Rachel's Recovery
Donation protected
On October 12, 2020, I had laparoscopic surgery to remove masses on each of my ovaries and to clear my abdomen of endometriosis, which had attached itself to many of my major organs. It was a same-day-surgery and I was released that afternoon to recover at home. The surgery itself was a success, and it was anticipated that I would be able to return to work after one week of recovery.
However, three days later, I became violently ill. I gradually lost the ability to eat, and subsequently had to be admitted to the hospital for 24/7 care. After almost a week of admission, doctors discovered that I had developed a large abdominal abscess. At this point, I had fallen into sepsis, and was unable to eat or walk. Doctors in Interventional Radiology were able to drain the abscess and placed a port and drain in my abdomen for continued treatment.
I was able to return home, however, after a few days, the drain stopped working and I became ill again. It took two more procedures and two more trips to Emergency Care to resolve these issues. At this point, my weight had plummeted to jut 86 pounds, and I was now at risk of heart failure.
I looked at myself in the mirror that day and realized just how much I had to recover from. I needed to eat, rest, and learn to walk again.
I have been home and in stable condition since November 2, which is a great success to this point. I have gained 15 pounds, and now have enough strength to walk and can manage many tasks on my own again. I am getting stronger every day.
The challenge I face now, in addition to continuing to heal, is surviving financially.
When the pandemic began, I had both a full-time job and a part-time job. I lost my full-time job due to covid, and have held onto my part-time job throughout.
The wages I have lost as a result of surgery and healing cannot be recovered. I do not qualify for wage protection under the Family Medical Leave Act. I do not qualify for short-term disability. I do not qualify for Unemployment, as you must be physically able to work in order to qualify for support. I am currently still medically disabled, and will not be able to return to my job until the drain is removed from my abdomen. Doctors are hopeful that this can happen in December, but because of the severity of my case (sepsis), they are exercising great caution in moving forward. Visiting nurses currently come to my home 1-2 times each week to check on my well being.
I am in a gray area, a pocket of people who might slip through the cracks, just by chance, because of how support is either distributed or not in our country.
I am asking for help so that I do not lose my home, so that I can continue to eat and recover and grow stronger. It is amazing how quickly things can fall apart, and at 36 years old, I have been humbled.
Any donations made will go directly and immediately to rental payments, utilities, food, and heat.
I will never forget the help I receive, and I will be ready to pay it forward when life calls me into action to help someone else.
Thank you for reading my story.
However, three days later, I became violently ill. I gradually lost the ability to eat, and subsequently had to be admitted to the hospital for 24/7 care. After almost a week of admission, doctors discovered that I had developed a large abdominal abscess. At this point, I had fallen into sepsis, and was unable to eat or walk. Doctors in Interventional Radiology were able to drain the abscess and placed a port and drain in my abdomen for continued treatment.
I was able to return home, however, after a few days, the drain stopped working and I became ill again. It took two more procedures and two more trips to Emergency Care to resolve these issues. At this point, my weight had plummeted to jut 86 pounds, and I was now at risk of heart failure.
I looked at myself in the mirror that day and realized just how much I had to recover from. I needed to eat, rest, and learn to walk again.
I have been home and in stable condition since November 2, which is a great success to this point. I have gained 15 pounds, and now have enough strength to walk and can manage many tasks on my own again. I am getting stronger every day.
The challenge I face now, in addition to continuing to heal, is surviving financially.
When the pandemic began, I had both a full-time job and a part-time job. I lost my full-time job due to covid, and have held onto my part-time job throughout.
The wages I have lost as a result of surgery and healing cannot be recovered. I do not qualify for wage protection under the Family Medical Leave Act. I do not qualify for short-term disability. I do not qualify for Unemployment, as you must be physically able to work in order to qualify for support. I am currently still medically disabled, and will not be able to return to my job until the drain is removed from my abdomen. Doctors are hopeful that this can happen in December, but because of the severity of my case (sepsis), they are exercising great caution in moving forward. Visiting nurses currently come to my home 1-2 times each week to check on my well being.
I am in a gray area, a pocket of people who might slip through the cracks, just by chance, because of how support is either distributed or not in our country.
I am asking for help so that I do not lose my home, so that I can continue to eat and recover and grow stronger. It is amazing how quickly things can fall apart, and at 36 years old, I have been humbled.
Any donations made will go directly and immediately to rental payments, utilities, food, and heat.
I will never forget the help I receive, and I will be ready to pay it forward when life calls me into action to help someone else.
Thank you for reading my story.
Organizer
Rachel Ensign
Organizer
Sutton, NH