Back Surgery For Connie Elias
Donation protected
Diagnosed 16 years ago at the young age of 42 with Parkinson’s disease – a progressive nervous system disorder that conventional medicine has not yet found a cure for - Connie was told by specialists that she would be wheelchair bound within 10 years. Through God’s gracious provision and a tireless pursuit of natural health and alternative treatments, Jake and Connie have managed to significantly slow the onset of her Parkinson’s and have been able to cut back on the prescription drugs (with their often challenging side-effects) provided for short-to-mid term symptom management.
Over the past few years, pain in Connie’s back and legs has been growing steadily worse and in recent months has become crippling, affecting everything from sleep to mobility and even at times her ability to drive. Though they questioned whether the pain was a symptom of the Parkinson’s or something unrelated, it appeared she may finally be wheelchair bound regardless. Through a series of recent appointments and an MRI with her doctors to try to address the pain, it was finally confirmed that the pain was not directly related to her Parkinson’s after all. As it turns out, along with Parkinson’s, Connie is suffering from 5 seriously compressed discs in her lower spine – which are very likely the primary source of her current excruciating pain and immobility.
Being aware of the lack of specialized back surgeries and the long wait times in Canada, Jake and Connie began to research other options. While Germany is the country that first comes to mind for many when they hear ‘back surgery’, Jake and Connie ended up with a referral to a well-reputed clinic in Florida with high success rates. Instead of full disc replacement, they use a specialized laser treatment to re-shape the bone(s) in a way that takes pressure off the nerves – which is a highly effective but far less invasive (and less expensive) treatment option for certain conditions. Given Connie’s ongoing health considerations and the excruciating back pain she currently has, travel over-seas coupled with the highly invasive nature and long rehabilitation from disc replacement was just not an option.
Details proceeded to fall into place very quickly, and within a matter of weeks Jake and Connie were on the plane to Florida. As of this initial post, they are in Florida awaiting surgery on Thursday November 4, hopeful for relief and a return to ‘normal’ where they can focus again on slowing the progression of Parkinson’s as they enjoy time with their family and grandchildren and, free once again from the wheelchair, are able to take joy in the little things we so easily take for granted.
The surgery and related medical expenses will cost Jake and Connie $23,000 USD out of pocket (not covered by our Canadian health care or insurance), plus flights, accommodations for 10 days, etc. as well. This is on top of an already significant financial burden they have carried in pursuit of effective but often expensive natural health and alternative treatments to slow the progression of Connie’s Parkinson’s disease ($100,000+ since her diagnosis).
For those who know Jake and Connie and have been impacted by them in some way over the years (we know it’s many of you!!) and have the means to do so, we ask that you dig deep and give generously in support of Connie’s health and their ability to continue the fight. They also covet your prayers, words of encouragement, friendship, and support as they continue this journey.
Thank You from the bottom of our hearts -
Chris & Becky Elias, Steve & Candida Elias, Cindy & Adam Jarvis, Brad & Sheriesse Elias
(Families listed left-to-right in photograph)
Over the past few years, pain in Connie’s back and legs has been growing steadily worse and in recent months has become crippling, affecting everything from sleep to mobility and even at times her ability to drive. Though they questioned whether the pain was a symptom of the Parkinson’s or something unrelated, it appeared she may finally be wheelchair bound regardless. Through a series of recent appointments and an MRI with her doctors to try to address the pain, it was finally confirmed that the pain was not directly related to her Parkinson’s after all. As it turns out, along with Parkinson’s, Connie is suffering from 5 seriously compressed discs in her lower spine – which are very likely the primary source of her current excruciating pain and immobility.
Being aware of the lack of specialized back surgeries and the long wait times in Canada, Jake and Connie began to research other options. While Germany is the country that first comes to mind for many when they hear ‘back surgery’, Jake and Connie ended up with a referral to a well-reputed clinic in Florida with high success rates. Instead of full disc replacement, they use a specialized laser treatment to re-shape the bone(s) in a way that takes pressure off the nerves – which is a highly effective but far less invasive (and less expensive) treatment option for certain conditions. Given Connie’s ongoing health considerations and the excruciating back pain she currently has, travel over-seas coupled with the highly invasive nature and long rehabilitation from disc replacement was just not an option.
Details proceeded to fall into place very quickly, and within a matter of weeks Jake and Connie were on the plane to Florida. As of this initial post, they are in Florida awaiting surgery on Thursday November 4, hopeful for relief and a return to ‘normal’ where they can focus again on slowing the progression of Parkinson’s as they enjoy time with their family and grandchildren and, free once again from the wheelchair, are able to take joy in the little things we so easily take for granted.
The surgery and related medical expenses will cost Jake and Connie $23,000 USD out of pocket (not covered by our Canadian health care or insurance), plus flights, accommodations for 10 days, etc. as well. This is on top of an already significant financial burden they have carried in pursuit of effective but often expensive natural health and alternative treatments to slow the progression of Connie’s Parkinson’s disease ($100,000+ since her diagnosis).
For those who know Jake and Connie and have been impacted by them in some way over the years (we know it’s many of you!!) and have the means to do so, we ask that you dig deep and give generously in support of Connie’s health and their ability to continue the fight. They also covet your prayers, words of encouragement, friendship, and support as they continue this journey.
Thank You from the bottom of our hearts -
Chris & Becky Elias, Steve & Candida Elias, Cindy & Adam Jarvis, Brad & Sheriesse Elias
(Families listed left-to-right in photograph)
Organizer
Adam Jarvis
Organizer
Steinbach, MB