Aiding a Nurse's Battle with Pseudotumor

Hi everyone,

For the past eight years, I've been privileged to serve as a registered nurse, pouring my heart into caring for others. I’ve not only administered essential medications but also offered friendship and advocacy to my patients. Nursing is not just my job – it’s my passion and calling.

On June 14th, my life took an unexpected and devastating turn when I was diagnosed with pseudotumor cerebri. The hospital sent me home with this frightening diagnosis but no real guidance on what to do next. Since then, I've been trapped in a downward spiral of debilitating symptoms. Every day, I struggle with severe dizziness, making it hard to tell up from down. I now rely on a walker to get around because my balance is so off. Blurred vision and relentless migraines have become my new normal, and my head feels unbearably heavy, making it difficult to focus on even the simplest tasks.

(UPDATE 12/11/24) I recently had an MRI that showed a mass in my pineal gland. Turns out, it’s been there for a while, as it was visible in my previous scans too. But none of the reports mentioned it, and now my symptoms have gotten a lot worse. So my diagnosis of Pseudotomor Cerebri may not be so "Pseudo" after all. Honestly, it’s been a tough pill to swallow, but I’m trying to take it one step at a time.

My neurologist referred me to Dr. Sunil Patel at MUSC in South Carolina because he specializes in treating and removing these kinds of masses. I’m hopeful, but getting there is going to be a big challenge.

Lately, life has been really hard. I’m dealing with constant vertigo, dizziness, weakness/pain and vision problems that make it hard to get through the day. I’ve started physical therapy to help with my balance and endurance, but I still need a rollator and an arm crutch to get around. I’m trying to work part-time (2-3 infusions a week), but it’s been really tough to manage.

I’m reaching out again for your support. My GoFundMe is to help with medical and personal expenses, as well as the travel costs to South Carolina for my first appointment with the neurosurgeon. If you’re able to donate or EVEN JUST SHARE MY STORY, it would mean the world to me.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read my story and for any support you can provide. It means more to me than words can express.