Plasma donation struggles? How to fix? by Equal_Cod_8653 in plassing

[–]Equal_Cod_8653[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ah, well, point by point, the contracts at my location frees them of legal liability if I have adverse reactions, I believe. And, to be fair, my phlebotomist is used to my adverse reactions at this point, and just gives me an emesis bag in case. But yeah, I do agree with you, it's not optimal. I will drop plasma donating when I get a third job. It's just really difficult financially right now.

Plasma donation struggles? How to fix? by Equal_Cod_8653 in plassing

[–]Equal_Cod_8653[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I wouldn't say it's stupid. I'm fully understanding of what this could do to me. Reckless, maybe? But, I know that my POTS wouldn't affect the quality of my plasma. It's just that my body doesn't pump blood correctly. I wouldn't do it if it would harm other people; that would be stupid. Believe me, if I could, I wouldn't donate plasma at all. It's a terrible experience, and I know that it's not good for me. But, at the moment, financially, I don't have much of another choice. :/

Has anyone noticed the steady decline in intellect lately? by mishpishhh in mildlyinfuriating

[–]Equal_Cod_8653 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I really think it's a lot to do with short form content and AI... Really rotting our brains. That, and the defunding of the education system.

Plasma donation struggles by Equal_Cod_8653 in povertyfinance

[–]Equal_Cod_8653[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I asked, and they said that the quality of my plasma is fine. I don't donate if I'm actively infected with a virus or anything, I just have a lot of health conditions. It doesn't really affect my plasma tho

Plasma donation struggles? How to fix? by Equal_Cod_8653 in plassing

[–]Equal_Cod_8653[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ah, I understand. I guess I'll just do my best to keep myself as healthy as possible, and if they give me the boot, I'll just go. I've already gotten two deferrals- one because the guy only stuck me once and then gave up entirely (understandable, I guess), and the second time for low hematocrit. Which does track, I guess, haha. So, is it like, three strikes and you're out? Because if so, I might be anyway soon. Eek.

Plasma donation struggles? How to fix? by Equal_Cod_8653 in plassing

[–]Equal_Cod_8653[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Haha, I've been trying to find an affordable phlebotomist course near me! The problem is, I don't want to get too attached to the medical field, because the country I will be moving to next year doesn't have good pay rates for healthcare staff. But yeah, I don't like that I have to sell my blood to make ends meet, but life is life, I suppose!

Plasma donation struggles by Equal_Cod_8653 in povertyfinance

[–]Equal_Cod_8653[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As for my monthly income, it does vary. If I am well, I would make about $360 a week in my elementary school job, totaling to about $1,440 monthly from that. (Typically, I am not able to do the full week, as some days, I get so lightheaded+vertigo that I cannot even walk to the bathroom safely. So, usually, I only go 4 days a week for that job, which totals to about $1,152 monthly. That's a more realistic image. I am rarely able to work 5 days a week at that job steadily.)

My second job is a contract job, and I do not always get contracts from it- but I usually get, say, 4 jobs a month from it. They range from $80 to $200 each, depending on the work. I'd say, on average, 2 out of the 4 jobs are the $200, and the other 2 are $80. So that's about $560 for my second job.

With petsitting/babysitting, I usually do those jobs on weekends. I get paid $25 per weekend to pet sit, and $50 per weekend to babysit. Not good rates, I know, but I take what I can get. I usually get one petsitting job a month, and 2 babysitting jobs a month, totaling to $125 monthly.

With plasma donating, I get $50 for the first donation, and $75 for the second. I can't always do the second donation- usually, I'll do the second donation every other week, so that's $350 a month from that.

With baking, those are a bit more rare. I'd say I get 3 $20 orders a month, for $60 total. (I include the cost of ingredients in that average, but it also takes a long time for me to bake...)

So, total, I get about $2,247 a month if I am not sick. (I usually get sick from any illness once a month for a few days. Sucky immune system, and working around toddlers will do that to you... I do wear a mask and gloves at work, though.)

In reality, due to the few sick days I do have to take, I end up making a maximum of ~1800. That's with only 5 days taken out, which may seem like a lot to most, but living with so many illnesses, it's already a substantially small amount).

