Cardiac Tags

I am a 48yo male. I have about $3000 total in medical bills. I have had a heart condition since i was 21. About 15 years ago I went for heart surgery and got a staph infection in my chest. I was in the hospital for months fighting this and was told I would not live. I am lucky to be alive 15 years later. However the staph damaged my heart. It enlarged it and over time I developed heart failure in 2004. Then I became diabetic in 2005. The staph also destroyed bone in my chest. I had to have my sternum removed. I also developed irregular heart beats leaving me dizzy most of the time. This left me disabled on Social Security and medicare (which I appreciate but dont like being on "the system .. its wrong). Before this I always work 60 to 100 hours a week. Which also contributed my poor health. In 2008 I had my second heart attack (a minor one). It was actually lucky for me. Doctors installed a defibrillator with pacing technology. My dizzy spells were finally under control. Since then I have been working hard to build strength so I can go back to work and have a normal productive life. My car ..is no longer road worthy. Needs about $2300 in repairs. Now I have trouble making appointments to my Cardiologist, primary care Physician and physical therapy. This year i have missed 6 doctors appointments and had to stop all therapy. I also have trouble picking up medication on time so i go with out them sometimes up to a week. I get $1500/mo from Social Security. $96 of that goes toward medicare insurance premium. My rent is $500/mo. My medications are $400/mo and that is with prescription help. With out that help my meds are $1476. My utilities run $400/on average. The rest I spend on food, car insurance and medical bills ($3000 which i pay $25 to $100/mo when i can). I am asking for any help. If I don't get help my health will continue to decline. I will die within a year or two. I just starting gaining muscles back in my legs and arms I still have a long way to go. I need to get cardiac therapy to make my heart stronger. It isn't something I can do at home because I need to be monitored the whole time. Please help. Time is important I have already lost 5 months of therapy and i am getting weaker. I beg you. Please.

I am a 48yo male. I have about $3000 total in medical bills. I have had a heart condition since i was 21. About 15 years ago I went for heart surgery and got a staph infection in my chest. I was in the hospital for months fighting this and was told I would not live. I am lucky to be alive 15 years later. However the staph damaged my heart. It enlarged it and over time I developed heart failure in 2004. Then I became diabetic in 2005. The staph also destroyed bone in my chest. I had to have my sternum removed. I also developed irregular heart beats leaving me dizzy most of the time. This left me disabled on Social Security and medicare (which I appreciate but dont like being on "the system .. its wrong). Before this I always work 60 to 100 hours a week. Which also contributed my poor health. In 2008 I had my second heart attack (a minor one). It was actually lucky for me. Doctors installed a defibrillator with pacing technology. My dizzy spells were finally under control. Since then I have been working hard to build strength so I can go back to work and have a normal productive life. My car ..is no longer road worthy. Needs about $2300 in repairs. Now I have trouble making appointments to my Cardiologist, primary care Physician and physical therapy. This year i have missed 6 doctors appointments and had to stop all therapy. I also have trouble picking up medication on time so i go with out them sometimes up to a week. I get $1500/mo from Social Security. $96 of that goes toward medicare insurance premium. My rent is $500/mo. My medications are $400/mo and that is with prescription help. With out that help my meds are $1476. My utilities run $400/on average. The rest I spend on food, car insurance and medical bills ($3000 which i pay $25 to $100/mo when i can). I am asking for any help. If I don't get help my health will continue to decline. I will die within a year or two. I just starting gaining muscles back in my legs and arms I still have a long way to go. I need to get cardiac therapy to make my heart stronger. It isn't something I can do at home because I need to be monitored the whole time. Please help. Time is important I have already lost 5 months of therapy and i am getting weaker. I beg you. Please.

I am a 48yo male. I have about $3000 total in medical bills. I have had a heart condition since i was 21. About 15 years ago I went for heart surgery and got a staph infection in my chest. I was in the hospital for months fighting this and was told I would not live. I am lucky to be alive 15 years later. However the staph damaged my heart. It enlarged it and over time I developed heart failure in 2004. Then I became diabetic in 2005. The staph also destroyed bone in my chest. I had to have my sternum removed. I also developed irregular heart beats leaving me dizzy most of the time. This left me disabled on Social Security and medicare (which I appreciate but dont like being on "the system .. its wrong). Before this I always work 60 to 100 hours a week. Which also contributed my poor health. In 2008 I had my second heart attack (a minor one). It was actually lucky for me. Doctors installed a defibrillator with pacing technology. My dizzy spells were finally under control. Since then I have been working hard to build strength so I can go back to work and have a normal productive life. My car ..is no longer road worthy. Needs about $2300 in repairs. Now I have trouble making appointments to my Cardiologist, primary care Physician and physical therapy. This year i have missed 6 doctors appointments and had to stop all therapy. I also have trouble picking up medication on time so i go with out them sometimes up to a week. I get $1500/mo from Social Security. $96 of that goes toward medicare insurance premium. My rent is $500/mo. My medications are $400/mo and that is with prescription help. With out that help my meds are $1476. My utilities run $400/on average. The rest I spend on food, car insurance and medical bills ($3000 which i pay $25 to $100/mo when i can). I am asking for any help. If I don't get help my health will continue to decline. I will die within a year or two. I just starting gaining muscles back in my legs and arms I still have a long way to go. I need to get cardiac therapy to make my heart stronger. It isn't something I can do at home because I need to be monitored the whole time. Please help. Time is important I have already lost 5 months of therapy and i am getting weaker. I beg you. Please.

