One Day at a Time
Donation protected
My name is Esther Dinkins and I have Spinal Stenosis. You are probaly asking yourself, what is Spinal Stenosis? That's what I said when I finally got diagnosed. Let me tell you my story....
I am a single parent to my daughter Char andmy two year old granddaughter, Genesis. At my church, I am Director of Fine Arts, pianist, and Choir Director. I also sing and conduct a non-denominational choir outside of church. In 2013 I began having pain in my left wrist; I attributed this to my jobs and my age. The doctor diagnosed it as carpal tunnel syndrome. I accepted the diagnosis and began the proper treatment; the pain got worse! My right wrist began to hurt and the pain started to travel up both arms. I was supposed to get a MRI due to pain I was having in my neck. A doctor friend of mine after hearing my symptoms diagnosed me she told me to stop driving and that I needed to have surgery. If I did not have surgery I would become paralyzed. The MRI confirmed her diagnosis; I had spinal stenosis. As the days progressed forward my condition got worse. I had lost the feeling in my hands and arms; they felt like bricks attached to my body no use. The pain was unbearable. I had also loss my sense of balance and some use of my legs. Simple things such as buttoning a shirt or turning a page I could no longer do. Being as though all my jobs required my hands I could not work. I went in to surgery earlier then planned due to the severity of my case. I was in the hospital for a month. I am still recovering. I still have nerve damage in my hands. During the time of my illness and now I am unable to work. We have exhausted all our savings as well as unemployment. Our plan was for Char to return to work and help with the bills. Unfortunately Char has been suffering from severe back pains. Going to physical therapy 3 times a week for over 6 months; the pain only got worse. She had an MRI done. They found a tumor in her spine; that would require surgery and a long recovery period. We have struggled financially, but were able to keep our heads above water. Yet problem after problems keep arising. The loss of our car and the impending loss of our home is why we are asking for help. Char has tried to work continue to work, but her health is declining She is walking, catching the train, and bus to work. There she stands all day while also teaching dance and group fitness. Char needs to have her surgery. Needless to say, we need help to acquire a vehicle and help with our bills. God continues to bless us.
I am a single parent to my daughter Char andmy two year old granddaughter, Genesis. At my church, I am Director of Fine Arts, pianist, and Choir Director. I also sing and conduct a non-denominational choir outside of church. In 2013 I began having pain in my left wrist; I attributed this to my jobs and my age. The doctor diagnosed it as carpal tunnel syndrome. I accepted the diagnosis and began the proper treatment; the pain got worse! My right wrist began to hurt and the pain started to travel up both arms. I was supposed to get a MRI due to pain I was having in my neck. A doctor friend of mine after hearing my symptoms diagnosed me she told me to stop driving and that I needed to have surgery. If I did not have surgery I would become paralyzed. The MRI confirmed her diagnosis; I had spinal stenosis. As the days progressed forward my condition got worse. I had lost the feeling in my hands and arms; they felt like bricks attached to my body no use. The pain was unbearable. I had also loss my sense of balance and some use of my legs. Simple things such as buttoning a shirt or turning a page I could no longer do. Being as though all my jobs required my hands I could not work. I went in to surgery earlier then planned due to the severity of my case. I was in the hospital for a month. I am still recovering. I still have nerve damage in my hands. During the time of my illness and now I am unable to work. We have exhausted all our savings as well as unemployment. Our plan was for Char to return to work and help with the bills. Unfortunately Char has been suffering from severe back pains. Going to physical therapy 3 times a week for over 6 months; the pain only got worse. She had an MRI done. They found a tumor in her spine; that would require surgery and a long recovery period. We have struggled financially, but were able to keep our heads above water. Yet problem after problems keep arising. The loss of our car and the impending loss of our home is why we are asking for help. Char has tried to work continue to work, but her health is declining She is walking, catching the train, and bus to work. There she stands all day while also teaching dance and group fitness. Char needs to have her surgery. Needless to say, we need help to acquire a vehicle and help with our bills. God continues to bless us.
Organizer
Esther Dinkins
Organizer
Willow Grove, PA
