Help! I've fallen & I can't get up!
Hi there! ^_^
TL;DR - After a series of medically unfortunate events I find myself in need of some assistance. Please chip in if you can! ^_^
...
And now the long-winded version:
I'm a bit reluctant to say anything since asking for help does not come easily to me, but I've got nothing to lose, except my pride (LOL!), so here goes...
"This is my story..." (Or Everything About Me Whether You Asked Or Not... LOL)
I'm 34, female and single. Actually, I've never been in a romantic relationship or been kissed (!). Although that's not exactly through choice, more a combination of just not meeting the right guy yet and life circumstances. You see, I was born with a few disabilities.
Specifically: Conradi-Hünermann syndrome, a form of Dwarfism. As well as kypho-scoliosis (a REALLY bad back), moderate to severe hearing impairment, Icthyosis ( flaky, dry, red skin), osteo-arthritis, lack of fine motor skills (that means I have trouble with fiddly things like doing buttons and shoelaces) and alopecia (hair loss)-- well, I don't really consider alopecia a real problem, but it is noticeable. :-p
Growing up, I've had loads of surgeries to try to correct various "structural issues", like a Spinal Fusion and leg-lengthening procedures.
I've also been the target of abuse from ignorant people, and people who believe that people like me are a burden on society. They're wrong, of course (at least that's what I try to tell myself), but sometimes I still get upset.
In a way, it was character-building. I have a very strong sense of independence, and a very self-deprecating sense of humour... Some might say I'm a bit stubborn. Just a tad.
Sometimes I wish I was the Mother of Dragons...
Which is why, as an adult, I'm keen to do everything for myself-- asking for help is HARD! And I really don't like to put people out.
However, because I am an adult, a lot of the services I used a child are no longer available to me.
Or, not until I turn 65. But I don't plan on living that long!
And that's okay. I don't need to live a long life. Just a good one! ^_^
I think I manage pretty well, though. I live in a modified apartment, so I don't need carers, which is just as well because I NEED my independence!
Remember. Stubborn. LOL.
My apartment is "public housing", which means that rent is a percentage of my disability pension, in my case 25%— it was the only way I could afford to move out of home and live on my own. It's been hard, but it has been so much better for me to have some freedom. I would have gone mad if I'd stayed at home.
I recently completed a Diploma of Youth Work (in 2016) because although I can't do much physically, I am a good listener and I think I have a lot to offer in that area. I want to be an advocate for kids with disabilities— they need more people fighting for them... I know from personal experience.
I live alone... Sort of. I do have a little furry roommate named Fraser! =^_^=
This guy has been so good to me! He keeps me warm on cold nights, and gives excellent massages and acupuncture! He really is the best cat in the world…
Of course, I'm not biased. At all. :-p
In 2014 I had to have surgery. Even though the surgery itself went well, I experienced life-threatening complications during recovery and had to have an emergency tracheostomy-- basically a hole cut in my throat and a tube inserted to help me breathe.
I was semi-conscious when this happened and the last thought I had before passing out -- thinking that this was it: Game Over -- was of Fraser. Who would look after him? And I hoped that he wouldn't miss me too much!
The doctors were surprised that I was smiling so much when I woke up in the ICU-- why smile when I had a massive unplanned hole in my throat? Perhaps they thought they had gone slightly overboard with the painkillers. :-p
I couldn't speak at the time but I told them later (via texting with my phone) that I was smiling because I was relieved. I was alive.
Because you know what? I'm not done yet! ^_^
Initially I was only supposed to be in hospital for four days. I ended up staying for two weeks. So when I finally went home, Fraser turned into Velcro Cat!
"Never ever leave me again! *purr*"
Seriously! He did not leave my side for at least a week afterwards, and when the nurses came to change my wound dressings he watched them like a hawk! It was like that scene from "Meet The Parents" when Robert de Niro did the whole "I'm watching you" gesture to Ben Stiller.
Now imagine a cat doing that. With a stare. LOL.
He was so protective! Such a sweetie!
I love him so much... <3
Now, finally, onto the reason I'm asking for help... After that whole debacle, I have had significant medical expenses, as well as the usual ongoing expenses I have to deal with. Due to my limited savings (due to some people "borrowing" money from me & refusing to repay me—but that's another story altogether!), I had to take out a loan in order to pay off the medical bills... I had been overly optimistic that I would soon get a job and be able to pay off the loan.
