Because of severe personal problems I can no longer work and have to take care of my sister who is dying from colon cancer. I used up my IRA and paid a lot of taxes on it. It came to a point where I couldn't pay my credit cards. I immediately stopped using them and paid what I could. The credit card companies wanted me to pay more but I didn't have the money to pay so they turned my account over to collection companies.

I've tried talking to them but they just want their money. I do understand that but I have nothing to sell, no car, I do not own a home or an apartment, I have nothing but a dying sister and shoes with holes in them. I'm trying to save up money so I can get a new pair. This is the truth.

Does anyone know how long the collection companies can come after me and what they can do to me? Would filing for bankruptcy help me?