A grandfather's last hope
Donation protected
I am Caeden's Oupa. Like most grandparents, I feel strongly that my grandson is the light of my life. Since his birth, I have been diagnosed with Reflex Sympathetic Dsytrophy (RSD ) Syndrome. This syndrome causes chronic pain due to dysfunction of the central or peripheral nervous system.
In my case the pain was initiated by one unfortunate event. Over six years ago I was surf kayaking with my daughter at Island Beach State Park. A wave threw me off our kayak and sent the board hurdling through the water and into my lower spine. From that moment on I have experienced increasing pain. In fact, the pain is so horrific now, and felt all over my body, not just at the site of the initial wound. Even the slightest touch of water falling from a soft shower head is too much to bear.
At least last year, I was able to enjoy Christmas morning with Caeden while he opened his presents. Now each time he visits the most I see him is when he peeks his head into my bedroom to tell me he loves me or ask me if I am ok. I've tried almost everything from ketamine treatments, to spinal cord stimulators. These expensive treatments (uncovered by insurance) have cost us a small fortune, and led to debilitating financial stress.
I have one last hope - Ziconotide . It is toxin derived from a cone snail that was recently approved by the FDA as a treatment for severe and chronic pain. Despite the overwhelming pain associated with even the slightest move of my body, I have made it to the Doctor twice in the past month. He believes this treatment could work and would like to try directly injecting the toxins into my spine.
There are potentially very severe consequences associated with the medication, but I would take any one of them for the ability to pick my grandson up and hug him, or a chance to walk on the beach with my wife. Just a 50 percent reduction in my pain could make me a functional human being again.
Six thousand dollars in donations will help me cover a few trial months of this treatment. Ziconotide is my last chance at having a life again and would be a dream come true for me and my family. I will be eternally grateful for any donations to make our dream a reality.
In my case the pain was initiated by one unfortunate event. Over six years ago I was surf kayaking with my daughter at Island Beach State Park. A wave threw me off our kayak and sent the board hurdling through the water and into my lower spine. From that moment on I have experienced increasing pain. In fact, the pain is so horrific now, and felt all over my body, not just at the site of the initial wound. Even the slightest touch of water falling from a soft shower head is too much to bear.
At least last year, I was able to enjoy Christmas morning with Caeden while he opened his presents. Now each time he visits the most I see him is when he peeks his head into my bedroom to tell me he loves me or ask me if I am ok. I've tried almost everything from ketamine treatments, to spinal cord stimulators. These expensive treatments (uncovered by insurance) have cost us a small fortune, and led to debilitating financial stress.
I have one last hope - Ziconotide . It is toxin derived from a cone snail that was recently approved by the FDA as a treatment for severe and chronic pain. Despite the overwhelming pain associated with even the slightest move of my body, I have made it to the Doctor twice in the past month. He believes this treatment could work and would like to try directly injecting the toxins into my spine.
There are potentially very severe consequences associated with the medication, but I would take any one of them for the ability to pick my grandson up and hug him, or a chance to walk on the beach with my wife. Just a 50 percent reduction in my pain could make me a functional human being again.
Six thousand dollars in donations will help me cover a few trial months of this treatment. Ziconotide is my last chance at having a life again and would be a dream come true for me and my family. I will be eternally grateful for any donations to make our dream a reality.
Organizer
Melissa McHale
Organizer
Raleigh, NC