Solidarity to everyone struggling.
I'm 55.
Mum died from ovarian cancer during lockdown in 2020. Luckily in my home so we could be with her. It took two years of being dicked about on the Fodmap diet before an essentially accidental diagnosis by which time it was stage 4. Chemo crucified her.
In 2022 my DP died suddenly from what turned out to be metastised cancer only discovered at post mortem - there were symptoms but he put them down to lifestyle and thought the GP wouldn't take it seriously. His initial collapse was from a brain bleed, and he had asymptomatic Covid when admitted so he was transferred to another hospital for surgery and we were forbidden from visiting for two weeks. He managed one phone call with me (apparently on very good drugs) before his condition deteriorated due to a second massive bleed. I did spend the last three days at his side after they "pulled the plug" and he died after I'd nipped out to the loo for the first time in 10 hours.
Tried to keep our bricks and mortar retail business going but called it quits just before Christmas, in nearly 10 grands worth of debt.
Served section 21 in February as landlord is selling up. Have just had to tell the letting agents that I won't be leaving on the end date on advice of the council as I would be making myself intentionally homeless with nowhere to go. Won't pass credit checks, no guarantor and rent prices in my area are batshit even for a single room. Am packing up a house full of dead people's things and culling like crazy - there goes my life lock stock and barrel.
Am dependent on UC and appealing WRAG placement as not mentally able to contemplate a job at present, especially with no certainty of accommodation.
Have just been prescribed medication for high blood pressure due to stress (no shit Sherlock).
Currently have SM in local mental hospital since her longstanding issues or possible dementia have gone off a cliff. My 84 year old Dad is in poor physical health and stressed to the gills with worry. As an only child I'm their only advocate. SM will not allow me to move in with them even temporarily as she's paranoid I will steal her house - also I'm a big girl now and need to "sort myself out".Communication from hospital is dire and all wrapped up in patient rights and confidentiality yet we're being lined up as her carers. Beyond frustrating.
There's more but hey ho, it is what it is.
I have the sweetest cat though. Occasionally I think I should rename him Kleenex.
Survival out of spite is my new motto. Take that, Universe.