Hi everyone,

Sorry to have to do this but I think I need to. After being hospitalised last week for what I'm told was an almost life threatening bowel perforation and infection (as well as a recently discovered ulcer), I've been forced to take time out of my contractor role to recover in hospital. Contractor roles, unlike permanent full time roles, don't generally have things like sick pay to help in situations like this, meaning my income is likely to be diminished at months end.

The doctors are still unsure on when I'll be able to return home and this is time I'll be spending not working, not gaining income. They've said their best guess is that I might be able to go home at the end of this week, but it depends how much my condition improves. I feel better but there's still some things that are causing concerns for them, and I need to wait for a series of tests to take place.

My previous savings were depleted after a few months of unemployment, otherwise I wouldn't be asking for help - but I'm a little scared of the prospect of not working and having zero savings in my pocket to help cover rent, bills, etc when I get out. On top of this, my partner was made redundant last Monday, and this has added to our stress.

I don't really know how much to ask for - I don't want to be greedy or anything, I hate asking people for money for my own benefit, but being sat in a hospital bed having not been allowed to eat or take my medication since Wednesday, I'm starting to go a little mad with things. I've tried to work out what I'd be missing from the time I'm expected to be out, but anything that people kindly give will be used to help me get back on my feet once discharged and not fall behind with essential bills

Thank you, if anyone can help, I appreciate it, and I'm sorry I've had to ask like this. There might be a hole in my bowel but I don't want to cause a hole in your wallet. No ulcer-ior motive. (Sorry, I had to default to a joke at the end)