My chronic illnesses are killing me, please help.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Update, Please read. As of late march early April I have developed a condition that has make every day impossible. When I created this fundraiser it was to help me save for my already failing health (graves, IIH, fibromyalgia, endometriosis, suspected nerve damage and unexplained rapid muscle atrophy) and was able to get a chunk of progress done (I can not thank you all enough for your help getting there). Things were balanced in such a way that as long as I kept working I could at least save what was made here strictly for medical needs.

It has now gotten to the point that I literally have no appetite, I have COMPLETE food repulsion and I projectile vomit (or dry heave) with absolutely no cause. I can be sitting completely still and suddenly become overwhelmed by it. My stomach is in constant pain on top of hunger pains. I fight myself to eat and have to rely on the delta 8/9 that is available in order to get myself to eat at all. This is not only an extra expense but comes with long periods in between where I’m basically useless and immobilized by all of the health issues combined while I get my tolerance back down so it can continue helping.

The balance I was managing before is now impossible because this new condition has cut my ability to function in half once again. This is becoming an impossible fight and I’m doing the best I can, I absolutely promise but I NEED HELP. I was able to use what I had to get tests done but after so many tests I have been unable to continue trying to get help because what at first I assumed could be easily treated with a surgery (I assumed it was gal bladder/stones related) has become a medical financial hole that I can’t get out of, I’m barely making rent and tax season is coming. I have nothing and there is a plethora of things I HAVE to take care of before I can even consider seeing a doctor again. Please help,

(end update, 11/30/2023)

I am a young adult trying my hardest to reach financial stability, but it’s come to the point I realize I can’t do that until I reach better stability in my health. For a long while, I’ve hoped that I could save little by little until I can afford each surgery and treatment, but my health has plummeted so rapidly in the last few years I’m struggling to feed myself and make bills, so saving is a lofty goal at this point. It’s become clear that if I want my hard work to count toward independent financial stability, I need help with my health goals first. I work hard, don’t make frivolous purchases, do my best to work out as much as my body allows and eat right as I’m financially able. Before I got sick, I was very athletic and loved hiking, basketball, dancing and running- now my muscles atrophy so rapidly that I struggle with basic activities. No part of this is laxness; I can say that with absolute confidence. The expense of being this disabled and chronically ill in this country is just too much for me to afford, and I need help, no matter how guilty it makes me feel to ask.

I’ve tried hard not to have to turn to GFM; the last time I needed help, I was able to save 15000$ and put that toward doctor visits, medication and groceries, finding and traveling to a less expensive place to live, and what was left has been used to help me pay bills. At the same time, My health issues kept me from working as much as I needed/wanted to. It was a tremendous help, and while I’ve struggled to find anywhere that is necessarily AFFORDABLE, the place I am now is 500$ less a month, so it is a marked improvement. One other piece of good news is I have found a medication that helps me manage my CPTSD (as much as a medication can, I figure.)

Unfortunately, my health has only gotten worse. My eyes are failing me, I’ve found I have a scar on my right eye, and the medication and surgery to help save my vision are so costly my optometrist has said she couldn’t in good conscience suggest it knowing my situation. Additionally, my doctor and I seriously suspect I have developed Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Still, I have not been able to get the necessary treatments to be formally diagnosed and receive medication, let alone surgery. This issue, along with a potential (pending but likely) diagnosis of Lupus, compounded with severe Graves’ disease, fibromyalgia, endometriosis, Fibrocystic breast disease, and CPTSD, has made it a daily battle to function and be as productive as I want to be. With frequent unpredictable and often immobilizing pain and failing eyes that are actively worsened by Graves’ and IIH, I’m terrified of my future options as my work depends on my vision and active attention.

I have, of course, looked into my options. I do not qualify for disability because my early years were spent being a caretaker for a close relative, so within the first year of my first retail job, I developed Graves’ disease. I do not have enough ‘work’ under my belt to apply. I have no one I could draw SSI from. I am still actively looking into charity programs and government health care, but I’ve come up dry so far. I continue to apply nonetheless.

I know the total goal here seems grandiose, but it is what I’ve calculated from the out-of-pocket costs for every treatment and surgery I require that I know as of now. The total for this fundraiser is based on middle ground to higher estimates, and the hope is that they won’t cost as much as they COULD, so please understand any donation helps. I am simply aiming to have these procedures done.

-getting in with a reputable endocrinologist

-2nd ablation (thyroid)

-thyroidectomy

-double mastectomy (due to Fibrocystic breast; they are riddled with painful lumps, making it impossible to tell if a new or concerning lump develops. They cause constant severe pain, only worsening at obvious times of the month. Breast cancer is a genuine concern in my family, and yet getting regular mammograms with this condition would be needless torture if I can instead get them both removed.)

-getting in with a reputable neurologist

-Brain scan (IIH)

-Spinal tap (IIH)

-recommended surgery for endometriosis (going with the safest, most cost-effective option, most likely)

-recommended surgery for my eyes

-remaining part of the goal will go toward medications, necessary follow-ups/visits with doctors, keeping up with bills, paying down my credit cards so that they can go back to being available for medical emergencies, and living expenses as well as groceries (and keeping in line with the diet that is best for my conditions)

To all of you who have read this far, I'm so grateful for your attention and time. Whether you are able to donate or not, I hope you might consider sharing with someone. Thank you very much.