u/Top-Squirrel-3810

Hello i’m 20 years old, and feel so far behind in life. I got suddenly very sick at 17. I’ve always had health issues since i was a child that affect my abilities but nothing so severe until i was 17.

Since then i have been diagnosed with a plethora of things and it feels like it’s impossible to start my life. My biggest health issues that take the largest toll on me are Multiple sclerosis, POTS, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, and Gastroparesis.

I’ve tried working jobs but i never last long. My body just collapses on me, can’t keep up, and on top of my infusions every 6 months and the symptoms that come with it. My body just won’t with stand it and it sucks. I have tried multiple times for SSI but i get denied everytime because in their words “i’m not sick enough”.

I have no car, no savings, nothing. I’m wondering how do other people with chronic illness do it? I know it has to be somehow possible but it’s just so hard because i feel like it’s impossible to start my life and i don’t even feel like an adult. It’s also hard because i have to stay under income guidelines to keep my health insurance because i can’t even keep up with the co-pays now let alone pay full cost. I can’t rely on my parents because they’re struggling enough as it is.

I give so much credit and admiration to other people struggling with chronic illness that are stable on their feet and have started their lives. I’m just so lost on how to do it myself and i feel like no matter what i do i’ll never get to that point of “being an adult”. This is just a rant and looking for advice on how to financially get on my feet, just even enough to buy a cheap car and live a semi normal life like a 20 year old would