LIMA — Tonia is an educated woman with multiple degrees and certifications, but recent health problems have made it difficult for the single mother of three to maintain a job.
She has been dealing with rheumatoid arthritis and blood clots for years, but a combination of stress, lack of sleep and nutritional issues have exacerbated these ailments and caused her to be in and out of the hospital nearly every month this year.
After being laid off from her job due to her position being eliminated, Tonia decided to go back to school to obtain her information technology certification. For her, it was a way to increase her chances of finding another profession.
For five months, Tonia went to school from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and spent hours at night doing homework, all while trying to raise three children.
She earned her IT certification, but it came with a price. Her health started to decline due to the stress she was putting on her body.
“The last time I was in the hospital was in October,” Tonia said. “I could hardly walk, I could hardly to do anything with my hands and arms. I had pain everywhere.”
Tonia is on medication to help ease her pain, but she still feels symptoms from her arthritis on a daily basis. Even sitting down or walking up the stairs can be painful experiences for Tonia.
With flares of crippling pain in her hands, Tonia is unsure how she will maintain a job in IT or any position that involves typing for hours a day.
“Not knowing how I’m gonna be the next morning keeps me from really doing anything,” she said. “I don’t know if my fingers are gonna work that day, or if I’ll have to go to the hospital again. I just can’t do a lot right now.”
Tonia hopes medication and eating a healthier diet will minimize her medical problems to the point where she can go back to work. Until that time, Tonia said she will try to provide the best life she can for her children.
“I’m thankful to be alive, I’m thankful for my children, and so I’ll suffer through all of it until it gets better,” she said. “I know that no matter what, God will supply all my needs.”
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