I am a 48yo male. I have had a heart condition since i was 21. About 15 years ago I went for heart surgery and got a staph infection in my chest. I was in the hospital for months fighting this and was told I would not live. I am lucky to be alive 15 years later. However the staph damaged my heart. It enlarged it and over time I developed heart failure in 2004. Then I became diabetic in 2005. The staph also destroyed bone in my chest. I had to have my sternum removed. I also developed irregular heart beats leaving me dizzy most of the time. This left me disabled on Social Security and medicare. Before this I always work 60 to 100 hours a week. Which also contributed my poor health. In 2008 I had my second heart attack (a minor one). It was actually lucky for me. Doctor installed a defibrillator with pacing technology. My dizzy spells were finally under control. Since then I have been working hard to build strength so I can go back to work and have a normal productive life. My car .. 1996 Chevy Corsica is no longer road worthy. Now I have trouble making appointments to my Cardiologist, primary care Physician and physical therapy. This year i have missed 6 doctors appointments and had to stop all therapy. I also have trouble picking up medication on time so i got with out them sometimes up to a week. I didn't realize how important my car was until i couldn't use it. I get $1500/mo from Social Security. $96 of that goes toward medicare insurance premium. My rent is $500/mo. My medications are $400/mo and that is with prescription help. With out that help my meds are $1476. My utilities run $400/on average. The rest I spend on food, car insurance and medical bills. Other than socks and underwear I have not bought any clothes in 15 years ... nothing. I am asking for any help. Most important i need to get a car or fix my car which needs $2300 in repairs. Exhaust, brakes, bodywork and a windshield. If I have wheels I can finish getting back into shape and work to take care of everything else. If I get the help I need from here I PROMISE when I go back to work I will come back here and help people DOUBLE the amount of help I got. Unfortunately if I don't get help my health will go backwards. I will die within a year or two. I just starting gaining muscles back in my legs and arms I still have a long way to go. I need to get cardiac therapy to make my heart stronger. It isn't something I can do at home because I need to be monitored the whole time. Please help. Time is important I have already lost 5 months of therapy and my legs are getting weaker and i am getting weaker. I beg you. Please. But if prayers are all you can give I will appreciate that also. God Bless you all and your families.

I am a 48yo male. I have had a heart condition since i was 21. About 15 years ago I went for heart surgery and got a staph infection in my chest. I was in the hospital for months fighting this and was told I would not live. I am lucky to be alive 15 years later. However the staph damaged my heart. It enlarged it and over time I developed heart failure in 2004. Then I became diabetic in 2005. The staph also destroyed bone in my chest. I had to have my sternum removed. I also developed irregular heart beats leaving me dizzy most of the time. This left me disabled on Social Security and medicare. Before this I always work 60 to 100 hours a week. Which also contributed my poor health. In 2008 I had my second heart attack (a minor one). It was actually lucky for me. Doctor installed a defibrillator with pacing technology. My dizzy spells were finally under control. Since then I have been working hard to build strength so I can go back to work and have a normal productive life. My car .. 1996 Chevy Corsica is no longer road worthy. Now I have trouble making appointments to my Cardiologist, primary care Physician and physical therapy. This year i have missed 6 doctors appointments and had to stop all therapy. I also have trouble picking up medication on time so i got with out them sometimes up to a week. I didn't realize how important my car was until i couldn't use it. I get $1500/mo from Social Security. $96 of that goes toward medicare insurance premium. My rent is $500/mo. My medications are $400/mo and that is with prescription help. With out that help my meds are $1476. My utilities run $400/on average. The rest I spend on food, car insurance and medical bills. Other than socks and underwear I have not bought any clothes in 15 years ... nothing. I am asking for any help. Most important i need to get a car or fix my car which needs $2300 in repairs. Exhaust, brakes, bodywork and a windshield. If I have wheels I can finish getting back into shape and work to take care of everything else. If I get the help I need from here I PROMISE when I go back to work I will come back here and help people DOUBLE the amount of help I got. Unfortunately if I don't get help my health will go backwards. I will die within a year or two. I just starting gaining muscles back in my legs and arms I still have a long way to go. I need to get cardiac therapy to make my heart stronger. It isn't something I can do at home because I need to be monitored the whole time. Please help. Time is important I have already lost 5 months of therapy and my legs are getting weaker and i am getting weaker. I beg you. Please. But if prayers are all you can give I will appreciate that also. God Bless you all and your families.

Hi. I opened a rehab gym last June to help people with various conditions - Parkinsons Disease,MS, MD, Cardiac, Strokes, muscle/joint injuries etc. We are doing well but I have just had to pay my tax bill and I've had to borrow £2000 from a friend to cover it. I now need to pay that back and although my business is growing I can't afford to pay it back in one lump sum which is what is needed as my friend has bills to pay now! Any donation no matter how small will be greatly received and any money I make over the £2000 I will plough 50% into the business and 50%to someone else who needs money. If you can help me I will be so grateful and full of admiration as I have never done this before and didn't know that there was people willing to help others so much. Thank you.

