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Help the Smileys with unexpected bills

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First, thank you for even clicking much less taking the time to read this.

Back in August Jatana and I purchased a new home in Virginia Beach that was everything we wanted. The home inspection seemed to indicate all was in order and we proceeded with the purchase. Not even two weeks into our new home, boxes still everywhere unpacked and our garbage disposal exploded under the sink and we had to get an emergency plumber out(thanks Atomic Plumbing) to fix the sink and replace the disposal. One or two weeks later after flushing the toilet water backed up into our tub, and as we have only one bathroom there was no option to wait. We needed it fixed, ASAP. Our first bill from Atomic was $1000. Our second would be $1050, but the plumber, aware they had just been out at the house hooked us up with a discount we didn’t even qualify for and got the bill down to $800.

Fast forward to a month ago we were running the dishwasher and noticed the laundry room flooding And water pouring out of the siding of our house as well. We were resigned to wait it out and just hand wash dishes but even hand washing was impossible from what little water we were running bc the floor was flooded once again. Unable to function as a household without the ability to clean dishes we had to once more get a plumber involved. This was an involved process that included cutting into our drywall to diagnose and we were charged $1100 for the fix which didn’t cover the cost of the drywall repair, we’ve left that undone bc it’s not a major priority.

Later this year I will be undergoing gastric bypass. I’ve done my research and weighed my options and due to increasingly limited mobility I’ve decided it’s what’s best for me so I can enjoy life to the fullest. Part of that included getting a Sleep Study done, which needed to be done in the hospital so they could get the most accurate readings. 5 episodes of apnea an hour count as sleep apnea. I currently average around 20. My dr likes to see a minimum of 88% oxygenation and at best I got 84%. Helps to explain my memory loss, constant fatigue and a host of other symptoms.

I get to go back to the hospital for an attended titration (where they monitor the cpap and myself to determine which masks and settings will help me get the best oxygenation) at the end of this month. Which I’m sure, will hit me with a similar bill, but I will cross that bridge when I get to it.

For most of the last year I’ve been the single breadwinner in our family as Jatana dealt with recovering from Covid and the symptoms it’s left her with as well as severe anxiety. This morning I got a bill for $1300 from the sleep center for my initial sleep study.

I’m a proud man. And it is with great deliberation within myself that I set this up. She should be starting a new job soon, but to help alleviate the stress, uncertainty, and burden we are now faced with after having to put so many unexpected and costly expenses on my credit card, I am turning to my friends and humbling myself. I’m now asking for what help you feel able to provide whether it’s a kind and uplifting message, a share, or a monetary donation. I’ve never made it a secret that I suffer from depression and anxiety, and while I try to work overtime where I can. Anxiety can make working even my regular hours a challenge. Anything you can do to help support us is appreciated beyond words. Anything you donate is going to help me with my medical bill and helping to pay down prior plumbing expenses. Thank you

Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $100
    • 3 yrs
  • Callie Herring
    • $100
    • 3 yrs
  • Marena Robinson
    • $100
    • 3 yrs
  • Lydia Mintzer
    • $100
    • 3 yrs
  • Richard Beeler
    • $20
    • 3 yrs

Organizer

Ryan Smiley
Organizer
Virginia Beach, VA

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