Care for Kerrick (Chronic Pain and Fatigue)

Thanks to all who have shared love, support, and well-wishes for me while I'm going through this health change. For several years I've been struggling with migraines, dizziness, fatigue, and brain fog. As many people do silently for years, I went to doctors and did things they told me, some of which helped, and I kept on working. After all, everyone is tired. I lost jobs, got new ones, and tried to keep up with even a below-average level of productivity. But over the past several months I've been feeling things getting harder and harder. I was working as a direct support professional for people with disabilities, a job I loved. But every day that I did a reasonably expected amount of work, I would be hit with 2-3 days of not being able to get out of bed without severe pain in all my joints and all my major muscle groups, feeling dizzy and out of breath like I'd run a marathon. Finally the crash came, and I've been genuinely unable to leave the house except for a couple of hours for doctors' appointments and tests. On good days I can make it to the kitchen to microwave a meal and then sit on the couch to catch my breath before going back to bed. On not so good days I ration how many times I get up to use the bathroom, because the energy it takes to walk to the toilet leaves me shaking and feeling sick with pain and fatigue. My doctors still don't know why this is happening; I think ME/CFS and they think maybe fibromyalgia. None of these things are quick fixes and even if I'm able to gain back some function I will likely be managing this for years if not the rest of my life. Rest helps. Having prepared meals helps. Then I can have more good days, and even spend a little time searching for remote jobs or filling out paperwork on the computer. But in order to rest I need some logistical help, and I need some money, until either I find the right remote job for me or I am approved for disability. To that end I'm asking for: Financial contributions toward rent, food, and a car payment so I can get to my doctors' appointments and to see my kids Contributions to my ex and kids' lives--we're separated and going through a kind and amicable divorce, and I have a commitment to provide for them and support them that my incapacity doesn't change Logistical help toward cooking and cleaning, picking up and delivering things I need, and/or carrying things up the stairs Bringing meals or contributing to a meal delivery service Help with paperwork and executive function tasks that I struggle with Low-key planned visits to bring joy I invite friends and strangers to help in any way you are joyfully willing. If you have the desire to help but not the capacity right now, your well-wishes are received gratefully.