But that hasn't happened. And even though I'm quite frugal, I haven't made any progress in paying off this loan (in fact, I'm just barely paying the minimum monthly repayments, despite my best efforts) and I'm starting to feel a bit frustrated because, despite my best efforts to manage on my own , I'm stuck in this financial trap and I'm desperate to get out.
Of course, getting a job would DEFINITELY make things easier! Unfortunately due to my rather unique body-type (and possibly the present economy)... jobs have not been forthcoming. I can and do get volunteer jobs, funnily enough!
I guess no-one wants to pay for a Dwarf. A pity, 'cos I'd make an *excellent* mascot! :-D
(Don't worry! I happily refer to myself as a Dwarf… Makes me sound like a mystical, mythical being from Lord of the Rings. LOL.)
Believe me, I would MUCH rather *earn* my way instead of resorting to begging, even this fancy, hi-tech, cyber-begging, LOL!
Now that I've sufficiently rambled on... please don't feel obligated or pressured in any way! That's not my intention at all. I certainly don't want anyone to send themselves broke trying to help me out! I guess I figured that if enough people donated a small amount each, it would make a big difference to me. :-)
I'm just putting "it" out there... I don't even *like* telling sob-stories, so I hope this hasn't been too painful to read! My doctor even thought it might be worth a shot "selling my story", as it were.
No, not that kind of Doctor... But a girl can dream, eh? ;-)
I would give you good Karma in return, but as Homer Simpson once said: "You can't sell that! Karma can only be portioned out by the Cosmos!"
How about I owe you a hug, instead? Apparently my hugs (affectionately known as Ness-hugs) are legendary... Or, to paraphrase the Eleventh Doctor: I like hugs. Hugs are cool.
Or, if you ever happen to be down near Adelaide, drop in for a cuppa!
Same deal if you were backpacking around Australia and you needed somewhere to stay for free, you'd be most welcome to stay here – as long as you don't mind an overprotective pussycat! LOL
Seriously. I mean it. I always try to help people who have been kind to me, or to at least return the favour somehow.
Much love to you all! =^_^=
TL;DR - After a series of medically unfortunate events I find myself in need of some assistance. Please chip in if you can! ^_^
...
And now the long-winded version:
I'm a bit reluctant to say anything since asking for help does not come easily to me, but I've got nothing to lose, except my pride (LOL!), so here goes...
"This is my story..." (Or Everything About Me Whether You Asked Or Not... LOL)
I'm 34, female and single. Actually, I've never been in a romantic relationship or been kissed (!). Although that's not exactly through choice, more a combination of just not meeting the right guy yet and life circumstances. You see, I was born with a few disabilities.
Specifically: Conradi-Hünermann syndrome, a form of Dwarfism. As well as kypho-scoliosis (a REALLY bad back), moderate to severe hearing impairment, Icthyosis ( flaky, dry, red skin), osteo-arthritis, lack of fine motor skills (that means I have trouble with fiddly things like doing buttons and shoelaces) and alopecia (hair loss)-- well, I don't really consider alopecia a real problem, but it is noticeable. :-p
Growing up, I've had loads of surgeries to try to correct various "structural issues", like a Spinal Fusion and leg-lengthening procedures.
I've also been the target of abuse from ignorant people, and people who believe that people like me are a burden on society. They're wrong, of course (at least that's what I try to tell myself), but sometimes I still get upset.
In a way, it was character-building. I have a very strong sense of independence, and a very self-deprecating sense of humour... Some might say I'm a bit stubborn. Just a tad.
Sometimes I wish I was the Mother of Dragons...Which is why, as an adult, I'm keen to do everything for myself-- asking for help is HARD! And I really don't like to put people out.
However, because I am an adult, a lot of the services I used a child are no longer available to me.
Or, not until I turn 65. But I don't plan on living that long!
And that's okay. I don't need to live a long life. Just a good one! ^_^
I think I manage pretty well, though. I live in a modified apartment, so I don't need carers, which is just as well because I NEED my independence!
Remember. Stubborn. LOL.
My apartment is "public housing", which means that rent is a percentage of my disability pension, in my case 25%— it was the only way I could afford to move out of home and live on my own. It's been hard, but it has been so much better for me to have some freedom. I would have gone mad if I'd stayed at home.
