Hello everyone,

 

My name is Meg. I am a nurse and an Advanced Medical Support Assistant at the VA, where I have worked for 14 years. I am also disabled. I have OCD, CPTSD, depression, anxiety, and panic disorder.

 

On January 4th, 2022, I got sick with what was presumed to be COVID-19, which I picked up from repairmen sent to my apartment by my property management company to do some plumbing.

 

I was sick for several weeks with fever, fatigue, body aches, and a wracking cough that was very frequent and so severe it caused me to gag and throw up. I still suffer with fatigue, and brain fog from the COVID.

 

Just when I was ready to go back to work, I got another upper respiratory infection which had triggered that horrible cough. I informed my employer of the situation and they decided to fire me instead of letting me return to work.

 

I was not on leave restricton, nor was I being disciplined.

 

I cannot work at my facility while this process is ongoing and it's going to take months/years to complete.

 

I haven't had any income since the first week in January and did the best I could with what I had.

 

Now I am in dire straights.

 

I just got a 14 day notice from my landlord, my phone has been shut off as I couldn't keep up my end of the bargain when I promised to pay. I owe one car payment which they have allowed me to put off. My auto insurance lapsed because I couldn't pay. I am going to be out of food soon, and I have an electric bill due. I have $21 dollars left to my name. I need to see a specialist about my cough and my PCP is referring me, but I need gas to get there.

 

I can get work easily, but like everything else, that takes time, which I don't have.

 

I would be most grateful for any help given.

 

Thank you kindly.