To Whom It May Concern:

My name is Jean and I am a mother of three. I am married to William, for 4 years and we are NJ natives. I am a caregiver for my 60 year old mother who was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Failure in January of 2011.

In June of 2010 my mother came from Michigan to live with me with the intention of helping me and my husband by watching our children during our working hours. My husband and I both work very long hours, and the children would have been required to spend long periods of time alone. So my mother came to help us fill the gap. In October of 2010, my mother’s health took a turn for the worse and it was continually getting worse as the year progressed. By January of 2011 my mother was unable to stand for any length of time and was always short of breath.

On February 10th I admitted my mother to the emergency room @ ACMC/Mainland. She was immediately diagnosed with kidney failure. She was admitted to ICU and on February 12th she had a cardiac arrest, due to toxic levels of magnesium, in her system. My mother suffered a sustained brain injury and to this day has a deficit she will have to live with forever. This deficit has taken away her ability to drive, live on her own, or be without some type of supervision.

My family suffered an extreme financial crisis that is ongoing and increasingly more devastating. I was out of work on FMLA for 8 weeks without pay. I was given $1200 in disability payments. I was allowed back to work, but with a significant decrease in pay and a change of position.

We have fallen behind in our bills in a catastrophic way. It seems the more we pay the more we owe. In fact, for the last week we have been without running water. Our gas has been off for three weeks and we use that for hot water, heat, and cooking. Our bank fees for the month of September have been astronomical (well over $400) for NSF charges and Service fees. This is just spiraling out of control. The children attend a local charter school and Pleasantville High school. Each child only has one pair of shoes and one uniform because I can’t get ahead of the curve to get them additional ones. The little ones need their school logo embroidered on the uniforms but that cost more than the shirt did.

We feel helpless and without some type of help we will continue to be a homeless family of six. We are currently living in a motel on the edge of our town. This is a pay by the hour type of place but it is the only place that will charge us by the week and will allow one of use to sleep on the floor. We are soliciting any type of help you can give. Please be mindful that we are hard working members of society. We have been working since we got out of high school. We are not beggars and we are willing to give back in the form of community service.
All I know is that we need help! Immediately or we’ll be past saving!
Thank you,
Jean Elam
Atlantic Auto Group, 08234

I've decided to try and get help through donations http://www.giveforward.com/unbreakmyheart and funding http://unbreakmyheart2011.blogspot.com/from outside sources since every doctor I've seen in 2 years agree that I need the leads to my ICD (defibrillator) replaced; but shuffle me back to the original doctor and wash their hands of me.

I'm raising funds for ICD replacement surgery, to go see a HOCM specialist (Dr. Craig Asher) at Cleveland Clinic in S. Florida and to have advanced testing through Vanderbilt Autonomic Center in Tennessee.

I don't want to admit I need help; I've always been a strong, independent person who took care of everything and everyone. In August 2009, my whole world changed. After my procedure, I applied for disability and was turned down twice and had to hire an attorney. I went from being "super" mom, wife & friend and care taker of an Autistic son to being the one who had to be taken care of.

So how did I get to the point I have to ask others for help? Shortly before Father's Day 2009, I fell and broke my foot. When it didn't heal, I went to my primary with a broken foot and came out with a broken heart. After the shock wore off from the doctor telling me that I was going to die if I didn't have valve surgery; I started asking questions.

I didn't quite believe him and thought he was over reacting when he told me I was going to die because I walked and ran 3-5 times weekly and even did strenuous yard work. I felt fine and have 4 children aged 9-26 and kept up with them and stayed very active in things they did; but I was a ticking time bomb just waiting for the right time for my heart to stop.

He sent me to several specialists who said I had nothing really wrong, just some mild valve problems associated with aging; which was a huge relief. Everything seemed normal except my EKG's; they showed I had a huge amount of PVC's (premature ventricular contractions) roughly 50,000 “extra” heartbeats daily.

My heart didn't really beat fully; it only quivered like a bowl of jello day in day out. The problem with it beating like this is, the heart becomes very ineffective at pumping and your cardiac output drops and heart muscle damage can occur.

The cardiologist and electrophysiologist I saw did extensive testing and recommended more testing in the hospital. I went in for a sleep study, Tilt table test and EP Study with Ablation. The sleep study revealed I had moderately severe sleep apnea and my oxygen goes from 99% down to 73% at night making it very dangerous for me when I sleep.

The tilt table test was the first inkling that something dangerous was going on inside. I fainted and had no palpable pulse; which is a very rare thing to happen. I was diagnosed with Dysautonomia - Neurocardiogenic Syncope and Orthostatic Intolerance.
I then had an ablation to burn the extra pathways in my heart and get rid of the pvc's I was living with daily. I was told this would be a relatively easy process and given a 95% success rate to get rid of the extra beats completely but it never crossed my mind that anything would happen.

What preliminary tests failed to show, is the pattern and origin of my arrhythmias were in a very dangerous spot to ablate - the RV Apex – in the bottom thin underside of the heart.

