Johanna is having surgery!
Donation protected
I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes six years ago. A majority of people in my family have it, I never stood a chance. Lol...
Over the last year it has continued to get worse, no matter what I do. I am now taking four pills in the morning, an insulin injection at night and inject another medication once a week. The weekly injection is really effective but it forces me to live with some pretty intense nausea two or three days a week.
I have reached the point where I finally agree with my doctor of many years that it is time to get bariatric surgery.
This surgery has the very real potential to CURE my diabetes. Even if it doesn't cure it, it will be controlled enough that I can stop doing insulin and the med that makes me sick.
I am committed. I have started the incredibly hard work it will take to get to where I am physically and psychologically ready for the procedure that will remove a large part of my stomach. I have SEVEN people on my health care "team" to support me through this.
I have quit drinking alcohol. I have quit smoking pot. I am quitting caffeine. I have quit drinking carbonated beverages. I HAVEN'T HAD A DIET COKE IN ALMOST THREE WEEKS. If you know me, you know that means I am not messing around. I love(d) my Diet Coke.
I thought it was a given my insurance would cover the surgery. It is potentially life saving in the long run, after all.
Nope. They will not cover it for any reason. I am left to figure out how to come up with almost $20,000 in just a few months. I am not going to quit, dammit!
Asking people for financial help is humiliating. I hate that I have to do this. But this is about my quality of life and I have little choice.
So for my birthday this year, I am asking my friends and family for a little help. I know it's been a rough year for many people, financially. If making a donation puts you in a tough spot, please don't do that to yourself. A hug would mean just as much to me.
But if you do have the means to help out, I would be humbled to have the support.
I'll keep everyone updated on the journey.
I love you all and I truly mean that. Thank you for being in my life.
Over the last year it has continued to get worse, no matter what I do. I am now taking four pills in the morning, an insulin injection at night and inject another medication once a week. The weekly injection is really effective but it forces me to live with some pretty intense nausea two or three days a week.
I have reached the point where I finally agree with my doctor of many years that it is time to get bariatric surgery.
This surgery has the very real potential to CURE my diabetes. Even if it doesn't cure it, it will be controlled enough that I can stop doing insulin and the med that makes me sick.
I am committed. I have started the incredibly hard work it will take to get to where I am physically and psychologically ready for the procedure that will remove a large part of my stomach. I have SEVEN people on my health care "team" to support me through this.
I have quit drinking alcohol. I have quit smoking pot. I am quitting caffeine. I have quit drinking carbonated beverages. I HAVEN'T HAD A DIET COKE IN ALMOST THREE WEEKS. If you know me, you know that means I am not messing around. I love(d) my Diet Coke.
I thought it was a given my insurance would cover the surgery. It is potentially life saving in the long run, after all.
Nope. They will not cover it for any reason. I am left to figure out how to come up with almost $20,000 in just a few months. I am not going to quit, dammit!
Asking people for financial help is humiliating. I hate that I have to do this. But this is about my quality of life and I have little choice.
So for my birthday this year, I am asking my friends and family for a little help. I know it's been a rough year for many people, financially. If making a donation puts you in a tough spot, please don't do that to yourself. A hug would mean just as much to me.
But if you do have the means to help out, I would be humbled to have the support.
I'll keep everyone updated on the journey.
I love you all and I truly mean that. Thank you for being in my life.
Organizer
Johanna Glenn
Organizer
Portland, OR