Kara Murdock has faced many unimaginable challenges during the past three years.
Since she developed a blood clot a few years ago, the former paramedic and professional dog groomer has endured 15 surgeries and learned to survive without her right hand and forearm.
“I’ve had to restart from scratch,” Murdock said. “I can no longer perform my job duties … It’s changed my life so much, because driving — my license is on medical suspension. I’ve lost a lot of friends, because they don’t quite know how to interact with me. It’s changed my home life. Simple things I need help doing. It’s just — everything has changed.”
As she continued to seek medical attention, she found herself becoming addicted to opioids.
“Due to my surgeries, I obviously had to be on pain management. Unfortunately, my body became dependent on this — and there is a difference between physical addiction and mental addiction. Not everyone who becomes addicted to opioids is an addict. That’s a common misconception,” Murdock said. “I take Suboxone, which has helped me steer away from the opioids. Unfortunately, that medication is very expensive.”
The 27-year-old amputee has noticed that she’s been treated differently because of her addiction.
“Some of the challenges have been being judged by medical professionals, not getting to explain your story,” she said. “They look at your prescriptions and they say, ‘Oh, she’s addicted.’ Or ‘Oh, she’s playing the system.’ And it’s not always like that.”
Judgement from others isn’t the only side effect of her pain management medication.
It has also “degraded” Murdock’s teeth. To address the issue, she must have dental surgery.
“I’m at risk for a heart valve infection,” Murdock said. “It can be caused by tooth decay, and it’s a very urgent need for me to get these teeth pulled.”
Murdock, who doesn’t have health insurance and is ineligible for Medicaid, must raise $24,000 for the surgery.
To donate, visit the Care for Kara GoFundMe page.
