Hi everyone,

 

This is a really difficult post for me to write because I’ve always been the type to handle things on my own. But right now, I’m in a situation where I truly need to ask for help — and that’s not easy for me.

 

On May 7th, 2024, I started working full-time for Frito-Lay as a merchandiser after being laid off from my previous job. The role was a huge adjustment — it doubled my workload and completely flipped my schedule from working nights (10 PM - 7 AM) to early mornings (4 AM - 1 PM). But I stuck with it and eventually earned a spot on Frito-Lay’s top-selling route in our district, handling my accounts independently every day.

 

I loved the work, and I was proud of how well I was doing — until October 22, 2024, when I was diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in both hands. Since then, I’ve been living with constant, debilitating pain — easily the worst pain I’ve ever experienced.

 

For those unfamiliar, Carpal Tunnel happens when the median nerve — which runs from your wrist to your fingers — gets compressed or squeezed. In my case, the compression is so severe that I’ve lost all feeling in six of my fingers. I experience total numbness and constant weakness.

 

Everyday tasks have become nearly impossible — brushing my teeth, buttoning my clothes, cooking a meal. I can’t even slightly turn my wrists without sharp, intense pain. I rely on Carpal Tunnel braces 24/7 just to function, but even then, I have almost no control over my hands.

 

In December 2024, an EMG test confirmed that I’m in the advanced stage of Carpal Tunnel in both hands. My surgeon told me that without surgery, I’m at risk of permanent nerve damage.

 

Unfortunately, life doesn’t pause for medical emergencies. I couldn’t afford to stop working, so I tried to push through. I even asked to be moved to a less physically demanding route, but was told I’d need to file a formal medical accommodation. I submitted all the required paperwork, but instead of being reassigned, I was placed on unpaid medical leave while HR waited for additional clarification from my doctor. It ended up taking four weeks before I could be seen by both my doctor and a specialist and finally return to work.

 

By that point, I had nearly drained my savings. I knew I couldn’t keep damaging my hands, so I started applying to remote jobs — not what I wanted to do, but I didn’t have a choice.

 

On March 20, 2025, I gave my two weeks’ notice at Frito-Lay and accepted a remote job with Humana, starting April 7, 2025. But with the amount of typing and computer work required, the pain has only gotten worse. Some days, the stabbing nerve pain shooting from my wrists down to my forearms is so intense I can barely breathe.

 

I applied for short-term disability leave on April 30, 2025, so I could finally have surgery. I did everything I was supposed to — filled out paperwork, met with my supervisors, prepared for time off.

 

On June 17, 2025, I had surgery on my left hand. Unfortunately, while I was still waking up from anesthesia, I learned there had been a miscommunication with my short-term disability paperwork — forms I was never sent — delaying my benefits by several weeks. I’m now waiting on medical records to be processed and for a final decision to be made.

 

Short-term disability only covers about half of my paycheck, but even that is critical for me to survive right now. On top of that, after seeing the extent of the damage during surgery, my doctor wants me to have surgery on my right hand as soon as possible, which means at least 6-8 weeks total out of work.

 

Right now, I’m recovering one-handed, typing this from bed. I’ve done everything I can to keep working and support myself, but I’ve hit a wall. I’ve fought as hard as I can, but I need help.

 

If you’re able to donate, share, or offer any support, it would mean the world to me. No amount is too small, and even just sharing this makes a difference. All donations will go directly toward my living and medical expenses over the next few months as I work toward recovering and getting back to work.

 

Thank you for reading, and thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support!