MY STORY...

Hi - I’m Robin. In March of 2023, I slipped and fell while grocery shopping in a store close to my house in Tampa, Florida. I was knocked unconscious and, when I came to, was being attended to by grocery store employees. I do not remember falling nor much of the incident other than finally being helped to a bench in the store.

I knew that I had obviously hit my head on the floor and that my shoulder was also hurting, but hard-headed fool that I am, I refused medical treatment and drove myself home.

The next day, I was hurting significantly more and decided to go to the hospital. Upon being examined and undergoing x-rays and a CAT scan, it was determined that I had a concussion and clavicle (collarbone) fracture. I was released with a shoulder sling and was ordered to bed rest and to begin physical therapy in two weeks.

While recuperating and starting therapy, I noticed that I was experiencing a great deal of pain in my lower back. I had a pretty large bruise there after my fall and attributed the pain to being “just a bad bruise.” When the pain continued to persist, I scheduled another appointment to get my lower back scanned. The images revealed that I had fractured two lower vertebrae.

I was referred to an orthopedic doctor for treatment and underwent vertebroplasty - a procedure in which a special cement was injected into my fractured vertebrae - with the goal of relieving my spinal pain and restoring my mobility. After the procedure and many weeks of physical therapy, it was determined that I would probably only have 25% mobility in my lower back. After living with this condition and pain for many months I decided to speak with my orthopedic doctor to determine what options were available to me.

We determined that my best option was to undergo spinal fusion surgery, where he would place bone or a bonelike material in the space between the spinal bones. Metal plates, screws, and rods would hold the bones together so that they can then can fuse and heal as one bone.

I underwent a this 4+ hour procedure on Monday, October 28, 2024. I was hospitalized and released to go home on Thursday, October 31st. The aftercare will require many months of wearing a special back brace, while also participating in extensive physical therapy.

While I do have Medicare insurance, it only covers a portion of the $500,000+ procedure and subsequent rehabilitation costs. The bills are already starting to come in and I don't have the funds to cover them nor pay for the continuing rehabilitation costs. I am permanently disabled and have limited income available to cover these costs and am asking for your help in managing these expenses.

Any little bit helps, but if you're unable, please keep me in your thoughts and prayers for a speedy and healthy recovery. And please share my story if you’re able and willing!

Thank you for hearing my request and God bless you!!

Robin Leigh Cahill

Tampa, Florida

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