Help Ausra's rehabilitation journey

Hi There,

I hope you are all well, safe and your family is healthy and happy.

Recently, something major happened in my life. Of course though, right now all is for a better future, that's how I look at it ...

For many many years I suffered excruciating back pain that I was simply killing with painkillers. Turns out I almost lost my leg.

How?

After giving birth in 2020 my back pain got a lot worse. I mentioned this to several midwifes, and doctor's and my GP, But I was always ignored, their respinse was always - it happens to most mother's, and it will pass eventually.

A good couple of months ago, at the end November or so, it was hard for me to turn around in bed, on my sides at night, qnd in the mornings to get up from bed was very though, the pain I experienced was so strong I had to hold my self up so I would not fall over. After about hour later pain would pass and become small bearable pain that never went away.

About one month ago the pain moved to my left side and travelled every day by about an inch down to my leg. And I thought to myself it will pass.. my friends and my Google research made me think I have sciatica. However, every day was getting worse and worse.

After about another month, I was screaming loud from pain at home, not able to cook anymore and having difficulty going to the toilet was super hard.

I am single parent of 1.5 year old little super active boy. I found my self in very desperate situation, with no family or friends to help. Alone in Ireland was a tragic situation for me.

I contacted my GP and received advice, to go to emergency department in the hospital as a referral to see specialist will take about 1.5-2 years for appointment. As per other advice I went to see physio, which after physio appointments my pains got worse.

I went to the emergency room, but nobody could look after my son that day, and with a baby I wasn't allowed to Matter hospital in Dublin, however kind doctor came out to me and he said they won't be able to do anything for me, no xray because is not worth it - I needed MRI scan.

First appointment for an MRI scan after 2 weeks. But I had intuition. I was in extremely dangerous situation as I was loosing feeling in my legs and feet. I needed work fast and make a decision. I couldn't waste time!

I was constantly ordering takeaway foods due to not being able to cook, sit or stand for too long. My son wasn't outside for fresh air 4 weeks.

I was scared to fly alone to my country so asked a few friends if they could accompany me, I would cover flight cost, but everyone I asked was busy. I decided to take my chance, put my fear aside and fly back to my own country to check what's was going on, all alone with my baby boy. I booked wheelchair at the airport. The staff were super helpful. We had 3 seats for ourselves so I was able to lie down on the plane. ‍♀️

It took only a few phone calls to book all of the required appointments. That morning I had the blood test that is necessary for MRI scan. That evening the MRI scan was done.

The following day I saw neurologist Dr Greicius in Kaunas who was in shock. He told me I have 2 hernias. One surgical and it's absolutely huge. And one above that is smaller and not treatable with surgery.

The herienas Were pressing against my spinal nerves, and one part of my foot was like vegetable, around my heel of my foot. My Neurologist told me you have a maximum of 10 days to safe my foot. The progression it's fast, and he immediately needed to do surgery. He advised me of a few clinics and doctors to choose from. He told me to check which place could offer me closest date for surgery.

The following day after few phone calls and a visit with my neurosurgeon Dr Bronius Spakauskas, who preformed surgery for me 5 days later, I have saved my leg. Last minute. !!! Trusting my intuition, putting my fear aside.

However, Private visits, MRI scans, Blood tests, rent of apartment while searching and visiting doctors, flights, private clinic surgery, and still now, 6 weeks of rebilitation l,which I will start in about 3 weeks time, got me in a huge debt. I owe my bank about 4000€ and my mother 2000€. For me to go rebilitation i don't know how will I pay. Just surgery alone cost me €3300.

My friend offered to make "go fund me" page where my friends could help me out. Someone could give 5€ someone maybe €20 or €50...

I'm a single parent who is not working due to be with my son.

In Lithuania, I would have nothing. I'm in Ireland since 2004. My mother is 80 this summer. My sisters health is not good either so she helps with my little boy, and so does my godmother. God bless them

I have huge favor to ask.

When we create that "go fund me" page. Could you please please be so kind to Share with your friends

God bless you all