During the EP Study, I went into cardiac arrest and my heart stopped completely with no rhythm they could shock (Asystole), some how it started again for a few minutes but then stopped again. They were able to shock me back to normal sinus rhythm and luckily, the third time it stopped; it restarted on it's own so I didn't have to be shocked again.

I was diagnosed with Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia; a very dangerous, life threatening arrhythmia. I stayed in the hospital for 4 days trying to find a cause and to be prepped for an ICD (implantable cardiac defibrillator).

It took a cardiac catherization to finally find the problem and to show I had HOCM (obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy) and internal high pressures in my valves.

My regular EP had to go out of town after the first procedure, so his partner had to do the implant; he wasn't as skilled as my regular dr and botched the lead implants.

When they checked the leads the next day before releasing me, they found a problem with the lead placement but the dr said it was "ok" and sent me home. Since then, I've had nothing but problems with the unit and been told by several other EP's I need to have the leads replaced and the ICD could be causing part of my problems.

Doctors think my other problems are related to HOCM (obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) and Autonomic nervous system failure and when I faint, my heart stops briefly causing damage each time this happens.

After the procedure, my body started failing from the damage it sustained the 4 times my heart stopped. My original cardiologist told me I would be in a wheel chair and totally dependent on others for everything by the time I'm 50; which is daunting because in March I'll be 45 and I can't deny the facts - my body is failing.

I was put on 10,000g sodium daily, water/fluid loading, Midodrine (insurance won't cover it $312 - 30 day supply), Propanolol, Pantoprazole, pain meds, suppression hose and binders as well as having to stay supine the majority of the day - which caused my heart failure to worsen and my EF (ejection fraction) to go down.

Nothing the doctor's have tried has helped, I still faint and my heart stops on a daily basis and I never know from one day to the next if something is going to trigger fluid build up and I have an acute attack.

In June 2011 I fainted falling into the side of my tiled tub, lacerating the side of my head in the process, severely sprained my neck and suffered a concussion. After that episode, I became a bit more cautious with every move I make because the dr found declining neurological functioning and mild brain damage; he said any more falls could lead to permanent major brain damage.

With so many previous medical bills and co-pays, I can't afford the 20% co-insurance to have my ICD replaced and Mayo Clinic wants a $5,000 deposit up front even with insurance. My ICD alone is $125,000, leads another $30,000 and then there's the doctor and hospital fees; which I won't know the cost until the procedure is done.

Each heart rhythm specialist and cardiologist I see tell me there is nothing more they can do after going over my history and treatments; I have a long hard fight to go and I have to just be thankful each day I'm alive. Some days I'm really glad I made it through, other days when the problems and pain take over; I wish the dr's had let me die.

I developed PTSD after the procedure, panic disorder and extreme agoraphobia. I went into such a deep depression over my health issues, I was afraid I would never see the lighter side of things again. I finally went to see a psychologist who prescribed Lamictal and diagnosed me with Bi-Polar disorder which has helped greatly but I still struggle on a daily basis.

One day we were just the “normal” every day family and the toughest thing we had to deal with is a child with Autism. Then; our whole lives changed in an instant we were dealing with mounting medical bills, expensive prescriptions, tests, appointments, loss of income and dealing with the possibility of death on a daily basis.

You just never know what the day may bring, so keep those you love close to you and never take one second for granted.
From the bottom of my heart thank you - even if it's support to say hey; I'm here if you need to talk or I know how you're feeling.

I've decided to try and get help through donations http://www.giveforward.com/unbreakmyheart and funding http://unbreakmyheart2011.blogspot.com/from outside sources since every doctor I've seen in 2 years agree that I need the leads to my ICD (defibrillator) replaced; but shuffle me back to the original doctor and wash their hands of me.

I'm raising funds for ICD replacement surgery, to go see a HOCM specialist (Dr. Craig Asher) at Cleveland Clinic in S. Florida and to have advanced testing through Vanderbilt Autonomic Center in Tennessee.

I don't want to admit I need help; I've always been a strong, independent person who took care of everything and everyone. In August 2009, my whole world changed. After my procedure, I applied for disability and was turned down twice and had to hire an attorney. I went from being "super" mom, wife & friend and care taker of an Autistic son to being the one who had to be taken care of.

So how did I get to the point I have to ask others for help? Shortly before Father's Day 2009, I fell and broke my foot. When it didn't heal, I went to my primary with a broken foot and came out with a broken heart. After the shock wore off from the doctor telling me that I was going to die if I didn't have valve surgery; I started asking questions.

I didn't quite believe him and thought he was over reacting when he told me I was going to die because I walked and ran 3-5 times weekly and even did strenuous yard work. I felt fine and have 4 children aged 9-26 and kept up with them and stayed very active in things they did; but I was a ticking time bomb just waiting for the right time for my heart to stop.

He sent me to several specialists who said I had nothing really wrong, just some mild valve problems associated with aging; which was a huge relief. Everything seemed normal except my EKG's; they showed I had a huge amount of PVC's (premature ventricular contractions) roughly 50,000 “extra” heartbeats daily.

My heart didn't really beat fully; it only quivered like a bowl of jello day in day out. The problem with it beating like this is, the heart becomes very ineffective at pumping and your cardiac output drops and heart muscle damage can occur.

