Alisa's Neck Surgery Fund

I have no idea where to start.  I am a United States Air Force Veteran (1998-2004) and I currently work in Law Enforcement (2006-present). I sustained my neck injury as a result of domestic violence. The abuse has caused me to have issues with my neck most of my adult life. I have sought relief through chiropractic care and massage thinking that was enough. I thought I was taking care of myself. It seems the older I get the less it would help. The pain continued and became more frequent. I finally started asking why and did some research into my pain instead of just dealing with it.  I do not think anyone in life should have to deal with pain or manage it. 

I had an MRI done and turns out I have three bulged discs, bone spurs, arthritis and nerve compression in my C-Spine. I endure a lot of headaches and sometimes migraines which cause me to miss work.  I also experience chronic numbness in my arms which causes me to drop things or not have strength in my grip. Some days, I cannot even turn my head one way or the other.
 
So I started looking for a solution.  I did a lot of research and have decided to have my procedure done at the Laser Spine Institute in Tampa, FL.  I do have health insurance through work but the Laser Spine Institute is out of network and they require $5,000.00 up front just to schedule the surgery and $250.00 for the diagnostic testing to be completed to determine the complete extent of the damage and what needs to be done.  If it were something simple, I would not not be set so on where I want to go.  This scares me to death because this is my neck we are talking about and I do not want just anyone operating on me.

I will be out of work for three weeks after the procedure and will have to ask people for help with things around the house, grocery shopping and driving.  I have never been one to ask for help because I am too stubborn and for anyone who knows me, knows just how stubborn I can be.

So I guess that is me and my current situation in a nutshell.  Thank you for stopping by and letting me share my story with you.