Surprise Hospital Visit, October 2021

Hello friends, my name is Jamison. I was an active and healthy 33 year old man up until early October of 2021, when a surprise urinary tract infection went septic and sent me to the hospital. The infection ended up spreading, and my body's reaction was to give me a condition known as Reiter's syndrome, or "reactive arthritis". It really started going downhill when I got severe conjunctivitis in both eyes, body aches, chills, and a high fever, all due to the initial infection. Less than a week later, my left knee swelled up to the point that I was unable to walk. It was by far the worst pain and discomfort I had ever experienced. At this point, I checked myself into the ER and immediately had emergency surgery to drain my knee of the fluids that had accumulated in less than 24 hours. While in the hospital, my right knee and ankles decided they wanted to join in the party, and I subsequently had to have another surgery to have them drained as well. I went from being in the best shape of my life to practically being an old man in less than a week. I was barely able to walk short distances while in the hospital, and was on crutches for almost two weeks after I got out.

Three months later and my body has almost fully healed, aside from some minor arthritis-type aches that occasionally flare up in my knees and other joints. While my body has recovered, my bank account has not... At the time of my hospitalization, I didn't have health insurance. A big mistake on my part! Along with all the regular bills I have to pay, now I have a serious balance with the hospital that leaves me wondering how I'm going to pay it off in any reasonable amount of time. I applied for emergency Medicaid and was subsequently denied, although I was able to get some of my bills discounted through the hospital's financial assistance program. I know it's been a tough couple years for just about everyone, but if any of you have it in your hearts (and wallets) to send some funds my way, it would truly mean the world to me and would help tremendously. I know my goal is quite a lofty number, but any amount of help is greatly appreciated! All funds I receive from you generous people will go straight to my balance with the hospital. Please stay healthy and happy, friends. Best wishes to all of you!

Jamison Parker