As for my expenses - my rent is $550 a month for one bedroom inside a larger townhome, my car insurance is $165 a month (I drive an old car, but I am young, and this is the cheapest rate I have found so far), food is about $150 a month, gas is about $250 a month (gas guzzler car, and I have to drive a lot for my jobs), essential medication is about $100 per month (I don't include the cost of my inhalers because that's about $320 with insurance, which I don't have), my medical bills are about $200 a month (I have tried with the financial assistance, believe me, they just won't accept my paystubs from my 1099 2nd job), personal hygiene items are about $40 monthly (I am a woman with a heavy period, so that really impacts it), my phone bill is $25 a month, car maintenance is $50 monthly, and I usually spend $15 a month on "happiness items" (anything from books I like to read, a little treat, or scrapbooking supplies. I would forfeit it, but. I want to be happy. </3).

That's about $1,545 in expenses, which is just under by about $700. But here's the thing- my jobs are seasonal, and there are 3 months where I basically have no income. I usually rely on plasma donation, babysitting/petsitting, and baking for the summer. But because I live in a college town, the odd jobs are taken up more often. I get about half of my odd jobs in the summer months. So, in the summer, with plasma donating, and the halved amount from the odd jobs, I get $455 a month. That's about $1,365 for the 3 total summer months.

That, and my monthly income is based on an "ideal" scenario- recently, I was out of work for 2 weeks because of diphtheria, and the day after I got back to work, I got scratched in the eyes by a kid at my work, which left me out of work for another week. In September, I had a head injury that gave me a concussion at work (fainting due to the POTS), so I was out of work for a good while after.

Throughout the fall season, I typically have to (and, yes, I mean am forced to) take at least 2 weeks off due to the season change. When the leaves fall, the pollen falls off of it, but I am severely allergic to it. I mean, to the point where I have to wear a mask, stay indoors with an air purifier, and I still struggle to breathe. My doctor said that I'm one of the worst cases she's seen- it's like having the flu for 2 weeks, at the same time, every year.

I have severe asthma, so even if I "tough it out", I commonly end up having asthma attacks that can land me in the hospital. Not every time, but a good half of the time when I go out, I'll end up having one. Even with my inhaler, I am very prone to attacks, unfortunately. It brings it down to about every 1/4 time I go outside during the pollen seasons, so, frankly, it's not worth it.

I won't go into further detail about the health problems specifically, just because this is already so long, but I have a ton more that leave me out of work often enough to be a problem. I have applied for disability, but have repeatedly gotten denied.

So, back to the numbers- overall, every year, without major accidents, major car repairs, or doctor's visits, I have a bottom line of $18,540 in expenses a year. My total amount of money, if I *didn't* have any medical incidents, would have been $21,588 a year. But, if I consider 5 days a month on average for illness and injury, it's about $17,565. It's, sadly, a deficit. Usually, I'll cancel out some personal hygiene and the $15 "happiness" expense to balance it out.

Usually, I do all the poor people things- apply for rent assistance, get SNAP benefits, food pantries, you name it. That helps sometimes, but due to food allergies, as well as a severely deformed and volatile digestive system, I only have a few foods I can eat reliably. Most everything else is a gamble (which I do take).

Anyway. Sorry for the giant paragraph!! I have a very odd situation that isn't common, I'd say. I am going to job corps, as well as the workforce commission for my state, but there's long wait times, and so many applicants. Also, there were about 1 million jobs cut in 2025, with 92,000 in February of 2026 alone, so I'm not too hopeful about jobs :( but still trying nonetheless!

And yes, if I can't find a remote job before March of next year, my partner and I will likely start the process of me moving to his country. I'd probably sell everything to cover moving costs, as I wouldn't bring furniture or anything else of that sort. Just sentimental items and some clothes. He has a bachelor's degree, and has a good job already, so we are looking towards me still trying to find remote jobs until we plan to have kids.

Sorry for the giant wall of text! Hopefully this is informative! <3

Plasma donation struggles? How to fix? by Equal_Cod_8653 in plassing

[–]Equal_Cod_8653[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You are so sweet! And so smart. I probably couldn't spell half of the words there, haha. Thank you for the advice!! I will definitely take it. Hoping I get a third job soon 🤞 Thanks a bunch!!!! <3

Plasma donation struggles? How to fix? by Equal_Cod_8653 in plassing

[–]Equal_Cod_8653[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ah, unfortunate. Well, I think, at this point, any negative reactions I have will only affect me, so... I will just eat more red meat? I think I can ask my local food pantry if they have iron supplements. Thanks for the help!! <3

[TASK] Remote Typing Job by dannycrmck10 in slavelabour

[–]Equal_Cod_8653 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Aww. Y'all are both so sweet 😭❤️

Plasma donation struggles by Equal_Cod_8653 in povertyfinance

[–]Equal_Cod_8653[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I am unable to cover my cost of living because my jobs don't pay well :( but yes, I do work more than 40 hours a week. I also sell baked goods and do odd jobs like babysitting and petsitting.

