I am Joyce Harman, holistic veterinarian in Rappahannock county, VA. 2 weeks ago, October 13, I woke up with severe pain in my gut, but it gradually got better over the next 10 hours, so I thought I was going be ok.

Then I talked to my doctor who said I should get checked out for appendicitis, and that was the best advice I could have gotten. Within an hour or so, the pain had become so great that the ambulance was a fabulous idea for ride to the hospital. For a holistic doctor to be happy riding in an ambulance I had to be in bad shape. And, in truth, we need western medicine along with all our other tools for truly integrative medicine. 

One thing after another and a transfer to Winchester, VA hospital (which if you have to go to one of those things was fabulous!), I finally had surgery first thing Sunday morning. Apparently I was one of the unlucky ones who had no pain until the appendix burst. The Doc said it was a few days old by the time he got in there, not just 24 hours. 

So, I got a 6 day vacation in the hospital, waited on hand and foot.....since I was in too much pain to take of myself. Not my ordinary type of vacation, and one never to be repeated, especially as it was unplanned. 

Of course, I asked every doctor how long I would be out of work, knowing that I lift heavy horses' legs and roll around on the floor working on large dogs. They all said 4 weeks, though a few said maybe I could get by with slightly less. This is not good news during one of the busiest months of the year.

What I need is some financial help to make up for the lost income, to pay my bills. I think my insurance will cover most of the medical expenses, but no insurance covers time off.  

All funds raised will go towards living expenses and bills while I get back on my feet.