I recently had a two-level spinal fusion to put space in collapsed discs that had contributed to spinal stenosis which put extensive pressure on the nerve root. For the past 5 years, I have had to deal with extensive neuropathy and pain in my legs and feet as a result. I walked with a cane in and out of my employment and around that building when necessary. I was always in some level of pain, some days were better than others but not much better. 

To make a long story short I finally found an orthopedic surgeon who offered the best option in regard to minimally invasive surgery and recovery time and my insurance has paid a great deal of that, in addition I applied for financial assistance to the hospital and was granted 90%. So far I now owe less than $4,000 for the entire surgery, the pre-op appointments, the previous MRIs, I am truly grateful. 

My problem now is that I was not able to save a lot of money for this unpaid medical leave. My employer insists on a 30-day elimination. In which there is nothing paid, and it's not retroactive. In addition to that the first pay is concurrent with the normal biweekly pay dates for which mine will only be for one week and it's 60% of my normal salary. Essentially it's not going to be enough to help me cover bills this last week of October in the beginning of November possibly not even in the middle of November. I understand that they will continue to take the normal deductions out even of the short-term disability. My anticipated return to work date is around December 18th, approximately, per my surgeon. 

Have not been there long enough to be vested, not until April of this year, so I have nothing to borrow from. I had zero savings, I managed to save about $500 to help during this time but it went very quickly. I have two elderly dogs that need RX, and specialty food. I used some of the money that I had for that specifically. They are important to me and my responsibility and I could not see not giving them what they need.

 I see requests like this all the time and I always share them but I typically don't have the money myself to donate a lot.. sometimes I do but not very often, so I get it. I just thought I would put it out there into the universe and see what happens.

Thanks for reading.