went and still is in the negative, and I will be getting fines from that. I’m going to have to put my cell service on hold until I can pay, and I have no clue how long that will be. I was approved for food stamps but won’t get any before early next month. I’m dying a slow death financially and have no one that can help. So, I’m asking for help here. From family, friends, and strangers. Anything will help. It’s more than I have at the moment. I do hate doing this and am quite embarrassed, but I’ve no other resources and do not want to end up homeless. Thank you all for reading.