Let Us Help Kristine Recover

Today my sister-in-law reached out for help. As we live on opposite coasts, it was difficult to read about the pain she experiences, her decision to seek medical help, and her path to recovery which will not be easy. If I still lived nearby I would help out in a flash; for her, and for my niece and nephew.

A Go Fund Me Account can help give Kristine some peace of mind while she recovers. She can possibly hire a home health care aide, rent a lift chair, pay someone to run errands.

This is one of those times when every little bit helps.

You can read her "ask" below:

Friends - I am in need of some help but have been putting off asking. I have no idea why I have been so reluctant, but my back is finally up against a wall, so to speak. In just under a month I will have surgery to repair my abdominal muscles after my twin pregnancy 12 years ago. My abdominal muscles were pretty much blown out by the third trimester - the kids were each full-sized at 7 lbs and 6.5 lbs when they were born. I have suffered from breathlessness, instability, and - ahem - other issues related to the [extreme] pregnancy since 2010, but not until my back injuries earlier this year did I consider a surgical repair. I have come to realize that my spinal and neurological health hinges on stabilizing my core, which requires the surgery.

Insurance will apparently not cover the fix, so I don’t have coverage for a home health aide (although I am looking into the cost -ouch!). Between the cost, my general fear of surgery, the inconvenience to my family and work, my allergies to all of the antibiotics that are usually administered, and my lack of a solid support system after the past few years of upheaval, it has been very tempting to cancel or postpone this surgery. But what it comes down to for me is whether I want to risk being wheelchair-bound, or whether I want to be able to stay active for my kids decades into the future. I have to do this.

I will be incapacitated for about two weeks and on very light duty the third week. I will need to sleep in a lift chair (am trying to find one I can borrow) and won’t be able to lift, bend, stoop, or reach during this 2-3 week window. My ex is taking the kids, thankfully, so I don’t need that covered. But I will need help with my dog (taking him out for walks or to the dog park); with light cleaning/tidying; getting the mail; watering the yard; and just checking on me to make sure I’m not septic or something. If anyone has the ability to help me on any of these fronts for any portion of the period from November 3rd through the 24th, I would be so grateful.

With Appreciation,

Kristine