This pains me to do this. I have always been the one that people have gone to for help. If I know how to do something - carpentry, plumbing, flooring, landscaping, artwork... anything - I have always helped anyone who needed it just for the good feeling that it gave me to help someone out. Now, I need the help.
May 20, 2014, I had a revision of a lumbar fusion surgery. This was my 7th back surgery. After I was closed up, I bled into my back and two large clots formed at the point that the nerves going to my legs leave my spine. This was unknown until I woke up from a nap on May 25th and said, "Houston, I think we have a problem." I couldn't feel my legs at all.
To make a long story short, I was rushed to the hospital and another surgery was performed to remove the blood clots. Months of physical therapy ensued and I started getting better. I could feel the front of my left leg and had some strength in it. I never regained any other feeling from my waist down. I no longer have to self-catheter, but I still can't feel anything. When I walk with the assistance of forearm crutches, there is pain on my left side. My right leg sometimes refuses to work. This causes me to fall repeatedly. I am now being put in a wheelchair for the rest of my life.
Living alone in a small two-story house, I now need a LOT to make my house accessible for a wheelchair such as a ramp to get in, remodeling of some of the kitchen (cabinets with shelves that lower to give me access, lower level sink, stove, controls), a wheelchair lift to get upstairs, safety rails in my bathroom, closet rails that lower to give me access to hanging clothes. Insurance only covers my wheelchair - and not even all of that. A daily use wheelchair costs (on average) over $2000. My insurance co-pay is going to be $600.
I hate asking for help. I would much rather be helping someone else. But I need the help and I'm swallowing my pride to do this. Please. PLEASE consider helping me out.
Thank you and may God bless you.