After years of dealing with pain, having surgery for both endometriosis and the removal of an ovarian cyst, experiencing at times horrific neuropathy, inflammation that was causing high blood pressure and other issues, and becoming stressed and depressed from it all, I finally have a diagnosis that should completely address my pain. I have severe spinal stenosis (the nerve in the spine is being compressed), severe degenerative facet disease (facets are similar to discs, and are being worn away), and four herniated discs, all in my lumbar region. I also have moderate subluxation of the L4 to L5 disc (it's out of alignment from the others), and foraminal stenosis (the nerves that branch off of the nerve in the spine are also being encroached upon). There are issues in the cervical region of my spine as well, but we haven't even looked at those yet. The symptoms aren't just in my spine either. I have hip and leg pain and weakness, bladder and bowel issues, balance problems, headaches, a thumping tinnitus in my right ear, and nerve pain in my right arm. I sincerely thought this was an auto-immune problem because of the symptoms I've been experiencing.

I'm both relieved to have answers and nervous since all of this has to do with nerves and the spine. We started with steroid injections (at nearly $500 for the copay) hoping for some alleviation of the pain. I initially felt some pain relief but didn't even get two weeks of relief before the nerve pain came bursting through again (though the shots are supposed to provide months of pain relief). I'm going to physical therapy weekly as well, and have had countless doctors appointments just to get to this point. All of this is adding up to a significant financial burden, and I haven't even scheduled surgery yet. I will be meeting with my doctor on Monday to discuss surgical options, and will hopefully be scheduling my surgery shortly thereafter.

I'm asking for help now because I know I'm not in the financial position to pay for this surgery, but I desperately need it. Every spare dime has gone towards copays and medications as has any available credit I have. I don't know the exact cost now, so my estimate is modest. I spent approximately $2000 on my outpatient procedure last year. This one will include at least an overnight stay, and I'm reading 1-4 days in the hospital. I will also be out of work for weeks, and my sick leave is gone. I still have some vacation time remaining, but that is slowly being chipped away by doctors appointments, therapy, and my recent procedures.

Please, if you are able, consider donating. And please share this fundraiser if you are so willing. Thank you.