Hello, it has been a long time since I’ve written a diary; April of 2018 was the last time I made an appeal for funding. This community really came through for me.
I am an RN with only critical care experience, mostly ER. I am used to being the helper.
I had to retire on disability due to chronic progressive autoimmune diseases.
My older diaries are not well written, and I hope to be more clear in this one.
I was able to work part time in 2018, 2019, and 2020. When the schools closed for COVID in March 2020, I never returned. I believe that I had COVID because I was very ill with high fever, etc., but I’ll never know. I received Unemployment with the $300/week enhancement for as long as that lasted.
I was doing okay even after that ended, with careful planning.
I was looking at very limited work options, hoping desperately for a job without patient contact.
Then all the problems started and stacked up, as they so often do.
I developed a new neurological problem and was referred for more testing and treatment. My dog who has the allergy issues had a very bad flare up and had to see the dermatology vet. I should mention that I previously took her to this vet and she has been on allergy shots for over a year.
My car suddenly developed a number of problems.
I have paid for some of my medical bills but some were sent to Collections.
I paid for all of my dog’s vet bills and used Good Rx for her meds.
I diligently checked my bank account and all of my auto deduct bills have been paid.
I have about $20 until payday on September 21st. I will be getting rent from my boyfriend tomorrow. $600 less $105 that he will pay the pet sitter for me, from a time in July.
I bought a new refrigerator on credit back in October. When the trouble started, I stopped paying on this account.
This is perhaps my biggest worry. Wells Fargo offered to settle for 60% if I pay in full within 45 days.
The amount is $1288.63. (I think the refrigerator was just about that amount but they kept piling on late fees.)
Other financial concerns include my electric bill which is behind because I have just been paying the minimum to keep from getting service cut off.
Here is everything:
Electric: $373 Johns Hopkins: $164
Valley Health: $122 and $82
Collections from JH: $68
I am probably overlooking something, but this is what I have at this point.
Thank you to one and all who can be “helpers.”
You can make a donation through my PayPal account here — bluessingerrn(at)aol(dot)com
Thank you for your support.
Wednesday, Sep 14, 2022 · 7:58:32 AM +00:00
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HarpPlayer
Update: My apologies for not updating sooner. I had a flare up and was out of commission for several days.
Earlier on Tuesday, I had an eye injury (poked in the eye) and couldn’t see for hours. It feels like a corneal abrasion. I’ve managed to treat it at home and I think I’ve avoided a doctor visit.
As of now, I’ve received a total of $1250.00. Thanks to all who have donated!
I paid the electric bill. I paid $50.00 to Wells Fargo (refrigerator loan) and made arrangements to pay the balance in full. They want payments every 2 weeks and refuse to negotiate on several $40 late fees.
I have a few other doctor’s bills and will update as soon as possible.
Wednesday, Sep 14, 2022 · 2:58:50 PM +00:00
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HarpPlayer
Update 2: I tried to post earlier this morning and kept getting error messages.
I copied my original update but now it’s gone, so here goes again.
Wells Fargo increased the negotiated amount on September 8th to 1,338.63, just as they took my $50 payment. They want payments every two weeks, but I will make the largest lump sum payment that it is possible to make, thanks to your generosity!
I found a couple more doctors’ bills.
Johns Hopkins: $157.00 and $35 for a radiologist bill.
I am anticipating bills from my last visit in August, when I saw a neuro-ophthalmologist. I was tested with goggles that recorded rapid eye movements to the computer and displayed to several resident doctors (and me).
I participated in a study by a doctor who was creating an app to bring the goggles technology to places that cannot afford them. They cost $30,000!
WVU Medicine: $55 Radiology bill
I paid $200 for car parts in total and as I said - I needed them but the car is still not fixed.
I have been with my mom for the past week (out of town) trying to help with her issues. The car repair estimate will wait until next week.
I will check in later on comments.
Thanks so much to everyone for kind words, encouragement and donations.
Tuesday, Sep 20, 2022 · 1:57:12 PM +00:00
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HarpPlayer
Update 3:
I have some upsetting news. I came home from my mom’s last Thursday. Yesterday, Monday the 19th, my boyfriend dropped me off so that I could take her early this morning for cataract surgery.
She came in from work and said that she wasn’t feeling well. I backed away and made sure that we both put masks on.(KN95)
She has home Covid tests. She tested positive. I made her take her temperature and it was 101.6.
I am feeling well but I also took a test. I tested negative.
She got up at 6 AM to call the surgery center to make sure they got her message. She planned to go back to bed and is still sleeping now.
I hate to leave her while she is sick but I can’t risk getting Covid. I’ve been meticulous about what I touch and constantly cleaning my hands. My boyfriend will come and pick me up soon. At least I know that she has lots of support locally; people can bring food, etc.
As to this diary: I have been trying to keep up and properly thank everyone for donations.
I totaled the bills that I requested help for: $2,395.
I have received $1,405.
Thanks so much to all who have donated.
Note: I did not include the car parts or the vet bills because I had paid those before my request for help.
Tuesday, Sep 27, 2022 · 2:19:02 PM +00:00
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HarpPlayer
Yet another Update:
My mom is doing a little better, but has not re-tested yet because she’s waiting to feel well.
I put my car in the shop yesterday. Fortunately I didn’t have to pay to have it towed, thanks to Roadside Assistance.
Their quote was $2,300!!
I said no, ordered my own parts and now the quote is $570. Still too high, for replacement of the exhaust system with 2 catalytic converters they say are completely clogged.
But what can I do? It’s an old Subaru Outback and I need it for hauling and for woozles and for winter!
Thanks again for all the help.
I am still in need of $1,560.