Surgery Is Complete, but My Fight to Walk Again Continues

Hello everyone,

I want to share a full update about my spinal surgery and recovery. First, thank you to everyone who has prayed for me, donated, shared this fundraiser or sent messages of encouragement. Your support helped me reach surgery, but my medical journey is far from over.

My surgery on September 18

I entered the operating room at Montreal General Hospital at approximately 11:00 a.m.

The procedure was expected to take around three to four hours, but I remained in the operating room for approximately six to seven hours. I then spent another six hours in recovery, and it took more than an hour for me to fully wake up.

During the operation, the surgical team found extensive damage and severe compression affecting six discs or levels of my spine. They used 12 pieces of titanium hardware to stabilize my spine and relieve the pressure on my nerves.

I sometimes joke with my children that I now have a little bit of a rocket inside my back. Titanium is strong and lightweight, and it is now helping hold my spine together. The joke helps us smile, but the reality is that this was a major and complicated operation.

I am deeply grateful to my brother and uncle for helping with the financial arrangements that allowed the surgery to proceed. I am also extremely thankful that my spine surgeon waived his professional fee. Without that generosity, my medical expenses would already have exceeded $100,000 CAD.

One week after surgery

The surgery is complete, but recovery has been much harder than I imagined.

It took two days before I could use my hands without overwhelming pain. I now have sensation in my feet, but I still cannot fully control them. It feels like I am a baby learning how to use my legs and feet again.

I am still unable to walk independently.

The pain remains intense and affects both my body and emotions. I continue to receive strong pain medication. At times, the medication and exhaustion have caused vivid dreams, confusion, hallucinations and sudden emotional changes. I am trying my best to remain patient and positive while my body heals.

I still cannot urinate independently

One week after surgery, I am still unable to urinate on my own. A catheter must be inserted and removed approximately three to four times every day.

This is uncomfortable, painful and difficult, but it is currently necessary. Regaining bladder control is one of the important milestones I must reach before I can safely return home.

My bowel complications

I also went for more than 10 days without a bowel movement. The constipation and abdominal pain became severe, and the stool became impacted.

A compassionate Filipino nurse stayed with me and personally helped relieve the impaction. It was an extremely painful and vulnerable experience, but I am deeply thankful for the kindness and dignity she showed me.

I was finally able to have a bowel movement, which is an important step forward, but my bowel and bladder functions still require close monitoring.

When can I go home?

The hospital has explained that I can be discharged only when I can safely:

* Walk or move with appropriate assistance

* Urinate without repeated catheterization

* Maintain regular bowel function

* Manage my pain and basic daily needs

I have not yet reached all these milestones.

Even after I leave the hospital, I will still require rehabilitation, physiotherapy, caregiver assistance, medication, medical supplies, mobility equipment and transportation to follow-up appointments.

Medical expenses continue to rise

My known medical charges currently include:

* Approximately $65,000 CAD in hospital charges

* $8,420 CAD for the anesthesiologist

* A hospital-room rate of more than $2,300 per day

* Continuing medication, catheter care and medical supplies

* Future rehabilitation and physiotherapy

* Caregiver and home-support expenses

* Mobility equipment and transportation

The known hospital and anesthesia charges have already reached approximately $73,420 CAD, and the total continues to increase for every additional day I remain hospitalized.

My family is now trying to arrange an appropriate caregiver, therapist and rehabilitation plan for when I am medically cleared to leave. Because I do not have RAMQ coverage, we may have to pay these expenses ourselves.

Why I still need your help

Your previous support helped me reach the operating room. Now I need help getting through recovery and learning to walk again.

The surgery relieved the pressure on my nerves and stabilized my spine, but it did not immediately restore everything my body lost. I still cannot walk or urinate independently, and I do not yet know how long rehabilitation will take.

Donations will help cover:

* Remaining hospital and medical bills

* Rehabilitation and physiotherapy

* Caregiver and home-care support

* Medication and catheter supplies

* A walker or other mobility equipment

* Transportation to medical appointments

* Essential household expenses while I am unable to work

If you can donate, any amount will help. If you are unable to contribute financially, please share this fundraiser with your family, friends, workplace, church and community. Every share gives my story another chance to reach someone who may be able to help.

Thank you for helping me survive the surgery. Please continue standing beside me as I face the next challenge: recovering, walking again and returning home to my wife and children.

I will continue providing updates as my condition changes and as I reach new recovery milestones.

With love and gratitude,

Alvin