I'm Emma and I'm 38 years old and live in the SW of the UK. I'm someone who has always been very independent, driven and hardwording from an early age and working a full time job and second job on the side in recent years. I love to laugh, to be a positive energy and have a sunny disposition in life.

Up until July, I've been in good health, fit and very able. From July 2024, I noticed some concerns with my physical health, particularly in my upper body and with symptoms of extreme fatigue, pain and discomfort. Since September, I'd researched and would say to doctors that I was concerned that I had a condition called thoracic outlet syndrome.

Sadly it took up to 6 months to get to this diagnosis due to the often being dismissed or unheard by medical professionals. After countless visits to the emergency room, and GP visits, I started to go to see private medical professions to try and rule out heart conditions (thankfully my heart is fine). In short, I've had countless consultations, x rays, CT scans, MRI scans, physio, acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic costs totalling nearly £5,000 of private medical costs thus far.

Ultimately, my persistence and continually advocating for myself has led to my diagnosis of the rare type of thoracic outlet syndrome (ATOS, VTOS & NTOS) which is compression of the artery, veins and nerves in my upper body bilaterally (both sides). This also has also caused autonomic dysfynction such as over-exagerrated heart rate and circulatory problems.

In layman's terms, TOS is essentially where my circulation is compressed or cut off in my upper body on both sides. It causes daily discomfort to severe chest pain, circulatory problems, weakness in my hands and arms, and discomfort in my neck and chest. It can cause blood clots which could be life threatening.

I am managing to work however my social life has taken a hit and it's been the most physically and mentally challenging thing I've ever been through.

I'm now coming up to 9 months into this and continuing to seek support from medical professions both in the NHS and privately where possible to try and get the best possible care.

I'm working through physio currently, with the potential to have up to two TOS decompression surgeries (one side at a time) in the coming months / years.

Unfortunately, high volume TOS surgeons are hard to come by in the UK and so I'm looking into my options both privately and within the public sector care system.

Whilst this is a physically, mentally and emotionally challenging time, it is difficult to also have the financial worry trying to get the best possible care. Similarly, whilst I am working two jobs, it isn't possible for me to work any more than I am to fund these costs, and I'm potentially causing further exhaustion and physical challenges by overworking.

With your donation, I hope to be able to receive the best possible care in the hopes of having the best possible outcome for recovery or significant improvement to symptoms and my quality of life. This may lessen the financial burden and create some respite for me during this time.

I thank you for your kindness and generosity. It means so very much xx