Support Ricky's Recovery from Reactive Arthritis

Hi everyone, my name is Ricky. I’m a veteran from the US Navy and currently work as a travel nurse. I’m actively on an assignment in Rochester, NY. I'm 38 years old and recently experienced food poisoning. This led to what we now know as reactive arthritis. Apparently, this can happen to anyone who experiences a bladder or stomach infection from certain types of bacteria. While at the hospital being tested, they discovered I have a gene called HLA-B27, which is an autoimmune issue that predisposes me to developing reactive arthritis from the bacterial infection I had prior. This has left me with a diminished ability to walk on my own and severe joint pain in 8 of my joints.

Unfortunately, my contract has been canceled, and I've been admitted, receiving antibiotic and steroid treatment while working with physical therapy to try and recover. Sadly, I'm going on my second week without a paycheck. I have to make it back home to Los Angeles, and from what I'm being told and learning about this syndrome, the recovery to be able to be cleared for work again can take as long as 6 months. I'm so scared I won't have the financial ability to get home, let alone cover me while I go through rehab and struggle to get back to work. I only hope anyone can offer whatever they can afford, if at all. This is all happening so fast, and it feels almost life-changing, which is terrifying. I don't know what the future holds, but I swear I will get past this and be back to being the caring and compassionate bedside nurse I love to be. Thank you for your consideration, and I wish you all the best.