My heartfelt thanks to everyone here at DU.

[pepperbear]

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100216325281

https://gofund.me/7a708f38

Long story short, last summer I landed in the hospital for almost 2 weeks with congestive heart failure. 9 medications and several months later, I'm on the mend. I've lost over 100 lbs and I am walking every day. I'm lucky to be alive and I'm lucky to have been insured, but you know how deductibles can be. I got hit with an unexpected bill and expenses. Of course, it arrived just when I was put on seasonal layoff. Thank goodness I have been fortunate enough to cover a couple of days a week in another department until i am back full time in March, but that pay doesn't leave much room to for unexpected medical bills and changes in prescription drug costs. I suppose that's just how America's gonna be as we advance into the 3rd decade of the 21st century.

I am so grateful to have friends like the ones I've met here at DU, friends who are kind enough to help when they can, and without judgement. It's something I strive to do in my life, because there are so many people who are worse off than myself, and I know it's not always easy to ask for help.

Thanks so much. I love you all!



PS: Thank you for the hearts as well!

[mvd]

1. Gave you a heart

I have a similar story. Asked for help twice and DU came through big time. I love giving back what I can.

[pepperbear]

2. thanks so much...

hope you're doing OK!

[mvd]

3. You're welcome!

I am doing better than I was. Hope you are, too!

[pepperbear]

4. I am just happy to be able to walk breath and sleep normally again.

[pepperbear]

5. It was rough going for a while.

[pepperbear]

6. We are indeed one of the greatest support networks ever!

Thank you all!

[Hortensis]

7. Glad you're coming back so well, Pepperbear. As for where

we'll be before we finish this decade, also glad you're here to vote.

[pepperbear]

9. I'm going for my evening walk right now!

A few months ago I couldn't even walk three feet without resting. .

Thanks!

[Hortensis]

10. An evening walk sounds nice!

Pepper, two summers ago out of nowhere I had pneumonia for almost a week, including 2 nights in the hospital. I actually felt pretty normal when I walked in;
but when I went home the weakness and overall debility were astonishing, beyond anything I could have imagined or comprehended. A month later I still couldn't squat to get to a cupboard as well as before and often had to pull myself up.

At least it gives me some understanding of not being able to walk 3 feet, and how wonderful it is to go for a walk.

[pepperbear]

11. Amen!

[William769]

8. There is always love to give here at DU

[pepperbear]

12. And for that I'm thankful. There isn't enough in the world