So I have not been feeling well for the past month....what else is new. It's not just that. It is also that I have been getting new pains and problems. I have previously been diagnosed with tendonitis in one achilles tendon as well as in my right knee, I now have it in the other achilles tendon, my right hand near the base of my thumb, and my right arm from my elbow to my wrist. It is extremely painful! I was also in the Emergency Room on Sunday, October 21, due to severe skin ulcerations. I often get these but they typically remain small. This is the second time that I have had more than 8 of them that are larger than a quarter. Gross, painful, and swollen. I took a round of antibiotics for them, in case they were infected. However, a visit to my Rheumatologist in Chicago prompted a visit to Edward Hospital in case they are causing sepsis, which is an infection in the blood. Thank goodness that didn't happen, but they did start me on IV steroids, and sent me home with oral steroids. I have been off steroids for a while now, approximately 7 months I think. I really hate being on "the 'roids," as I call them, because I tend to get awful side effects.
For instance, I get severe anxiety. Even typing this is difficult because I am so anxious inside. It feels like I am crawling out of my skin. Along with this comes heart palpitations, sweating, insomnia....like I need more insomnia. :) And the most beloved side effect of all....weight gain.
Some good news!!! I had written to Senator Dick Durbin a few months back regarding the status of my student loans. Since receiving my doctorate and being unable to pay my loans, which I already feel like a total loser for, I have been receiving steady harassment for my inability to pay. I have filled out what's called a total and permanent disability form, which my doctor had to fill out the majority of the form. I have completed a total of 4 of these forms, mailed them in....and then was greeted by a "Denial" due to the fact that there was an abbreviation in it, or a medical code, etc.... Even if the information written was all correct, and them my poor doctor had accidentally included a code, they sent it back. I seriously think that they are just doing this to deny me, thinking I willl surely give up. Sorry, I can't give up people. This is my life, and lucky for you, and unfortunately for me, I have nothing to do but make sure that form is completed perfectly so that you have no reason to deny it.
Like I really want to be that person who doesn't pay for what I accomplished. I would gladly pay back my student loans....That would mean I have to be healthy enough. And that has not happened in the past five years...YET. I sincerely hope that it is going to get better....ANYWAY, I digress.... I received a letter in the mail a few days ago from Senator Dick Durbin stating that he and his office will contact the federal government and the lenders in attempt to get these loans written off. Suffice it to say that I have written numerous people in my journey thus far. I wrote President Obama, and got a "general" response stating that they are sorry for my struggles, but that the administration is currently working on the healthcare system.
Given the lack of responding by people I have written to, I was so excited to receive the letter from Senator Durbin! He stated someone from his office will be contacting me shortly. This alleviates a lot of stress. Knowing I have simply been heard means a lot to me. But knowing someone has not only heard, but is taking that one step more and doing something to help means the world to me. Thank you, Senator Durbin, for your sympathetic and supportive letter! :)
If anyone is reading this, have a great day....
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