I struggled with posting this here, because it's so very personal. But I've been kinda MIA for a long while, and I felt like my friends deserved an explanation.
This is a long post. Also, TW: I'm going to be sharing health/medical issues, including post surgery complications. Nothing too detailed or gory, but just please be aware.
(TLDR: long post with personal medical details, and financial hardship following the cut)
Back in December, right before Christmas, I was in the hospital with cellulitis on my lower abdomen. It was a recurring issue over the past three years, and I had developed a few wounds that weren't healing well. I'd been seeing an infection specialist, and she expressed concern that because I had developed lymphedema in the area, surgery might be the only option.
So, after discussions with my primary care provider, and pulmonary specialist who agreed the constant wounds and infections were compounding my upper respiratory issues, I saw a surgeon. He immediately said the area of lymphedema was exceptionally bad, and the scope of the surgery was going to be a rather large area of my lower abdomen. He was amazed I walked into the appointment under my own strength, let alone was continuing to work.
By that point, I was in almost constant pain from the wounds, and the risk of further infection was too great. Plus, with my body constantly fighting, I was catching every virus that was going around, and my lungs were taking the hit. So I agreed to the surgery.
I had surgery on April 10th, and it went well, as far as removing the large area of lymphedema and wounds. I lost more blood than expected, and I was in ICU for three days, just to maintain constant care, then was in the surgical unit for five days. The surgeon was pleased, but we had to be vigilant for infection.
Things were going well, but then an area of the incision opened up, and less than a week after going home from the hospital, I was back in the hospital for observation. The area that had opened up was deep, and complex, and I ended up needing a wound vac. I was in the hospital for an additional five days, and the care that second stay was abysmal, and I actually feel like it set my recovery back by a week.
Now, almost six weeks later, the wound vac is doing its job, and the large area is healing well, though slow. But, another area on the incision has since opened. Not large enough to need the wound vac, but there have been some complications, needing addressed by the surgeon, and continued heavy antibiotics, which have their own unpleasantries, including digestive issues and the fact I cannot be on my anxiety meds as they will cause a negative reaction.
Most of the incision looks very good, and healing is happening, though it's taking longer than I'd hoped. The plan was to be off work for six weeks, but this past Wednesday the surgeon added another two weeks (eight total now), but said I need to prepare for longer, at least another month (almost three months), so the wound vac can continue to work and the second open area can heal.
I'm sorry it took so long to fill you in. You all mean the world to me, with your friendship, constant encouragement, and just the pure joy and loveliness you bring to my life with your art and writing and life observations. If you believe in prayer, please say a prayer, or send all the positive energy, for me and for my sister (my number one support system, who recently fought her own health battle against breast cancer - she's now cancer free, but there are still more preventative surgeries in her future, BUT she's learned all there is to know about my wound care from the home health nurse).
Now for the part I really hate. It honestly hurts me to ask this. It's a matter of pride, and humiliates me to do so, but since I'm off work, we're needing some help. I DO have insurance, though I have to pay for it off the Marketplace (which is akin to extortion), so that does help some with medical expenses (but it's not great - since I was working before now, even though I was part time, I don't qualify for medicaid or any government or medical assistance). The doctor office I work for is private practice, and we're too small to qualify for FMLA, so I'm waiting on a short term disability claim through Aflac to go through, but they've already denied it twice, and have been dragging their feet for weeks. I used up all my paid time off that first week. I've had no income since the end of April, and I don't know what we're going to do. It's the end of the month, and I'm facing a mountain of bills I don't have any way to pay, and we have basic household needs that we cannot afford because the government has also been fighting my sister on her disability income.
I know things are really, really hard for everyone right now, and I am humiliated needing to ask for help. Again. Please know, any contributions will go directly to maintaining housing, as well as covering utilities, basic needs, and medical needs, and transportation to medical appointments.
A friend suggested I create an Amazon Wishlist, items that will help with my care, and include things we use daily, as well as a Go Fund Me. I do have a Ko-Fi, PayPal (@AngelaGlassner), CashApp ($angmglass), and Venmo (@AngieGlassner).
I have no expectations of you, friends, and I mean that in the sincerest way possible. I know everyone is struggling right now, and if you cannot help, I understand. You must first take care of you and your family unit. I care for you all deeply, no matter what. And want you to know, that when I am able, I intend, as always, to pay it forward.
Thank you, lovelies, for taking the time to read through this. I wish all the very best things for you, and I appreciate you more than I can ever fully express.
