12/30 Update: I have been home for 3 days now, and continue to heal and recover from my surgery. Some days are easier than others, obviously, and I'm still weak on my right side (after having the lumbar drain removed) and have a continual moderate "spinal headache" to deal with. I'm under strict orders to avoid any lifting, strenous physical activity, etc. I tire very easily, and take a couple of naps every day. Even going downstairs to my building's lobby to pick up my mail wears me out. I'll see the ENT surgeon this coming Tuesday (1/2) for my first follow-up appointment.

12/23 Update: The surgery went well, though longer than expected. Total time was just under 5 hours. I appear to have dodged a bullet, as it was reported that my craniospinal pressure was quite high when the neurosurgeon placed the lumbar drain. I'm in ICU for today and tomorrow for monitoring. If all goes well, I'll be moved to a regular ward on Christmas Day, once the lumbar drain has been successfully and safely removed. My hospital stay has therefore been extended by a few days, which means I will not be able to return to work until after New Year's Day. I am increasing my original goal by $500, just to be safe. Mahalo to each and every one of you (complete strangers, even!) who have generously donated so far. Words are simply not enough to express my most sincere gratitude! Be safe and merry this holiday season, each and every one.

**********

Aloha. Almost 5 years ago, I nearly died from a bout with bacterial meningitis. I was in hospital for a month, and out of work for over 4 months. We never were able to figure out the cause of the infection...until now.

Several weeks ago, I started to experience a nasal drip very similar to one I'd had for about a month or so prior to my illness in 2019. I immediately requested a referral to see an ENT specialist, and after several tests and an in-person visit, it was determined that I have a leak of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from my sphenoid sinus. CSF coats, nourishes, and protects the brain and the brainstem, and it's not supposed to be coming out of my nose. There is apparently a hole in the bone that separates the brain from the sphenoid sinus, and a bit of my brain also seems to be pushing its way through that hole (herniating itself, essentially).

When I met with the ENT specialist a week ago, he told me that I would need corrective surgery, and as soon as possible because of the high risk of developing meningitis again. And, because of my history of illness, this procedure will be done as inpatient rather than as outpatient. My surgery is scheduled for this Friday, December 22, and I will be spending the Christmas weekend in the hospital for observation.

While we are in a slowdown at work (normal for this time of year), I have no idea what my recovery period is going to look like. The surgeon says that I will be on restricted activity for the first month (no lifting, no strenuous activity, no swimming, etc.), and then the 2nd and 3rd month will be gradually less restrictive. Because I now work 100% from home, I'm not too concerned about not being able to work...but, with the way things are these days, one never knows.

I'm asking for $1,000 just to provide myself with a cushion/safety net in case I'm not able to do as much as I hope to. This might include expenses like food, personal care items, and incidental bills. Any help that you are able to provide, no matter the amount, will be greatly appreciated. A hui hou.

Miriam