I've set up a GoFundMe to help with my expenses as I go through all of this. Updated
Last edited Thu Dec 12, 2024, 09:34 PM - Edit history (3)
I've had 4 lumbar back surgeries since October of 2021 with no success so I filed for Social Security disability in August of 23.
My first appointment with them is set for January 7th after 17 months wait. Yes I used an attorney from the start.
I started having chest pains a couple of months ago and today I had a nuclear stress test done with the bad news that the left side of my heart has "moderate to severe blood flow blockage.
Living in rural Illinois means a medical desert so I can't get a heart catheterization til January 27th even though the left side is the bad one.
This will only delay my case further as I can't even schedule a Functional Ability Assessment until my cardiac issues are resolved. (Chest pain from simple walks etc).
My finances were never good to begin with and this is making things so much worse. I'm seriously afraid that the stress of trying to find a way to pay my modest bills will kill me alone.
My monthly expenses run about $1200 a month if I make only the minimum payment on my Credit cards that I used to get by for the first several months. That debt total about $5500.00
I'm trying to survive into the summer as that seems like what would be a reasonable time frame for a decision knowing my first appointment with a SS Dr is January 7th.
I can't begin to describe the despondent feelings that are now overwhelming with this new news and I know I won't survive the agony of trying to get something paid each month when I have no idea where the money will come from.
Does anyone have any suggestions or tips that I can learn just to alleviate the near panic and anxiety that I experience more and more every month?
I get food stamps and have Medicaid but I also live in Illinois, one of the states that have trigger laws for the ACA expansion should the funding for that end.
I will be happy to share my contact information should the need arise to discuss by phone etc.
Several people have negatively commented on my writing so I apologize in advance if this is hard to read.
The GoFundMe link is here:
https://www.gofundme.com/help-john-mckusick-overcome-health-and-financial-struggles
I wanted to update everyone on some great news I received today and to give thanks as the total raised has risen to $1020 dollars as of late afternoon.
The great news I received is that they had a cancellation open a spot for me December 17th, so that takes 41 days of stressful waiting off my plate. I feel so blessed as your response has been overwhelmingly kind and generous.
Because it's the left side of my heart that is in trouble, I am fully prepared for a bypass being required although I hold out hope that a stent will suffice. It took me 33 years to learn that I really can love everyone, and you all have so wonderfully reinforced that belief as I was a nobody to you all only days ago.
Thank you all so very very much for your kind words, thoughts and generous donations. These moments will serve as a true inspiration for seeking ways to pay it forward however and wherever I can.
From my grateful soul to yours, Thank you! I love you all.
Thank you Dennis for the helpful video.
Thank you XanaDUer2 for your recommending the lounge post.
Thank you Omaha Steve for such a quick response and offer to kick (not sure what that means lol)
I just want to add a heartfelt THANK YOU for the donations thus far (18% of goal!!) and all the kind words that you all have offered that have lifted me up beyond what I could've asked. Thank you Thank you Thank you
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Also best of luck for good health.
Sent a donation and hope you and Petunia will feel the love that is always so freely given here at DU. Merry Christmas, DU friend. 
