Betsy's Spinal Surgery

Betsy is a hard-working mom and compassionate veterinarian who does not like asking for help. Since her injury in 2007, her neuropathic pain has become unmanageable resulting in a constant electrocuting pain in her legs. Since her pain started, she has been to countless doctors, tried physical therapy, acupuncture, multiple pain medications, had a spinal cord stimulator implanted, and a failed spine surgery in 2022. Her pain is debilitating.

After this failed surgery and now being maxed out on multiple medications, Betsy and her parents traveled across the country to two of the top spinal hospitals in the world to figure out what to do next. The doctors she met referred her to a neurosurgeon, Dr. Falci, who specializes in an intensive surgery for neuropathic pain called DREZ (Dorsal Root Entry Zone Microcoagulation). He treated a similar patient who had no quality of life due to the severity of her pain. After the surgery, that patient now has zero pain.

Dr. Falci’s consultation confirmed Betsy is the perfect candidate for the surgery with an 85% chance she will have zero to very little pain afterwards. During this 12 hour surgery, the doctor will isolate and destroy the overactive sensory neurons causing the electrocuting pain in her legs. Her surgery is scheduled in Denver at Dr. Falci’s Institute for Spinal Cord Injuries, on March 28, 2024. Betsy will need to stay in the hospital for two weeks for recovery, and then intensive rehab at home.

Betsy’s insurance denied coverage for any part of this surgery, despite months of dedicated time, phone calls, additional insurance plan purchases and appeals. The surgery alone is estimated to cost at least $60,000 out of pocket. Betsy is a fighter but has an uphill battle. She is devastated to be across the country, away from her children and her support system. We want to help raise funds to lower the out of pocket cost Betsy pays. We appreciate any amount you can donate!

These funds will go toward: essential travel, pre-op, post-op, medication, anesthesia, surgery.

If you want to read more about the surgery, view this website:

https://falcispinalcord.com/services/spinal-cord-injury-neuropathic-pain.dot