I recently completed a Diploma of Youth Work (in 2016) because although I can't do much physically, I am a good listener and I think I have a lot to offer in that area. I want to be an advocate for kids with disabilities— they need more people fighting for them... I know from personal experience.
I live alone... Sort of. I do have a little furry roommate named Fraser! =^_^=
This guy has been so good to me! He keeps me warm on cold nights, and gives excellent massages and acupuncture! He really is the best cat in the world…
Of course, I'm not biased. At all. :-pIn 2014 I had to have surgery. Even though the surgery itself went well, I experienced life-threatening complications during recovery and had to have an emergency tracheostomy-- basically a hole cut in my throat and a tube inserted to help me breathe.
I was semi-conscious when this happened and the last thought I had before passing out -- thinking that this was it: Game Over -- was of Fraser. Who would look after him? And I hoped that he wouldn't miss me too much!
The doctors were surprised that I was smiling so much when I woke up in the ICU-- why smile when I had a massive unplanned hole in my throat? Perhaps they thought they had gone slightly overboard with the painkillers. :-p
I couldn't speak at the time but I told them later (via texting with my phone) that I was smiling because I was relieved. I was alive.
Because you know what? I'm not done yet! ^_^
Initially I was only supposed to be in hospital for four days. I ended up staying for two weeks. So when I finally went home, Fraser turned into Velcro Cat!
"Never ever leave me again! *purr*"Seriously! He did not leave my side for at least a week afterwards, and when the nurses came to change my wound dressings he watched them like a hawk! It was like that scene from "Meet The Parents" when Robert de Niro did the whole "I'm watching you" gesture to Ben Stiller.
Now imagine a cat doing that. With a stare. LOL.
He was so protective! Such a sweetie!
I love him so much... <3Now, finally, onto the reason I'm asking for help... After that whole debacle, I have had significant medical expenses, as well as the usual ongoing expenses I have to deal with. Due to my limited savings (due to some people "borrowing" money from me & refusing to repay me—but that's another story altogether!), I had to take out a loan in order to pay off the medical bills... I had been overly optimistic that I would soon get a job and be able to pay off the loan.
But that hasn't happened. And even though I'm quite frugal, I haven't made any progress in paying off this loan (in fact, I'm just barely paying the minimum monthly repayments, despite my best efforts) and I'm starting to feel a bit frustrated because, despite my best efforts to manage on my own , I'm stuck in this financial trap and I'm desperate to get out.
Of course, getting a job would DEFINITELY make things easier! Unfortunately due to my rather unique body-type (and possibly the present economy)... jobs have not been forthcoming. I can and do get volunteer jobs, funnily enough!
I guess no-one wants to pay for a Dwarf. A pity, 'cos I'd make an *excellent* mascot! :-D
(Don't worry! I happily refer to myself as a Dwarf… Makes me sound like a mystical, mythical being from Lord of the Rings. LOL.)
Believe me, I would MUCH rather *earn* my way instead of resorting to begging, even this fancy, hi-tech, cyber-begging, LOL!
Now that I've sufficiently rambled on... please don't feel obligated or pressured in any way! That's not my intention at all. I certainly don't want anyone to send themselves broke trying to help me out! I guess I figured that if enough people donated a small amount each, it would make a big difference to me. :-)
I'm just putting "it" out there... I don't even *like* telling sob-stories, so I hope this hasn't been too painful to read! My doctor even thought it might be worth a shot "selling my story", as it were.
No, not that kind of Doctor... But a girl can dream, eh? ;-)I would give you good Karma in return, but as Homer Simpson once said: "You can't sell that! Karma can only be portioned out by the Cosmos!"
How about I owe you a hug, instead? Apparently my hugs (affectionately known as Ness-hugs) are legendary... Or, to paraphrase the Eleventh Doctor: I like hugs. Hugs are cool.
Or, if you ever happen to be down near Adelaide, drop in for a cuppa!
Same deal if you were backpacking around Australia and you needed somewhere to stay for free, you'd be most welcome to stay here – as long as you don't mind an overprotective pussycat! LOL
Seriously. I mean it. I always try to help people who have been kind to me, or to at least return the favour somehow.
Much love to you all! =^_^=