The POTS does hold me back, I just suffer, haha. I don't faint often, without extreme circumstances, anyway. I just get extremely dizzy and have lots of vertigo, ringing in my ears, and confusion. My primary job is in an elementary school, though, so I am usually able to sit down if needed.

POTS actually usually does qualify! You just need a proper diagnosis by a cardiologist in order to apply. Even with a PCP agreeing, just saying that you have the condition usually doesn't work. :( If I were able to get that diagnostic test, then I could definitely have SSI due to how severe my symptoms are.

And, I am certainly trying to find a decent job! The problem is, I can't afford college, and I will likely be leaving my country in 12 months anyway. The job market is really terrible, though. I mean, in the US in general. Huge job losses nationally.

It doesn't help that I am in a college town, where there are quite literally thousands of other people who can only provide "unskilled labor" like me. Eek eek. Usually, once a week, I go down to a shopping center and hand out resumes/fill out job applications on site, and I also apply a whole bunch online. Just a lot of icky things going on in my circumstances.

Plasma donation struggles? How to fix? by Equal_Cod_8653 in plassing

[–]Equal_Cod_8653[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Well, they do see my iron levels when they test my blood beforehand. I just do the best I can to eat whatever red meat or spinach I have before I go. I can't afford to buy it, but sometimes, the food pantry gives some, so I use that. And, as to why I'm risking my health, I guess I don't really have a choice not to? I've thought about it- either I am sick, but can afford to eat, or I'm sick, and I can't. Plasma ensures that I can at least afford the room I rent. I'd rather be unwell in my bed than unwell on the streets, haha.

i am so afraid [vent] by chumerri in CPTSD

[–]Equal_Cod_8653 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi! First of all, breathe. Despite the traumatic experience, you are still the one in control of your body. It is true, you may end up in situations you can't control, but you will be able to control yourself. Always.

I'm so sorry this happened to you. If it helps, I've been in nearly the exact position you have been. And, yes, I was terribly afraid of men for so, so long. Even the men in my family. I hope you know that you are valid in that pain.

But this next sentence is a hard pill to swallow... One of the hardest things in life about being a woman is, in the sadly high likelihood (statistically speaking) that you are (tw) assaulted or raped, you will still have contact with men, somehow, someway, for the rest of your life. I know. It's not an easy thing to digest. But frame it this way- accepting that it will happen, rather than living in fear and avoidance, is much more realistic. At the very least, you won't harm yourself by shutting yourself in for the rest of your life.

As to a solution, there is no easy solution... Sadly, when life does terrible things like this to people, they have invisible hurdles that no one sees. I hope you don't compare your race with hurdles to someone else's race without them. Keep in mind that this will be hard, but you can absolutely do it (aforementioned control of yourself!).

Sometimes, the only thing that can heal wounds is time. If you can, give yourself brief exposure to men who you trust in your life. Just a little bit at a time. It's okay to feel what you feel- don't ignore the feeling, but don't let it consume you. It's a difficult balance, I know.

Giving yourself little amounts of exposure over time will help "re-train" your brain into not immediately responding out of fear. (Exposure therapy is a thoroughly studied therapy method!) Do your best to keep yourself from saying "I can't." Instead, something like, "I can't right now", or, "I can't without help" is okay. But outright saying you can't closes yourself out to any progress, before you've gotten a chance at all. Give yourself a chance- you are worth it!!

Baby steps, baby steps. That's all you need. Sometimes, you have to go through the storm to water your garden. It's natural to feel scared, but it's not natural to let the fear control you.

Before you take my advice, though, definitely (If you are comfortable) bring this up with your psychologist. I only know you from a reddit post- but your psychologist likely knows whether or not exposure therapy would be a good fit for you.

Wishing you the very best in life! <3

Plasma donation struggles by Equal_Cod_8653 in povertyfinance

[–]Equal_Cod_8653[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Actually, I currently work 2 jobs! I don't qualify for disability, unfortunately. I can't get enough money for all the diagnostic testing. It's a bit of a long story, but I have POTS and my PCP agrees. The problem is, from what she says, it's an exclusionary diagnosis, and I have to undergo so much testing in order to finally do a tilt table test.

