Carri Fjell Recovers: Help Them Walk Again

I was so excited to hear Carri was finally getting surgery. After waiting 18 months for a spinal decompression and fusion, they were finally going in. This was supposed to be the beginning of claiming their life back - instead, they lost their ability to walk.

Hi folks. My name is Talia Roberts, and I've been friends with Carri Fjell for over 15 years. They are someone I respect and admire, and they have been there to support me in many ways over the years. I know there are a lot of us who have been touched or impacted by having Carri in our lives. Right now, Carri needs us, so I am organizing this fundraiser to help them cover unexpected rehabilitation costs.

So What the Heck Happened?

Carri was in a car accident back in November 2019. After clearing up the initial whiplash injuries, they still had some pain and weakness in their right (dominant) arm. Carri continued with physiotherapy, but things got worse with their arm. The numb spots, zapping sensations, tingling, and pins and needles showed up in summer 2020. By early 2021, things had gotten bad enough they sought a referral to a pain management clinic. An MRI showed compression of the nerve root at C6/C7, and an EMG showed neuromuscular abnormalities.

Medication only made a dent in the pain. Carri spoke with a surgeon in September 2021 and spent the next 18 months waiting for a surgery date for a spinal decompression and fusion. During that year and a half, the pain continued to increase as functionality of their arm and hand decreased. They went on disability leave from their job in December 2021 due to the extreme pain and lowered cognition as a side effect from the medication.

On March 17, 2023, Carri went in for surgery. After surgery, it would likely take 6-12 months for the symptoms to subside if the surgery was a success. They were only supposed to stay in the hospital for a night or two. But when Carri went to get out of bed for the first time, severe tremors in their legs prevented them from standing. They also had significant dizziness and vision issues. The surgeon ordered several MRI and CT scans over the next few days, as well as enlisting colleagues to weigh in. But nothing on the imaging scans explained Carri's symptoms. The hardware was lined up and hadn't shifted. There wasn't a stroke. Several surgeons, neurologists, and orthopedic doctors kept seeking an answer, but nothing fit.

So What Next?

Carri is still in hospital, and is hoping for a transfer to a rehabilitation hospital. They will need to remain there for several weeks or months doing intensive rehab to regain their ability to walk. However, once released, they will still need additional physiotherapy. Their finances were already stretched to the limit living on a disability wage. Unless additional funds can be raised for rehabilitation, Carri's goal to walk again and regain strength/movement in their right arm may be significantly more difficult.

This fundraiser is to assist with costs related to regaining functionality and pain relief. A physio appt is approximately $100. Their surgeon indicated treatment should be a minimum of twice a week for up to 12 months. For one year, costs would be $10,400. This fundraiser is looking to fund almost 12 months of treatment. Any additional funds will be used for the remaining physiotherapy costs and any adjunct treatments such as chiropractic or massage therapy.

Who is Carri?

Carri is a fighter. They have struggled with mental illness for almost 30 years, but have never let those challenges hold them back. Physical activity is one of the primary methods they use to regulate their moods, so regaining physical functionality is essential for their quality of life. Carri has also taught yoga the past eight years, offering students a safe space to learn what feels good in their own bodies. Carri is an excellent listener or shoulder to cry on. Also, as a yoga teacher who already focuses on mental health, safe movement, and inclusivity, Carri has a strong desire to bring more programs to the disabled community. Getting Carri back on their feet will help countless others who can benefit from Carri's offerings.