The cardiologist and electrophysiologist I saw did extensive testing and recommended more testing in the hospital. I went in for a sleep study, Tilt table test and EP Study with Ablation. The sleep study revealed I had moderately severe sleep apnea and my oxygen goes from 99% down to 73% at night making it very dangerous for me when I sleep.

The tilt table test was the first inkling that something dangerous was going on inside. I fainted and had no palpable pulse; which is a very rare thing to happen. I was diagnosed with Dysautonomia - Neurocardiogenic Syncope and Orthostatic Intolerance.
I then had an ablation to burn the extra pathways in my heart and get rid of the pvc's I was living with daily. I was told this would be a relatively easy process and given a 95% success rate to get rid of the extra beats completely but it never crossed my mind that anything would happen.

What preliminary tests failed to show, is the pattern and origin of my arrhythmias were in a very dangerous spot to ablate - the RV Apex – in the bottom thin underside of the heart.

During the EP Study, I went into cardiac arrest and my heart stopped completely with no rhythm they could shock (Asystole), some how it started again for a few minutes but then stopped again. They were able to shock me back to normal sinus rhythm and luckily, the third time it stopped; it restarted on it's own so I didn't have to be shocked again.

I was diagnosed with Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia; a very dangerous, life threatening arrhythmia. I stayed in the hospital for 4 days trying to find a cause and to be prepped for an ICD (implantable cardiac defibrillator).

It took a cardiac catherization to finally find the problem and to show I had HOCM (obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy) and internal high pressures in my valves.

My regular EP had to go out of town after the first procedure, so his partner had to do the implant; he wasn't as skilled as my regular dr and botched the lead implants.

When they checked the leads the next day before releasing me, they found a problem with the lead placement but the dr said it was "ok" and sent me home. Since then, I've had nothing but problems with the unit and been told by several other EP's I need to have the leads replaced and the ICD could be causing part of my problems.

Doctors think my other problems are related to HOCM (obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) and Autonomic nervous system failure and when I faint, my heart stops briefly causing damage each time this happens.

After the procedure, my body started failing from the damage it sustained the 4 times my heart stopped. My original cardiologist told me I would be in a wheel chair and totally dependent on others for everything by the time I'm 50; which is daunting because in March I'll be 45 and I can't deny the facts - my body is failing.

I was put on 10,000g sodium daily, water/fluid loading, Midodrine (insurance won't cover it $312 - 30 day supply), Propanolol, Pantoprazole, pain meds, suppression hose and binders as well as having to stay supine the majority of the day - which caused my heart failure to worsen and my EF (ejection fraction) to go down.

Nothing the doctor's have tried has helped, I still faint and my heart stops on a daily basis and I never know from one day to the next if something is going to trigger fluid build up and I have an acute attack.

In June 2011 I fainted falling into the side of my tiled tub, lacerating the side of my head in the process, severely sprained my neck and suffered a concussion. After that episode, I became a bit more cautious with every move I make because the dr found declining neurological functioning and mild brain damage; he said any more falls could lead to permanent major brain damage.

With so many previous medical bills and co-pays, I can't afford the 20% co-insurance to have my ICD replaced and Mayo Clinic wants a $5,000 deposit up front even with insurance. My ICD alone is $125,000, leads another $30,000 and then there's the doctor and hospital fees; which I won't know the cost until the procedure is done.

Each heart rhythm specialist and cardiologist I see tell me there is nothing more they can do after going over my history and treatments; I have a long hard fight to go and I have to just be thankful each day I'm alive. Some days I'm really glad I made it through, other days when the problems and pain take over; I wish the dr's had let me die.

I developed PTSD after the procedure, panic disorder and extreme agoraphobia. I went into such a deep depression over my health issues, I was afraid I would never see the lighter side of things again. I finally went to see a psychologist who prescribed Lamictal and diagnosed me with Bi-Polar disorder which has helped greatly but I still struggle on a daily basis.

One day we were just the “normal” every day family and the toughest thing we had to deal with is a child with Autism. Then; our whole lives changed in an instant we were dealing with mounting medical bills, expensive prescriptions, tests, appointments, loss of income and dealing with the possibility of death on a daily basis.

You just never know what the day may bring, so keep those you love close to you and never take one second for granted.

From the bottom of my heart thank you - even if it's support to say hey; I'm here if you need to talk or I know how you're feeling.

Hi everyone. If you're reading this, thank you. Let me say upfront, I'm not asking specifically for money. I'm just going to spill my guts about this hand I was dealt.

I've had a hard life. My mother passed away when I was 12, and my father passed away at 20. He left me a lot of debt and a house to maintain.

The stress of all this has given me problems. I started having panic attacks and was hospitalized for a cardiac arrhythmia. Recently, I developed optic neuritis. I'm working on getting Medicaid to cover some of my costs but right now I'm in debt about #1000.

There is one blessing in my life, a relative who pays my internet and utilities. He also helps me with food. But that's all he can do. He goes without to provide me with that. Otherwise I'd be homeless, hungry, and who knows where.

So I'm blessed to have the basics in life. But there's so many things that I need that I have to beg other people for. My family is...not so supportive. All I have left are aunts and uncles, all except one on my mom's side. My mom's side of the family pretty much abandoned me when she died. They put me though shame and humiliation when I ask for help.

