Support Suzy's BACK-UP Plan: Fundraiser for Spine Surgery

Well, it's not exactly how I envisioned ringing in my 60th year on the planet, that's for sure! You must be wondering about the neck hardware and lovely accompanying scar --- well, let me see if I can clarify! N

Erick and I were on WBL and had just pulled him waterskiing behind the Ski Nautique. He took over driving privileges, and we hit a pretty big wave that sent a shock down my entire body when I landed back in the seat. Felt like I got struck by lightning. Pins and needles sensations from head to toe -- like when your leg falls asleep -- only my whole body! Freaky, to say the least! After a few moments, the feeling returned to my legs, but not really my arms or hands. Thought I had just pinched a nerve or something. This lack of sensation did not resolve itself, so I went to see my ortho-guy at Tria. They did a CT scan but wanted more info, so ordered an MRI for a couple of days later. Before I could get to the MRI, the feeling went away from my legs, so I traveled to Tria Urgent Care to see wtf was happening. Dr. Dude was pretty funny. Took a look at my CT scan and said, "You let me do the worrying for you." Um, what?? Then slapped a soft cervical collar on me. Came back a few moments later and said, "We need you to go to the ER at Regions right now and have called ahead..." Again, Um, what??

My amazing sister-in-law Trudee came and picked me up from Tria, and off we went. People, please hear me when I say, do not go to any ER on a Friday....just sayin'. 11 hours later, after another CT scan and a full spine MRI lasting 1.75 hours, no food or water, and no sign of meeting with the doctor in sight, we were ready to get the f*** out of that circus! Crazy Town. Did see the neurosurgeon's PA, who said something about spinal cord signal break, but nothing that made sense at the time.

Fast forward to Tuesday, August 20, 2024 -- meeting with the Neurosurgeon (Dr. Angelique Ruff -- goes by Angel! yay) who rounded up our discussion with, "I'd like to admit you today and do surgery tomorrow." Um, what? Looking at Trudee, both speechless at this point, wondering if we were going to go out of town for Mom's 94th birthday trip to North Dakota -- when Angel piped in and said, "You're not going anywhere." So into the hospital I went for emergency spine surgery. A laminectomy at C1/C2 -- hence the lovely scar. There were 2 bones (C1/C2) that got crossed from the wave and were pinching and bruising my spinal cord, which in that particular area is where sensation and proprioception are along the spinal cord.

The hospital staff was amazing, and they took great care of me while I was in for 6 days. Pain management was the stickler, but we finally figured it out. I've been home for a few weeks, but unable to lift anything, do laundry (gee darn), or drive....which has been annoying at best!

Thinking that this had cured the issue but has not. Still having loss of sensation in arms, hands, legs, and feet still. Returned for more MRIs and CT Scans and have an upcoming neurosurgeon visit in a few days to find out next steps.

Why do I have this GoFundMe set up? Well, because insurance isn't what it used to be and from the fabulous people at HealthPartners, sold me a snake-oil policy that didn't cover sh**. Some stuff covered, some not. Doctor is covered when in hospital, but not when at the other HealthPartners facility -- considered out of network so have to pay out of pocket. The deductible for that particular out of pocket is $20,000.00 of which I have hit and then some. So far billed up to $22,614.67 that is my responsibility. Um, what?

So asking for help from friends and family since I do not know how much higher this will go nor how long before this is resolved.

Anything that you can give is GREATLY appreciated and is very humbling. Thank you for your support and love.