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Hey friends and family. In March of this year while visiting Daniel’s parents in Panama we took a horseback ride (my first ever) on the beach where I rode a horse galloping across the sand for some time. (The photo above was taken on that trip before the horseback ride.) The next morning I had severe pain and difficulty walking. I saw a doctor there who suggested I continue with some chiropractic treatment when I got back to the states. Back in the US I continued to see several chiropractors, an acupuncturist, and a physical therapist. Some thought it was my piriformis muscle or my sacrum. But no matter the amount of rest or stretching the pain only got worse. Eventually over the summer I received an MRI and consulted with an spine surgeon after finding out the issue was actually with my spine. I have a 4-5mm herniated disc on my L5 S1 that is pressing directly onto the nerve root in my left leg causing extreme pain and inflammation.
Through this whole ordeal I have not had health insurance. Ive had to continue to work my personal assisting job which is fairly physical (cleaning, shopping, laundry, errands etc) to be able to pay cash for each treatment I received. I also started to drive for postmates and babysit to earn extra cash to pay for treatment. When that wasn’t enough Daniel, my family (hey mom hey dad) and even my boss have contributed financially to helping me heal my back. In August a dear friend (Holly) put me in touch with a reputable spine surgeon in Glendale, CA. He suggested I exhaust all options before considering surgery. So that is what I did. I continued aggressively with acupuncture, spinal decompression therapy, massage, hot and cold compresses, lots of rest, supplements, anti inflammatory diet, PT, oral steroids, CBD, you name it. I even tried meditation, reiki, hypnosis, and psychic surgery!!! The final and last option was an epidural steroid shot which I have had 2 of in the past two weeks and have not received any relief.
At this point I need a minimally invasive surgery called a posterior lumbar microdiscectomy. Its a same day surgery but involves general anesthesia and about a 4 week recovery time. The surgery would remove the part of the disc that is compressing my nerve and spinal canal. Through prayer, some angelic energy in the universe and the kind referral of my friend Holly, this surgeon has offered to completely waive his fee and perform my microdiscectomy costing me only the fees for the anesthesiologist and the medical facility! This will be about 6-7,000 dollars. (I will also need some blood work and some X-rays done before the surgery is performed)
This type of surgery isn’t covered under medi-cal or hmo insurance. (Im not eligable for medi-cal and open enrollment for other insurance doesn’t begin coverage until Jan 2019) Since about August I haven’t been able to drive for postmates to earn extra money because of the pain caused by sitting. The 8+ months of treatment have left me with no savings or financial padding at this point. I will also still need to pay my rent and feed myself during my 4 weeks of post op recovery.
My closest friends have witnessed this journey but to others I have been fairly quiet about it all. As a performer it’s not a good look to hire someone who is suffering from a spinal injury. Also I kept having hope that one of the treatments one day would make an impact. My management even told me they would not submit me for anything until I was medically cleared by a doctor. (They have since dropped me during this process) To give you a peak into my world, normal daily activities are a major challenge for me. I have trouble putting my own pants and shoes on, shaving my legs, bending, sitting more than a few seconds or standing after sitting for a few minutes. I drive with a special decompression pillow in my car and I only wear special orthopedic sneakers. I can’t go do yoga or indoor cycling since March (something i used to do 3-4 times a week) or travel more than a few miles from home since sitting causes the most pain. I have to lay down several times during the day interrupting normal daily activities. This has been a real major life event and has given me much perspective on what’s most important in life. Our health and our loved ones. I’m so appreciative to anyone who has reached out during this process or sent me a text. I’m especially grateful to Dr. Dave Rogers and Holly Hyman my real life fairy godsister. Anything you can contribute means the world and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I know what it’s like to need every penny in your bank account, and I’m humbled by any contribution.
Break down of finances :
1,000 for anesthesiologist fee
5,000 for medical facility fee
500 for X-rays, and blood work needed before operation
1,500 to cover my rent, food, and car insurance the month I will be recovering and won't be able to work.
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