I want a job, but I live in a very rural area. I've applied s o many places up to an hour away but I don't hear anything back. Recently I applied for some state jobs which I'm hoping might come through.

These are the things I need and things I want, so you know what my intentions are.

Need:
Toilet paper.... :( The way I've been getting it now is to go into public restrooms and putting some in my purse. I feel wrong about this. But what can I say, it's a necessity?

Personal items...I won't go into detail but I'm talking about um, feminine ones. I get the Dollar Store brand kind, but even then it's too much. I've had to go without it which is very hard.

Hygiene items...I stopped using soap and shampoo conditioner. I would love to...I feel dirty honestly. But I can't afford anything. I only use deodorant every few days because the bottle is running low and I'm trying to make it last.

House items...I need dish washing soap. I can't afford paper plates and am just washing dishes with hot water now. Sometimes I cant' clean it all the way through that way, but I just have to forget it. I also need laundry detergent. I'm almost out of a huge bottle that I have made last over a year. It was Sun brand from the dollar store, and I loved it. I'm all about generic.

Gas money...My car is an old SUV, and it takes a fair amount of gas. I try to limit when I drive. But it's a necessity since I live alone and in a rural area. I have to drive to run errands, go see the doctor, go to job interviews. I usually beg for this the most cause this is one of the things I can't do without.

Medication...I'm on two heart medications because of my arrhythmia. It's important I take them. I tried taking them twice per day instead of three, and I had horrible palpitations. So this is kind of my priority. As I'm still uninsured, both medications cost about 12 dollars a month.

Okay those are all things that I feel I need. Now, what I "want".

Clothes...I haven't bought new clothes since 2007. That's when my dad got diagnosed with cancer. My shirts have holes in them, so do my jeans. I got them from Goodwill originally most likely, I like to be frugal. The only person I have is made of linen and has a hole so things fall out of it! I've lost weight and I have had my jeans fall down in public. It's bad. I only have one bra and it's way past it's prime. I would love a little money to buy some basic things. Jeans that fit, some cotton T-shirts, a purse. Maybe even something for job interviews? I think part of the reason I get denied is because I show up in jeans and a T and flip flips. But that's all I have.

Beauty stuff...Okay, this stuff is totally not worth your money, I get it. But I just thought I'd list everything. It sucks being a young woman who can't feel pretty. I'm unwashed, my clothes make me feel like a hobo. I see other girls my age in class (I attend college part time thanks to financial aid) looking and smelling beautiful. I mean...

I just want a hair cut. Recently, I hacked about 6 inches off myself with scissors. It's not pretty. I just want a little powder and some lip gloss to not feel so plain. I just want a spritz of perfume so that there's something beautiful in my senses. I daydream about when I used to wear cute clothes, go to a salon. Wear mascara and paint my names. Ahh...But this is just a dream. I don't expect anyone to help me with things like that.

A new laptop/tablet...The one I have now is really old and really slow. Don't expect anyone to get me one. If it happened, I would probably assume I'm dead and in some sort of heavenly afterlife. Then I might pass out from shock.

So this my friends, is my general beg for help. I'm a 23 year old girl without much family. My basics are covered, but that leaves a lot for someone who is broke. I'm actively searching for employment. I've applied from Dr.'s offices to bars. I'm part time in college, and I'm not sure what I want to study yet.

I don't drink, if I had the money for beer I'd buy TP instead. I don't smoke or do any illegal drugs. I'm not a criminal.

I am not someone who wants to just take money. If you are down on your luck too, please don't send me anything. Put it in savings. Give it to some of these people who are about to lose their homes if you must. They're deserving.

If you're apprehensive about giving money but still want to help, you totally can. A package filled with toilet paper, tampons, shampoo...that would be like Christmas morning to me, I swear.

I'm not sure what I'm going to get out of this. Writing this was therapeutic though. If you're on this site, you're already a nice person. I bet 90 percent of the traffic is people who want something, like me. People who go on here to help someone is probably such a rare thing.

Thanks for reading.

