Medical Bills
Donation protected
I started this campaign because I need
help with my hospital bills.
Most of my family and friends know that on Thursday, June 13, 2013 I had a transient ischemic attack, commonly known as a "mini-stroke." There was nothing particularly unusual about that morning. One minute I was walking across campus with my friend, making plans to help her move later in the day. The next minute, I was back in my campus apartment preparing breakfast and talking on the phone. Minutes into that conversation, I couldn't complete my sentences. Not only was I stammering and stuttering, I became very confused. I felt dizzy. Minutes later, I was in the back of an ambulance and rushed to Morristown Medical Center. That's down the street from Drew University, where I am third-year doctoral student in the History of Christianity.
I spent the rest of that day and part of the next undergoing tests. CT scan. MRI. EKG. Carotid ultrasound. An echocardiogram. Blood work. There was no damage done to my brain. However, a malfunctioning valve in my heart, a patent foramen ovale (PFO), was determined to be a possible cause of the TIA. I followed up with a neurologist and a cardiologist after a two day stay in the hospital. Both of the specialists were concerned that stress and improper rest were also possible causes.
The cardiologist explained that surgery was a possibility to fix the PFO, but he noted that the procedure had the potential to do more harm than good. Therefore, he agreed with the neurologist about my course of action for the future: take 325 mg of aspirin daily, take regular breaks, and get plenty of rest at night.
I've maintained the aspirin regimen, but I'm not going to lie, I'm studying for my comprehensive exams and working to support myself, so I'm not resting as much as I would like to. I'm also a bit stressed out because on top of my regular monthly bills, I now have hospital and doctor bills to contend with. And, as hard as it is for me to admit it: I need help. I've been able to pay a few of the smaller bills off. However, the ambulance ride, the hospital stay, the emergency room tests, and other fees still leave me with about $13,000 after my graduate school insurance covered its allotted percentages.
With all of that said, I'm reaching out beyond my inner-circle of family and friends to ask for some much needed financial support and assistance. I'd like to simply focus on my studies right now, but with increased financial responsibility, it is becoming increasingly difficult to do so. I'm already deeply appreciative of whatever help anyone decides to provide. If you can't assist this campaign, then pray for me and send positive thoughts.
Thank you. Bless you.
Tejai Beulah
Most of my family and friends know that on Thursday, June 13, 2013 I had a transient ischemic attack, commonly known as a "mini-stroke." There was nothing particularly unusual about that morning. One minute I was walking across campus with my friend, making plans to help her move later in the day. The next minute, I was back in my campus apartment preparing breakfast and talking on the phone. Minutes into that conversation, I couldn't complete my sentences. Not only was I stammering and stuttering, I became very confused. I felt dizzy. Minutes later, I was in the back of an ambulance and rushed to Morristown Medical Center. That's down the street from Drew University, where I am third-year doctoral student in the History of Christianity.
I spent the rest of that day and part of the next undergoing tests. CT scan. MRI. EKG. Carotid ultrasound. An echocardiogram. Blood work. There was no damage done to my brain. However, a malfunctioning valve in my heart, a patent foramen ovale (PFO), was determined to be a possible cause of the TIA. I followed up with a neurologist and a cardiologist after a two day stay in the hospital. Both of the specialists were concerned that stress and improper rest were also possible causes.
The cardiologist explained that surgery was a possibility to fix the PFO, but he noted that the procedure had the potential to do more harm than good. Therefore, he agreed with the neurologist about my course of action for the future: take 325 mg of aspirin daily, take regular breaks, and get plenty of rest at night.
I've maintained the aspirin regimen, but I'm not going to lie, I'm studying for my comprehensive exams and working to support myself, so I'm not resting as much as I would like to. I'm also a bit stressed out because on top of my regular monthly bills, I now have hospital and doctor bills to contend with. And, as hard as it is for me to admit it: I need help. I've been able to pay a few of the smaller bills off. However, the ambulance ride, the hospital stay, the emergency room tests, and other fees still leave me with about $13,000 after my graduate school insurance covered its allotted percentages.
With all of that said, I'm reaching out beyond my inner-circle of family and friends to ask for some much needed financial support and assistance. I'd like to simply focus on my studies right now, but with increased financial responsibility, it is becoming increasingly difficult to do so. I'm already deeply appreciative of whatever help anyone decides to provide. If you can't assist this campaign, then pray for me and send positive thoughts.
Thank you. Bless you.
Tejai Beulah
Organizer
Tejai Beulah
Organizer
Columbus, OH