Help Brenda Overcome Chronic Illness

I never thought I’d be in this position to ask others for help like this… I never wanted to ask anyone for anything… Hi, it’s Brenda Watts. I am not sure if anyone has noticed over the past few years that I don’t seem to get out much, I’ve lost touch with friends & family, and I have just lost the ability to be part of the world. Since having COVID-19, my life has drastically changed. I have suffered from chronic fatigue & chronic illness since. I kept thinking that once I got better from a sinus infection or a week of chronic fatigue knocking me out that I would be able to function, having energy again and a brain that thinks clearly, and I would finally be able to have the lifestyle of a typical 45-year-old woman, but this has yet to come to fruition and possibly never will. I am fatigued, sick and in pain the majority of the time.

Over the past few years, I’ve fought with the medical system here in Tampa without much luck. I’ve been to doctors and specialists that have not taken my symptoms seriously or helped me in any way. Recently, I have been in and out of urgent care and the ER, still being told that there is nothing wrong with me. Luckily for me, one of my best friends happens to be an MD & specializes in Functional Medicine. She immediately flew me to KC for an intensive round of labs to find out that deep down, I am suffering from multiple chronic illnesses: Covid Long Haul, Adrenal Fatigue, Mold toxicity, CAEBV, CFS, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Mono, and a weakened immune system are amongst the biggest issues. I will be working with Dr. Watkins intensely to improve my health.

In the interim, this leaves me in a very vulnerable state. I am too sick to work and function, leaving me in an extremely stressed financial state. I am unable to receive help through the government as my conditions are not recognized as legitimate disabilities. I am in need of medical equipment and visits to specialists, but I am not even in a position to provide daily necessities for myself nor cover basic expenses at this time. This is what leads me here to ask for help from friends & family.

I am stuck in bed most days, allowing my mind to reel in all the ways I feel I am failing… myself, my boyfriend, my children, and my parents who are suffering their own serious health conditions and financial issues. I have felt hopeless knowing there are things that can help me improve my health, but I cannot afford them. I want to be healthy, to be vibrant again, to be an amazing grandmother for Ruby, to have a successful career, not be a burden to my boyfriend who sacrifices so much to keep a roof over my head, and to be alive & present for my daughters. The thought of not being able to be a mother to them breaks my heart. So, I am asking for help in a major way. If I can receive the equipment and medical treatment I need and be able to focus on recovery, I may be able to improve my health and my quality of life along with it. Thank you for reading my story & thank you for any assistance you’re able to contribute.