My Wife and I are both disabled Americans. She has had a major back fusion and two knee replacements as well as some heart woes. I myself have just had my second major back surgery, I have an implantable Cardiac Defibrilator and one total knee replacement.
We are both on a very low income, myself on Social Security Disabilaty, she on School Employees Retirement Disabilaty benefits. We have a vehicle that is almost twenty years old and on its last legs.. I am certain you get many letters like this everyday but we really would like some kind of assistance. We would love to be able to move to Vermont where we can be near our children and Grandchildren as they grow and flourish into strong Americans ans be near our Parents as they live out thier golden years. I know we are asking a lot but if there is anything you can do to truly show your compassion , we will speak on every t.v. station, every radio station, make posters, whatever it takes. To show our thanks and support. We're begging you.
The state of Ohio in its infinite wisdom is considering stopping paying my Medicare part b and take away my medicaid because we, "make too much gross income" by the time we pay all our bills we have maybe 50.00 left to last an entire month.
My Wifes Information::::
I was Married to a very wonderful man for 31 years. He developed heart disease and diabetes. He fought valiently but finaly succomed to the medical problems. I became very sad and was almost at the brink of a mental breakdown. I did become involved with the local Greif Counseling service as this helped me to ease my burden a small amount. I began talking to this nice fellow on Pogo.com which is an online gaming site where one may play all sorts of games such as Solitare etc. We hit it off and began internet dating in August of 2008. We arranged to meet in November and upon viewing each other we knew the bond we had felt over the air was a real bond and Leo dropped to his knees and askeed me to Marry him. We married a week later in November of 2008 and have been together ever since. Since than we have both become quite medically burdened ourselves, Leo has a thing called Sudden Cardiac death Syndrome and has had to have had an Automatic Implantable Cardiac Defibrilator instaled recently. We both suffer from back woes and must seek care frequently. Now we do have a 1996 Chevy Blazer that runs when it feels like it, the airconditioner is broken and what with being in the Midwest is very hot to have to drive around with the windows down. A computer part that costs 1500.00 for the A.B.S. system is out and we just can not afford to fix it. We love the vehicle as it was my first ever fully owned vehicle from a bank loan in my life. If We appreciate everything we have and are greatful for both this site and for all the kindness of others. Please vote for us and we shall make certain to pay it forward with our own kindness and see to it that others are blessed as we are. Thank you for reading and for helping out anyway you can.
My Information::::
My Wife and I will be Married for three years on November 28th.We met in late July or early August of 2008. She had just lost her husband of 31 years. I was myself looking for a somewhat different lifestyle than I was in currently. I was living at home at over 40, disabled with a moderate spinal disease and more or less going nowhere. Debbie and I hit it off right away and we were engaged in October and Married in November. We each have been each others rock and best friend and companion. I have since went into the Ministry and have undertaken many courses towards helping others to live as good a life as possible. Debbie is a great personal loss counselor in her own right. I recently became a heart patient and have had to have an Automatic Implantable cardiac defibrilator installed in my upper chest which has a built in pace maker. All this at only the age of 49.Debbie has had to have undergone major back surgery herself and have screws and cages ut into her lower back. This makes us totaly disabled yet we both have a teriffic outlook on life and are always willing to help others. Life is what you make it, not a series of bad events that bring you down. We both appreciate each day given unto us and are so greatful for all our friends, family, and fellow searchers of lifes Grace. If we were chosen to receive a New SUV as we live in snowy Ohio and may move to new England to be closer to some family we would make certain that it was put to good use and everyone would know the generosity of others. I can only hope as this as well as the other stories here on this site may touch you a small amount and you shall favor us with kindness. God Bless Everyone. Thank You All. We are truly blessed to have such wonderful friends and supporters here. We appreciate everything people are doing and sending all the wonderful messages. God Bless You all.





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I am a 38 year old single mom of a 3 year old boy. The last year has been super difficult for us, and it seems like the rain is never going to stop. I have been off work on disability since June 26, 2010, due to heart problems. I was born with a heart defect and had to have open heart surger at 3 1/2 years old. Last year, scar tissue from the surgery began causing serious heart issues. During the course of figuring out what excactly was wrong with my heart, I had 2 different two day trips to the hospital, 3 emergency room visits, numerous doctor appointments, copays, prescriptions, changed prescriptions etc that have costed several hundred dollars in copays (almost $1000). In addition to that, due to paperwork problems at work, my disability was delayed by almost three months, so I fell behind on my rent and utilities.

During the time I had no income, I borrowed $3000 from my Mother to pay my rent and bills. Unfortunately, due to a loss of income herself, she is no longer able to help me. I also ended up borrowing $400 from my Grandparents to repair the head gasket on my only vehicle. I ended up moving to a cheaper place because the utilities were included and after living there 3 months, the owner of the house decided not to pay the utilities and let the power get shut off and refused to have them turned back on, even though I have sleep apnea and have to use a CPAP machine at night. I had a cardiac ablation done on March 25, 2011. The power was turned off 3 days later, on March 28th. It has been a full month and the power is still off. I cannot turn the utilities on in my name because there are two houses on the same meter, so if I got the utilities in my name, I would have to pay for both houses.

I found another place to move to, but spent hundreds of dollars in gas, moving truck rental fees, storage unit fees and moving help. On one of my moving trips, the drive line snapped on my Ford Explorer. I had to pay $250 to get it repaired. Eight days later the altenator went out and I had to get that replaced, which cost me $175. The mechanic told me that my battery was also bad, so I had to pay another $45 for a new battery.

On top of that, the house that I am moving out of was broken into yesterday and several items were stolen. I am a Certified Massage Therapist and my Massage Chair was stolen, along with a weedeater, my mothers Hoover carpet cleaner, my vacuum cleaner, my kodak printer, various household goods, about 35 old nintendo games, a bunch of art supplies for my son and almost all of my son's toys were stolen. 3 large moving boxes full of toys were taken out of his room. I have been working on moving all month long, but I had no one to help me and after just having surgery I was only able to do so much every day. I still have more to move this weekend.

