Hello Everyone. My name is Andrew, I'm 33 years young, I'm a father of two soon to be three, baby due in 8-9 weeks.
Going back just over 5 weeks ago I woke up in the morning in absolute agonising pain. I had to get an ambulance as I couldn't stand or sit up. I was admitted to hospital 2 times in that week from unbearable pain. They really couldn't do much other than give me a letter for my doctor to refer me for an MRI and try manage my pain.
The next day I was lucky enough to secure a doctor's appointment on a Saturday at a different practice that i usually attend to. I told the GP what was going on and what the hospital suggested being a MRI, He did me up a referral for the MRI and also started me on a strong pain meds, I was lucky enough to secure MRI appointment the following Monday. I had a phone appointment with the GP for the MRI results the next day.
He told me I had a rather large prolapse at C7 and a mild prolapse at C4/C5 and C5/C6 in my neck and it has crushed the nerves that go to my shoulder and is compressing on my spinal cord. He repeatedly told me how serious it was and how urgent I need to see a neurosurgeon to get it fixed, this can only get worse and potentially leave me in a wheelchair as a paraplegic.
The GP referred me to the Royal Brisbane and women's Hospital and said give them a call the following day, I gave them a call and they inform me I had been listed as a category 1 which is urgent and gave me a appointment date with the neurosurgeon for the 17th of February.
Why I have set up this go fund me is to be able to afford to have my family in Brisbane with me during surgery and after for the support. This money will go towards airfares, accommodation and being away from home expenses. My partner has had to finish work early as I need help with my daily tasks and we have a 2 year old boy at home. With only a couple of weeks recovery up my sleeve we are also due for our baby in 8-9 weeks time. We live 45 minutes away from the hospital where our son will be birthed. I will still be sore and recovering from surgery and will still not be able to drive, i wouldn't expect my partner to drive us while in labour. There's no other way for us as we live out here with no family and aren't very social people. So any extra funds raised would be used for accommodation in Rockhampton close to the hospital where I can recover from surgery, and be close so I dont have to travel back and forth from Rockhampton to home.
This help and support would make things a lot easier and safer for my family, hopefully make this situation a little more enjoyable. I have never had a GoFundMe before or been linked to a GoFundMe, I never accept handouts or ask, genuinely just really need help with the circumstances we are facing at this moment. I really appreciate any help or support and thank you from the bottom of my heart, I will make this back up and spread the love when I'm able to.
Will also give you all an update after my appointment with neurosurgeon on 17th of Feb.