My mom would hate this- asking for help. Like, she's literally gonna be so ticked at me. But this iron-willed, lion-hearted, tender souled lady very much needs it now.
About 2 months ago, she had to quit her fast paced job as a legal secretary due to illness. If you know my mom, you know this was unusual as she has powered through most everything in her life. Some people have even lovingly called her a bulldozer. She was strong, capable, and fiercely independent. Until last week...
As we speak, she is receiving treatment in hospital for Bacterial Endocarditis. For those who do not know, this is an infection of the inner lining of the heart muscle and heart valves. Unfortunately for my mom, this was not caught in its early stages and resulted in a heart attack and congestive heart failure. She has also suffered kidney injury from the stress of the infection on her body. Edit: they are slowly improving as she is getting the proper treatment.
She is on IV antibiotics for the infection and will be for at least 6 weeks.
We are still waiting on a few more answers though.
She will need heart valve surgery- what kind, we do not know yet. And as we all know, there are no sale prices for open heart surgery. But if anyone sees a special at Target or something, please let me know.
We're waiting for brain MRI results to see if the infection traveled to her brain. Which in turn, means we are also eager to see if she will need long term palliative or cognitive (memory) care.
Imagine her decline from the lady I described above to a (still stubborn lol) confused and disoriented patient who cannot advocate for herself. I've been told this could be a temporary response to the stress her body is under. However, recovery from this is not likely to happen over night. But we still believe in miracles!
I have had to weigh the fear of my mom's holy wrath for asking for help like this versus the seriousness of her condition and financial status- and the latter has won.
So all of this to say, due to her not having been able to work- she does not have health insurance. Since my soul already belongs to Jesus, I don't have anything to sell to the hospital to help cover the future medical expenses. I am working on getting her emergency disability and Medicaid/Medicare coverage- which in itself is still a long process.
There are also immediate expenses such as rent or a storage facility for her belongings and whatever hellish down payment will be needed for her heart surgery.
Ben and I plan to continue to provide whatever resources and help we can to her as well. But we're not exactly hanging in the Elon Musk crowd and likely will have difficultly providing the kind of long term care she would possibly need for an extended amount of time. So that's a thing too.
My mom has always put me and others well before her own needs. She has put so much love and generosity of spirit into the world. My hope is that it will be returned to her through any help possible.
If you are not able to financially help, your fervent and genuine prayers for healing and comfort are equally treasured.