I am sorry this is so long, I am just don't know where else to go. The kicker is, I have renter's insurance, but my work stopped paying the premiums 3 months ago and I was only notified on Wednesday, the 27th of April. So, since my premiums haven't been paid, I am not covered. I am looking to get some help so I can pay back my Grandparents, pay back my Mom and replace my sons toys and my massage chair. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

My best friend is slowly wasting away from severe anorexia nervosa after being in a physically and emotionally abusive relationship. She needs medical attention NOW, I have never seen anyone looking so sickly and thin. She tries to eat, but is unable to keep any food down. Please help, I am so worried about her! She had a scare last week with a cardiac arrhythmia...I got a call in the middle of the night saying she was in the Emergency Room and needed inpatient treatment. However, she is unable to afford the medical treatment she needs; I've even gone to her parents to ask for their help but they are financially incapable of taking care of their child. Apparently when she was in the ER, her blood tests came back with dangerous electrolyte levels and she could go into a coma. Please help! Amanda is the most beautiful and loving person I've ever met, she has such promise for the future, and I can attest that before this disorder started, she was on her way to doing great things. She was in a pre-med program at UCLA before she got too sick to continue. I don't know how to help her. Please, if you can give anything, even just $5. Anything helps.

Help, I am 18 year old girl and I am trying to get help for my eating disorder. My doctor says if I don't get help I could have a heart attack or go into cardiac arrhythmia. I had to quit school because I am too weak to get out of bed, and even though I've seen the error of my ways, and I've started trying to eat again, I've done so much damage to my body that I can't keep down the food anymore. Please help, I'm so scared! I have such high hopes for the future, I want to be a doctor, and I am smart and hardworking enough to achieve my dreams. The only thing holding me back is the fact that I won't live long enough.

My parents can't afford to send me to a hospital, and my insurance will only cover part. Please help me. God bless you.

This is probably the hardest thing I have ever had to do but my circumstances dictate that I must do something. I find myself in a horrible bind and short of panhandling on the street I thought I’d give this a try.

So here is my story, on February 16, 2010 I suffered a heart attack while shoveling snow in my driveway. This was truly a traumatic experience because my son and daughter were with me when this happened. As a result of the heart attack I was forced to take a leave of absence from my job. I thought I would be off for a short time but that is not what happened.

I had the angioplasty procedure and then developed an infection at the site of the procedure which required some additional surgery to drain the infected area. This required another stay in the hospital for three days in May, Which in turn required more time off from work. Then, In June i developed a problem with my blood pressure which required another stay in the hospital.

After that stay my company fired me saying that they could no longer hold my position. As if that wasn’t bad enough they then refused to give me any unemployment stating that I had quit, because I had failed to submit a form. I realize that it was my responsibility to submit the form but in my defense I was dealing with some serious health issue and it just slipped through the cracks.

I was still under doctor’s care but I did not prevail in the attempt to get any benefits. So I began to live off my savings and going to my cardiac rehab. Then in October just after being released from doctor’s care I suffered a mild stroke. Which left me not only physically down but mentally depressed I spent 27 days in the hospital and have exhausted all of my savings.

I have now lost my home and the engine in my car blew out. Fortunately I have been able to receive VA benefits for my health issues which has been a huge help. But now I find myself in need of funds to get back on my feet. I need $5,000.00 to get my car fixed and to tide me over while I look for a job. I now live in the basement of my mother home and am desperate to get back on my feet.

I have donated plasma in order to give my kids some sibilance of Christmas, but I need help to move forward. This so embracing but I am at the end of my rope and don’t know what else to do, so anything you could donate I would be ever so grateful.

Thank you,

Wayne D. Shemwell, Sr.
502.632.1742

This is probably the hardest thing I have ever had to do but my circumstances dictate that I must do something. I find myself in a horrible bind and short of panhandling on the street I thought I’d give this a try.
So here is my story, on February 16, 2010 I suffered a heart attack while shoveling snow in my driveway. This was truly a traumatic experience because my son and daughter were with me when this happened. As a result of the heart attack I was forced to take a leave of absence from my job. I thought I would be off for a short time but that is not what happened.
I had the angioplasty procedure and then developed an infection at the site of the procedure which required some additional surgery to drain the infected area. This required another stay in the hospital for three days in May, Which in turn required more time off from work. Then, In June i developed a problem with my blood pressure which required another stay in the hospital.
After that stay my company fired me saying that they could no longer hold my position. As if that wasn’t bad enough they then refused to give me any unemployment stating that I had quit, because I had failed to submit a form. I realize that it was my responsibility to submit the form but in my defense I was dealing with some serious health issue and it just slipped through the cracks.
I was still under doctor’s care but I did not prevail in the attempt to get any benefits. So I began to live off my savings and going to my cardiac rehab. Then in October just after being released from doctor’s care I suffered a mild stroke. Which left me not only physically down but mentally depressed I spent 27 days in the hospital and have exhausted all of my savings.
I have now lost my home and the engine in my car blew out. Fortunately I have been able to receive VA benefits for my health issues which has been a huge help. But now I find myself in need of funds to get back on my feet. I need $5,000.00 to get my car fixed and to tide me over while I look for a job. I now live in the basement of my mother home and am desperate to get back on my feet.
I have donated plasma in order to give my kids some sibilance of Christmas, but I need help to move forward. This so embracing but I am at the end of my rope and don’t know what else to do, so anything you could donate I would be ever so grateful.