Hello! My name is Carol, I’m 28-years-old, & I’ve had cardiac health problems for ~2.5 years now. I’ve had multiple episodes where my blood pressure rises to hypertensive crisis levels (180/120+) & my heart rate will reach 130+ beats/minute. In the past 2.5 years, I’ve had 8 ER visits due to these episodes & fainting. This doesn’t include episodes happening at home.

I’ve had multiple tests to figure out the cause of these episodes…EKGs, MRIs, ECGs, stress & tilt table tests, coronary angiograms, & 2 weeks of wearing a Holter monitor. After all the tests, it’s determined I have a bicuspid aortic valve & mitral valve prolapse. Both will likely require valve replacement surgeries in the future. Additionally, imaging shows presence of an anterior myocardial infarct.

I’m struggling financially.  I finished graduate school 3 years ago & have been trying to stay on top of student loan payments. I’m unable to keep up with rent, utilities, & medical bills due to not being able to maintain consistent full-time work.  I’ve had a challenging time dealing with employers not providing reasonable accommodations & not being understanding of having multiple medical appointments.  One employer terminated me due to missing multiple days & said it wasn’t feasible to provide accommodations in a fast-paced acute care hospital.  It’s discouraging; I chose to pursue a career in physical therapy so I could help people. What I’ve learned is that the healthcare industry doesn’t value its employees.  I have minimal support, as my family does not live nearby & my now ex-fiancé broke up with me due to my ER trips being an inconvenience.  Please, if you are able, any amount would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for taking the time to read this & thank you for any form of help you feel led to share.