What's wrong with my handicapped fish?

Molly fish are great. I had bunches of them during college years. Look closely and see if there are any white spots near or around the gills or fins. If yes, it may be an illness. There is a bottle of medicated solution you can buy from the pet store and pour in the tank if have white spots. Ask the petstore worker where you can find it. Good luck.

Your molly has a swim bladder problem. They will occasionally (rarely) resolve on their own – there’s really nothing that I am aware of that you can do for her.

there is a long answer here. i know it is so tough to help fish and very frustrating.
i hope she gets better.

http://www.fluther.com/disc/5471/what-does-it-mean-when-a-gold-fish-sits-on-the/

Thought everyone should know the outcome of all this.

The fish was moved from the tank into a shallow bowl. It was shallow so she wouldn’t be so vertical all the time. I began drying some peas for her, but her first night in the bowl ended up being her last – she somehow jumped out. I had covered the bowl with a small dish towel, but it wasn’t enough.

I know fish are fish and the joke is they’re common and die often, but I was nonetheless pretty upset about the loss. Bad times. :(

But thanks again for all your help. I appreciate it.