Archie needs surgery

Archie needs cervical surgery due to a herniated disc. On March 18th we took Archie to the emergency clinic due to odd behavior and distress. They pinpointed that he had neck pain. He was given a pain killer injection and pain meds. Two days later we return due to worsening symptoms. An x-ray showed narrowing in the c2-c3 discs. We adjusted meds some more and continued with restrictions and rest. Symptoms kept getting worse and Archie continued to have scary breakthrough pain episodes despite increasing medication. On March 25th we had a third emergency visit at VSS. He was given a fentanyl patch and more med adjustments. They said that he did not qualify for emergency neurology appointment or MRI and that we would have to schedule out weeks in advance. We continued to try and work with rest and meds but symptoms and breakthrough episodes continued. Luckily after they reviewed his case further we managed to get into a neurologist on March 28. An MRI was performed and it confirmed intervertebral disc extrusion at C2-3. The neurologist recommended surgery as cervical cases for IVDD are extremely painful and less likely to heal with conservative treatment. They explained cervical surgery for IVDD has a 95% success rate. The thought of surgery and hospitalization terrifies me, but I know it’s what Archie needs. The emotional and mental toll the past 1.5 weeks has taken on myself and Ashley has been a lot, as anyone that has a pet with IVDD can sympathize with. Ashley has been amazing by being with us as much as possible and helping as much as she can. As long as doctors have a good outlook I will do everything I can to help Archie.

The funds from this fundraiser will go to help towards the costs of the MRI and surgery. We are currently scheduled for Monday but can use a little extra help. Luckily I have insurance for Archie, but it only reimburses a portion of expenses and it can be slow. I have hardly been able to work as all of my attention has been on Archie. Luckily, support for my business has been pretty good which has helped with some of his earlier visits, but the bills and visits continue to increase and money continues to drain. While my life has revolved around Archie without being able to much else time keeps ticking and other life expenses are a constant. By the end of surgery and hospitalization we will have accumulated between $8.5k-$10k in bills directly related to Archie. As mentioned, some of that will be reimbursed so my goal is lower, but the remainder is still substantial as is the loss of time, work, and income due to care. The entirety has to also be paid same day for surgery. Surgery alone is around $4.5k. Pet insurance works as a percentage reimbursement from claims many days after the fact. Any little bit helps. In the event that more is raised than the goal that money will still help in so many ways. It will give me some peace and the ability to help with aftercare with a little less stress on money. It’s been quite a trying time. 

I adopted Archie in August of 2011 and since he has been my steadfast companion and my best friend. He has helped me through many hard times and I don’t know where I would be without him. His love has been unconditional. Since running my business from home for the past 8 years our bond has only gotten stronger. I barely remember life before he was in it. We have accumulated an almost unimaginable amount of time together. I love him so much. I can’t imagine a life without him.

Thank you so much.