How Health Challenges and Financial Struggles Changed Me in Just a Few Days

For the past few days have been some of the hardest I've faced in a long time. It was full of health challenges. It is about health, finances, and the daily responsibilities of being a solo parent. I felt like everything was happening at once. I wasn't sure how I would get through it, but here I am, taking one day at a time. I want to share my personal life update because someone out there may be going through similar situation.

A few weeks ago, I started itching "down there". At first, I thought it was because of the dirty water in our area. Whenever I cleanse it, I use mild warm mineral water, no soap. After a few days, it becomes so swollen that I could hardly walked. I had a hard time standing up from sitting on a chair or a bed. My skin rubbed againsts itself. It even stuck to my clothing, making my every movement painful.

Artistic representation of my blood sugar reading (479 mg/dL) when I first checked it.

   

Then, a thought crossed my mind, to checked on my blood sugar.  I contacted a friend. She also lives with diabetis and had Glucometer and Test Strips. Last June 11, I learned that my blood sugar went up to 479 mg/dL.After knowing that my blood sugar reach 479 mg/dL, I started reading more about high blood sugar and how lifestyle changes can make a difference. Seeing that number scared me but I have to calm myself. I knew it wasn't something I could ignore. My mind started racing. I am worried about my son and wondered where I will find the money for treatment.   

I am a solo mom. There was no room to pause even if I wanted to rest. I still have responsibilities on my shoulders. Besides, I am worried about my son more than myself. Looking back, I realized both of us are eating unhealthy foods. Most of them are: canned goods, bread and sweets. I have to choose - me or my son. My son eats whatever I served on the table.

At the same time, I was already dealing with financial struggles. We already had daily bills and basic needs to worry about, and then this happened. Although, the basic needs do not stop even if you're not feeling well. I felt like every problem showed up at the same time.

I won't pretend that I am strong in every minute. There were moments when I cried because everything felt too much. But I tried my best to hide it.

I worried about my health to be honest. Who never will? Still I remain calm. 

I worried about how to pay the Internet bills because it's my way of working online. 

I worried about the future. 

Sometimes, the hardest battles are the ones nobody sees.  Because you let people see you smile while breaking inside. You answered messages as if nothing had happened. Then continue with your day while carrying a heavy heart.

I realized it's okay to admit that life feels difficult. It doesn't make us weak. It simply means we're human. So, I lift it all to God.

Even during difficult times, I found small reasons to keep moving. Friends checked on me. Some people offered words of encouragement. I received support through my fundraiser. Every share, donation, and kind message reminded me that I wasn't completely alone. 

Most of all, my son became my biggest reason to keep fighting. Every time I looked at him, I remembered why I couldn't give up.  He became the reason I started learning about proper nutrition. Both of us ate what I served on the table. Both of us ate canned goods, bread and other starchy or sweet foods.

To be honest, I am a shy type of person especially in asking for help. By God's grace, I found the strength to keep me going. My son has been the reason I never gave up. I learned that asking for help isn't something I should be ashamed of.  We all need support sometimes.

This experience changed the way I look at life.

First, health should never be taken for granted.  As a Filipino, I looked at all the food that we have from the restaurants, malls and carinderias.  Aside from rice, there were sweets, starchy foods, softdrinks, and more carbohydrates. Many of us eat more than our bodies need, even if are already full. Until our bodies tell us to stop. Although, i wish I had started sooner, I'm making changes now. I'm hoping and learning to change the food to eat.

Second, financial struggles can affect more than your wallet. They can also affect your mental health. The stress of wondering how you'll pay the bills. And where you can have money to buy food tomorrow can be exhausting. 

Finally, I learned that strength doesn't always look brave. Sometimes, trusting God and giving everything to Him makes the burden feel lighter. And the strength of (simply) believing that tomorrow might be a little better. The small steps matter more than we realize.

I'm still facing challenges, and I know recovery won't happen overnight. There are still bills to pay, doctor's appointments to think about, and goals I'm working toward. But I'm also holding onto hope.

I'm continuing to build my blog and hoping to work with more brands. I'm looking for opportunities that will help me provide a better future for my son. Every article I write feels like another small step forward.

Life may not be easy right now, but I believe better days will come.

There are a lot of challenges in life. Health challenges and financial struggles can feel overwhelming. If you are reading this, I want you to know you're not alone.

Life can change in just a few days. Sometimes it changes in painful ways. But it can also change through kindness, hope, and the decision to keep going even when life feels unfair.

Thank you for reading my story and for being part of this journey. I hope that one day I'll look back on these difficult days. Not with sadness, but with gratitude for how much they taught me.

Sometimes the hardest chapters become the beginning of a stronger story.

If you've been through something similar, I'd love to hear your story in the comments. Sometimes knowing we are not alone makes even the hardiest days a little easier.

If you'd like to support my recovery and help me get back on my feet, I've created a GoGetFunding campaign. Your support will help me focus on my health.  It'll provide for my daily needs, and continue rebuilding my work so I can move forward one step at a time.

Whether you choose to donate and share my fundraiser is okay. Keep me and my son in your prayers, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Every act of kindness means more than words can express.

GoGetFunding: https://gogetfunding.com/help-me-get-back-on-my-feet-65/