My name is Zoe Feahr. I am a 41-year-old queer femme from the Bay Area currently living in Portland, OR. I have been struggling for a while with the management of my existing set of long-term chronic illnesses in addition to some new diagnoses. My health has not been great for the last year or so, and I have had lots of new symptoms that, until recently, did not have any explanation. I have dealt with having Addison’s Disease since age 7, as well as Hypothyroidism, and had always known it was likely I would develop additional autoimmune conditions in my life. For about a decade now, I have been diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, and that has been a lot.
Managing Addison’s Disease and Type 1 Diabetes together is incredibly complex, exhausting, and often dangerous. I’ve experienced adrenal crises, severe blood sugar drops, DKA, ER visits, ICU, and long hospital stays. These illnesses can be unpredictable at times, and they’ve made it impossible for me to maintain steady employment. I have tried to work part-time, and that has now become too much while dealing with new additional diagnoses and seeking more care.
Since having COVID four times, it became very clear certain things had become harder for me, and a lot of new symptoms started to be very present. I have now been diagnosed with Long COVID. I have also been diagnosed with an autoimmune condition called Mast Cell Activation Syndrome or MCAS. I have started treatment for MCAS and will likely explore more options.
About a month ago, I had a very serious and long hospital stay surrounding an Adrenal Crisis. (Acute adrenal crisis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when there is not enough cortisol. This is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands.) I became ill very quickly and experienced severe low blood pressure and loss of consciousness multiple times. I was taken to the emergency room in an ambulance after my partner called 911. I was immediately admitted to the Intensive Care Unit and was kept there for about five days before I was stable enough to be moved to another floor. I have had both good and bad days since this hospital visit, but I am really working on doing everything I can to feel good and am happy to report that I have had a lot of good days recently. I have also had to cancel numerous plans, let to-do lists go unfinished, leave an event early, or have to make the decision to stay home and rest. My fatigue surrounding managing all of this has reached an all-time high. This crisis was incredibly scary and also a very big sign for me to prioritize my health and ask for more help in making that a real possibility.
I have been out of work since my hospital stay last month. I have some applications for financial assistance in the works, but I am asking for support from my community during this time so that I can continue to have stability while I pursue disability, which is my long-term goal. The other big life event that has transpired during this crisis is that I have been informed that my home of two years is on the market, and I will need to secure new housing at some point in the coming months. I will need help with this move and will reach out when the time comes for specific requests. But contributing to this fund will also allow me to not experience unneeded stress surrounding this move.
Any contribution would mean so much to me, and I would also appreciate help with sharing this fundraiser even if you are not able to donate. Your support will help to cover:
Daily out-of-pocket medical expenses
Cost of any medical devices needed
Cost of travel to and from doctor visits & treatments
Pay for basic living needs like rent, groceries, and utilities
Moving expenses
Additional out-of-pocket care
I will be hosting a yard sale/party in the near future and would love to see local friends show up to support! I will share more info soon!
Also Venmo donations are welcomed: @Zoe-Feahr
I am also always grateful for offers of rides to the pharmacy, laundromat, appointments or grocery trips. If you are local and want to help with these things please reach out if you have time. I do not have a car right now, so, certain things like this are hard for me without help.
