Support Carla's Journey to Better Health

Hi. My name is Carla and I'm hoping to raise money for upcoming medical bills. Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

I've had Asthma and Allergies my whole life. Despite having breathing issues I used to be a really physically active person - loved to hike, walk, bike, rockhound and dance. In 2012 my Husband was diagnosed with Epilepsy and could no longer work so I became his caregiver. 12 years later and he's doing so much better but I'm still our family's main financial support (our family of 2 people and one fur baby.)

Throughout my life I've gotten bronchitis like clockwork every fall/winter. I've been young enough to rebound but after several bouts of what was probably Walking Pneumonia, Four Covid Vaccines and at least three bouts of Covid (after my shots) I ended up in the ER this spring with Pneumonia. I thought "this is it" with all the talk of heart and respiratory failure. I had insurance through my job and this trip used up my $7000 deductible very quickly, so I was fortunate enough to have 100% coverage through October. I know I was luckier than a lot of people are to have the security of insurance, and I will always be grateful for that.

I was sent home with Oxygen, a bunch of medicine and no answers. I went off the O2 for a couple months only to be put back on because I became hypoxic whenever I moved. Sitting still is no problem but I can't sit still and live my life. I've been to so many Dr. appointments this year ending with a sleep study last month where I had over 50 apneas per hour! It was inconclusive and needs to be run again. My Dr. said she still isn't convinced I have COPD and the ENT I'm seeing again this coming month thinks it may be respiratory reflux.

I am so grateful I was able to do Pulmonary Rehabilitation for a couple months. Some very special people there helped my morale and taught me how to breathe and move again. I've never gone to a gym but this made me realize how much I NEED cardio exercise.

I also started working on past Trauma through EMDR therapy in June. I've been working through 12 years of being in response mode, trying to be prepared for a seizure, "sleeping" with one ear open so I'm there for Mark.

This Oct 1st the rug came out from underneath me. It was time for insurance to change at work and for me to start back at $0 with a $7000 deductible again. It doesn't help that I've missed so much work this year.

Some of the Drs I established were no longer in Network, my main medicine went from $0 to $100 co-pay (could've been worse), my Therapist went out of Network and isn't covered anymore and I'm 1/2 way through the therapy. Any procedure or tests will be out of pocket until I reach my deductible. I had to stop my Pulmonary Rehab with two months left because they went out of network and I couldn't afford $500 a month cash pay. And the one that really gets me? My O2 equipment isn't covered until deductible met. The current stationary and portable equipment I have would cost me $700 a month to rent before deductible.

Every time Mark and I have gotten ahead there's something that pushes us back. I'm 57 and he's 67. I may have lost my hope for a bit back in the hospital but I'm not ready to give up now. I was just finding out what was wrong. Getting stronger and breathing better and losing weight through PR. I have to get better to take care of my family. There's so much I still need and want to do with this life. I also have to be able to visit my Dad back East which I can't do right now. I've gone backwards this month and I'm scared about going back more.

The things I'm needing help paying for will help me be more mobile and keep healing. What I'm trying to pay for is:

This is a lot of money to ask of strangers and people I know. I won't waste it I promise you and me - and I will find a way to pay this forward if not by money then by actions. I may only get to a certain point of health again but I know I can improve a whole lot as long as I have the right care and don't give up.

Even if you can't help please send some positive thoughts this way. Those help a lot too. Thank you for reading

This was in hospital. I am determined to not go back to this.