On May 17, 2016, I somehow managed to completely crush my L1 vertebra, by sustaining what is called a “burst fracture”. A wonderful procedure called a kyphoplasty was recommended and scheduled. While I was in a Skilled Nursing Facility waiting for the kyphoplasty, I also managed to add stenosis at the L1 vertebra. I moved just right, and “pop”, there it went. Stenosis is a narrowing of the space occupied by the spinal cord. In my case, it is caused by a shift in the placement of the L1 vertebra. The nerves that leave the spinal cord at this location affect the pelvic floor and upper legs. The kyphoplasty was performed on June 22, 2016, and went very well. The stenosis, however, is still causing a lot of discomfort, and is preventing me from being truly functional. A very competent spine surgeon is analyzing the injury, to determine the best treatment plan. The surgeon and I are both hoping to avoid more surgery, as this would be “serious” spine surgery – the kind that puts the patient at risk for paralysis, and can involve removing ribs or lungs to access the spine.

While my insurance has been very good about covering the costs of the four-month stay in Skilled Nursing Facilities, the cost of the procedure, medication, and transportation, there are simply other costs that they do not cover. I have not been able to work full-time since May 17. As you can imagine, this has had a serious impact on my usual finances, and I have needed to add new expenses to that. A few minor modifications needed to be made to my house, to accommodate my limitations. There are also a few medical devices that weren’t covered by insurance. Since my ability to function has been impaired by this stenosis, I have had to hire friends to take care of simple tasks like laundry and trash. It all adds up. It’s added up to about $30,000, so far. It would have been very difficult to cover this amount even if I were able to work full-time.

My friends and neighbors have been truly wonderful helping me with this recovery. I do have an excellent support network. The stenosis affects my ability to sit upright and to stand for any length of time. I’ve managed to work my way up to being able to stand for about 15 minutes, and my record for sitting upright is about 1 hour. This means that I must ask my neighbors to buy for me anything that I cannot buy online. Three cheers for grocery delivery services and Amazon Prime! But, there are other things that I still must ask my neighbors to pick up for me.

I’m a “giver”. I have been as long as I can remember. Years ago, until a different injury took the option off the table, I was studying to become an EMT. I definitely have that first-responder reflex, and have used it many times to help accident victims when I was first on the scene. Most recently, I got a commendation from the Chief of the Prince George’s County Fire Department, for the way I handled the call I made to 9-1-1 when the house across the street burned. To this day, they use the recording of that call for training. I have several years of experience as a live-in caregiver, including providing terminal care. When someone is in trouble, especially if it's medical, I step up to the plate. It’s a reflex. I don’t even think about it. It works much the same way for money. If someone in line in front of me at the grocery store doesn’t have quite enough money for what they need to buy, I’ll have the clerk but those items on my bill. I’ve adopted several homeless people over the years, making sure they have adequate hydration in the hot summer months, and warm food to eat in the winter. I’m also known to give random compliments to perfect strangers, just because I feel like it. If I think someone’s hat is beautiful, I’m going to tell them. After a call to customer support, it’s common for me to ask to speak to the agent’s supervisor, so I may tell them what an excellent job the agent did handling my call. Naturally, when my friends are a few dollars short for something, or need to borrow something, I’m right there. This is just who I am. I will get through this. I’m a strong woman, with a lot of determination. But, as with any serious injury, it has become clear to me that I won’t get through this alone.

I believe that one of the reasons why we are put on this planet is to help others – to help to make their lives a little better. I have lived those words, every day, for at least 30 years. It is extremely difficult for people like me to ask for help. It’s almost painful. But I am in trouble financially. I am swallowing my pride, and doing my best to put a lid on that indomitable “giver” mentality, and I am asking for help. Any contributions at all will be sincerely appreciated. I realize that each and every one of us has serious concerns in our own lives, and that most of us are far from wealthy. Knowing that makes me appreciate your contributions even more. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all.


"Lumbardini", the L1 vertebra that disappeared just like Houdini.