Help pay for my third spine surgery
Donation protected
You can not see my wounds or what causes my pain. I don't know if you know anybody with chronic pain, but it is something that is always there. In my case, chronic pain has taken almost everything from me. My wife, my family, many of my friends, my job and many of the things I enjoyed doing.
In July of 2012 I was traveling for business when it hit me. A pain I had never experienced before. Nerve pain that no matter what I did, would not let up. It starts in my neck and moves all the way down my left arm. I have lost significant strength in my left arm and hand. I have not worked in over a year.
Last October a surgeon performed a surgery that was supposed to give me relief. Maybe even allow me to return to doing things I love. Such as my job as a senior security engineer. Such as running and mountain biking. Riding my motorcycle, hunting and fishing. Unfortunately, the surgery was unsuccessful. I remained in pain. All the time, every minute of every day.
Until January of 2013, I forced myself through the pain to work from home for my job. I worked through the pain, trying to contribute and be a part of my team. In January I realized that working and putting extra stress on my body was making my condition worse. I was put on disability leave from my job.
My condition continued to stay the same or get worse. Despite repeatedly complaining and asking for help, my doctor did nothing but put me on all kinds of extremely strong medicine in attempt to make me comfortable. Unfortunately, the medication comes with a cost as well.
In July my short term disability benefit expired. I applied for, but was denied long term disability benefits. Largely because my doctor did not appropriately fill out paperwork for the insurance company. I was faced with starting over. Finding new doctors and starting an appeal process.
In September I was fired from my job of 10+ years. The company decided they felt that allowing me to continue on unpaid leave, even though I was not on payroll anymore, was not in the company's best interest. My health benefits were cancelled immediately and I was offered to elect for COBRA benefits. Of course, at significant cost.
All my life I have been the person that has helped raise money for charities. I have helped my church and motorcycle riding club raise money for local charities and St. Jude Children's Hospital. In November of 2012, even though I was still recovering from a surgery on my spine, I single handedly organized a donation effort to help support survivors of Hurricane Sandy on Long Island, NY. Ultimately I made two trips totaling 14,000 pounds of goods and supplies.
Now I am doing the most difficult thing I have ever been faced with. I am asking for help. I may be granted long term disability benefits, but it will take time. I am out of money and faced with another surgery in two weeks, insurance premiums, medication costs and other living expenses. I know times are difficult for everyone, but if you can spare even a few dollars, I would be eternally grateful. Please help me pay for my third spinal surgery and related medical and living costs.
Even if you do not have the means to give financially, I would ask that you share my story. Ultimately, I hope to write a book about coping with chronic pain. Telling my story and helping give hope to others fighting invisible wounds.
God bless you and thank you for taking time to read my story and share it with others you know.
In July of 2012 I was traveling for business when it hit me. A pain I had never experienced before. Nerve pain that no matter what I did, would not let up. It starts in my neck and moves all the way down my left arm. I have lost significant strength in my left arm and hand. I have not worked in over a year.
Last October a surgeon performed a surgery that was supposed to give me relief. Maybe even allow me to return to doing things I love. Such as my job as a senior security engineer. Such as running and mountain biking. Riding my motorcycle, hunting and fishing. Unfortunately, the surgery was unsuccessful. I remained in pain. All the time, every minute of every day.
Until January of 2013, I forced myself through the pain to work from home for my job. I worked through the pain, trying to contribute and be a part of my team. In January I realized that working and putting extra stress on my body was making my condition worse. I was put on disability leave from my job.
My condition continued to stay the same or get worse. Despite repeatedly complaining and asking for help, my doctor did nothing but put me on all kinds of extremely strong medicine in attempt to make me comfortable. Unfortunately, the medication comes with a cost as well.
In July my short term disability benefit expired. I applied for, but was denied long term disability benefits. Largely because my doctor did not appropriately fill out paperwork for the insurance company. I was faced with starting over. Finding new doctors and starting an appeal process.
In September I was fired from my job of 10+ years. The company decided they felt that allowing me to continue on unpaid leave, even though I was not on payroll anymore, was not in the company's best interest. My health benefits were cancelled immediately and I was offered to elect for COBRA benefits. Of course, at significant cost.
All my life I have been the person that has helped raise money for charities. I have helped my church and motorcycle riding club raise money for local charities and St. Jude Children's Hospital. In November of 2012, even though I was still recovering from a surgery on my spine, I single handedly organized a donation effort to help support survivors of Hurricane Sandy on Long Island, NY. Ultimately I made two trips totaling 14,000 pounds of goods and supplies.
Now I am doing the most difficult thing I have ever been faced with. I am asking for help. I may be granted long term disability benefits, but it will take time. I am out of money and faced with another surgery in two weeks, insurance premiums, medication costs and other living expenses. I know times are difficult for everyone, but if you can spare even a few dollars, I would be eternally grateful. Please help me pay for my third spinal surgery and related medical and living costs.
Even if you do not have the means to give financially, I would ask that you share my story. Ultimately, I hope to write a book about coping with chronic pain. Telling my story and helping give hope to others fighting invisible wounds.
God bless you and thank you for taking time to read my story and share it with others you know.
Organizer
Dave Stoll
Organizer
Herndon, VA