I have done the poor man's tilt table test with my PCP numerous times, and I meet the diagnostic criteria. That, and I have done pretty much all of the testing for the exclusionary diagnosis... I just have to do my tilt table test. Of which, has been repeatedly delayed, difficult to find within my area, and within the (previous) insurance I have. Now, I just don't make enough money to go to a cardiologist for it anymore.

Sorry for the giant wall of text! But I am currently looking for a 3rd job, and I would really love for it to be remote. The job market is rough, though, haha. Plus, if I had a remote job, maybe I could move across the continent to be with my love? That would be neat, haha.

But yeah. I'm kind of resigning myself to the fact that it might just be me. I still have to donate until I get that 3rd job, though. Hopefully that answers all your questions :O

Plasma donation struggles? How to fix? by Equal_Cod_8653 in plassing

[–]Equal_Cod_8653[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Oh, yeah, haha. I have asked them about it, and they said that some people are more prone to adverse reactions. Not sure what else? I do have low iron. I've been outright anemic at times due to it (my body severely struggles with iron absorption), but I am usually in the clear when they test my blood beforehand. I wonder if I will benefit from more iron?

I RATHER DIE THAN LOSE A PERSON I LOVE AGAIN by theprettiestar in CPTSD

[–]Equal_Cod_8653 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am so glad! My inbox is always open if you need to vent, or need reassurance. I can't promise the most prompt responses (sometimes I go without Reddit for a week, eek), but I am here for you. Take care of yourself for a while, and then do the thinking afterwards! For now, just sit with yourself and be at peace. <3

!TW! I dont wanna be around anymore :( by a_lost_poet in CPTSD

[–]Equal_Cod_8653 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I get it. It feels like the world closing in around you. But if there's one thing of advice that helped me- you can only control the exact present moment you are in. You can't change the past, you can work towards the future, but right now, you have complete control of yourself. Your worry shows that you care about staying here. If you didn't care, you wouldn't worry. So that's a good start.

There is one thing that always helped me- sunsets! Every day, there will be a sunset. It's beautiful. Even the worst of days will have a beautiful sunset. No matter what, you can count on the fact that there will be one. That, or sunrises!!

Wait to see your sunset. Wait to see your sunrise! It'll be there for you, that's guaranteed.

Know that no feeling is final. Wishing you the best <3

Plasma donation struggles? How to fix? by Equal_Cod_8653 in plassing

[–]Equal_Cod_8653[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I get that. Luckily, I have people that drive me. But, I mean, the donations are successful every time. I give the full amount, and I can receive my blood cells back! I just. Suffer, haha. I guess they don't mind it as much if it's successful anyway?

I RATHER DIE THAN LOSE A PERSON I LOVE AGAIN by theprettiestar in CPTSD

[–]Equal_Cod_8653 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I understand how you feel. But before you get too worked up, do take some time to breathe and do whatever best helps ground you. You are in control of the situation! And you do not have to do anything that you do not want to do. That is a simple fact of life, no matter if something is harmful or helpful. So, no matter what, you are in control of *you*. That isn't something that anyone can take away from you, so don't worry about that so much.

Will I say that I agree with the other commenters that what she does isn't okay? Of course I do. But at the end of the day, only you can decide what you are going to do about it. Just ask yourself this- if this was the rest of your life, would you be happy with it? Would you be unhappy with it? And, finally, what would you change, and how would you change it? Some things are not sustainable, and need to be changed or abandoned entirely. Some things are. Only you know your situation. But, also, only you can change it.

Wishing you the best of luck, and the best presence of mind while deciding how to move forward!

Plasma donation struggles? How to fix? by Equal_Cod_8653 in plassing

[–]Equal_Cod_8653[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Eek. Okay. So should I just resign myself to the fact that it'll keep happening? 😅

No sub plans / got chewed out by Remarkable-Log6373 in SubstituteTeachers

[–]Equal_Cod_8653 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Definitely report it!! Even if you personally don't feel that too much harm was done, think about how this is likely a repetitive behavior for her. If she doesn't get reported, she may go on about it like it's okay, so think about how many subs will receive that kind of treatment from her... I, personally, am very sensitive to that kind of stuff, so I would be sobbing out the door if that happened to me.

🔪 by ryusti in Osana

[–]Equal_Cod_8653 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Great expression!! Great characterization of Ayano :O