Added 9/20/25

What I am going through. Neck related only.

At the age of 15 I started to experience neck pain. This was sporadic and not a daily thing. I had to crack my neck about 2-3 times days a day to keep it from going stiff. A solution that helped for decades but no longer does. I cannot crack my neck that way or turn it that way to do it anymore.

I have 3 major life events that contribute on top of an already naturally fragile neck.

1) 18 or 19 years old. Car accident. Friend behind me did not have his seatbelt on. He launched into the back seat hard, even with a seatbelt on I hit my head on the metal window frame (very old car). So this was basically a double whiplash and neck crushing incident. I could not lift my head well for 2 weeks after this happened, I could not lift my head AT ALL for a few days. Life went on. Neck cracking continues to alleviate pain decently.

2) I am 20 years old. I am at a party. A man I do not know punches me in the back of the head (directly where I have pain to this day). I was knocked out cold and the man apologized thinking I was someone else. I did not have any major neck issues from that day specifically but I do believe this is part of why it hurts so bad in that direct spot. That spot being the right side of my neck near the base of my skull.

3) I am now 42 years old. I go backpacking with my girlfriend. I carry too much weight. In fact by the time I am at camp I black out in pain. I sleep for an entire day in 10/10 pain. My neck is never the same after this day. 4-5 months go on and I cannot take the pain anymore. I begin seeing a Doctor (fyi I hate seeing doctors (not my current one though)). I begin taking pain medications for my anal fistula pain (separate story) and for my neck pain as well.

Now here I am a year later. I take the maximum dosage of Vicodin per day. I have no pain relief AT ALL for nights. I am living a nightmare. Pain does not stop, not for a moment of my life. There are 2 different feelings I have that cripple me. (3 if you count my fistula nerve damage but that's like sitting on a tac and doesn't compare to my neck pain, not even close)

1) Feels like a knife is stuck in my neck at the base of the right skull, this is the most intense and severe pain I have ever had in my life (even worse then when I tore open my fistula and had to have 3 day emergency life saving surgery). This pain has ruined and continues to ruin me, physically and mentally. I sleep an average of 12-16 hours per week now for the last 3 months. Sleep is my enemy as I cannot stop laying in positions that hurt me. It is extremely difficult to get out of bed for 1 year now, I wake up feeling as if I am dying. My mind thinks my body is, this amount of pain is unhealthy for both mind and body.

2) On top of the stabbing pain it feels as if a giant is squeezing and crushing my neck into my shoulder, I have no better way to explain that but my chin and jaw are being pulled into my shoulder and vise versa. Like a hand crushing my shoulder muscles with all it's might. As if gravity itself is pushing me to the floor.

I do not remember what, feeling without pain is. I used to be quite an amazing athlete as a kid. It's hard to believe that was me anymore.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask. I wrote this mainly for myself because we all heal differently and for me that is verbalizing my internal struggles and sharing them with people I respect.

So if you wonder why I often share a gofundme, it's because I am desperate for food as I have been unable to work for an entire year now. Putting burden on my mother and Darcy. Who cannot afford to take care of a grown ass man. I will always need the support of others.

If you spent time to read this, thanks.

(original post)

Hello, my name is Dezi Wright. I'm reaching out to you today because I need your support. Recently, I was diagnosed with multiple medical conditions that have significantly impacted my life and left me disabled. The treatment and associated medical bills have become overwhelming, and I'm struggling to manage them on my own. I seek help from those willing. It is not easy to ask for help. I have postponed writing this for over 6 months now. I cannot any longer. Pain has taken over my life and I am unable to care for myself. Any help is appreciated and will never be taken for granted. I still have my smile and outgoing personality towards all in life. Pain has not crippled my kindness.

The Journey So Far

I've been navigating a complex medical journey for almost a year now. The treatments are extensive, and while I remain hopeful, the financial burden is heavy. I've had to make difficult decisions, including choosing between essential treatments and other necessities.

I am losing weight faster than intended and in pain 24 hours a day. Life has become extremely difficult.

About a year ago my neck stopped being able to move to the right properly. I have received several MRI and we have found multiple areas of high concern. I have more MRI scheduled and am seeing a Nerve Specialist as well as a PCP. We are yet to discover the root cause of the main pain sadly. So that is why more MRI are coming before possibly looking closer to my skull as well. I have an bulging disc, arthritis, bone spurs and more that showed up in the MRI. I will edit here as we find out more. This process has been slow and I wish we had more progress in a year but at least I have many helpful Doctors. I have chronic nerve damage from a Rectal Fistula surgery as well that is being treated. That is not the main concern though as my neck is all I can think about.

How You Can Help

I'm seeking your assistance to cover the medical expenses that insurance doesn't fully cover. Your generous donations will go directly towards:

Hospital bills and medical treatments. In desperate need of shots for my neck not covered by OHP. This will be expensive. The procedure is done with a live X-Ray. I'm told it will be incredible pain relief! This is my first goal. They last a few months and will help me get breaks from part of what I am hurting from. A bulging disk. Though that is a secondary issue to my nerve pain. So there is a lot to do for my future.

Prescription medications. I take nerve medications and many other things at this point.

Daily living expenses during recovery. I need toothpaste and basic essentials including food, my phone for telehealth visits, etc. I have my phone down to 30$ a month during this crisis. So that is awesome at least.

Bus money / Uber money to get to appointments and treatments for the year. Being in vehicles is one of the most painful experiences for me right now. It's a bummer.

I do not do drugs or drink alcohol. Not a cent would be wasted. Everything going towards fixing my neck and relieving pain until we find a remedy.

Why Your Support Matters

Every contribution, no matter the size, brings me one step closer to recovery and a better mental health. Your support will not only alleviate financial stress but also provide me with the strength to focus on healing if possible in the future. Knowing that I have a community behind me gives me hope and determination. If you know one thing about me, it is that I love people. I always have. I spent 22 years in healthcare and worked my way up to Director of Health at several facilities. Caring for our communities and elderly has been a blessing to my viewpoints towards humanity. I've made great friends my entire life.

I have been unable to work for over a year now. This has wrecked my life financially and mentally. I am strong, I never quit, but it is time I ask for help. I cannot do this alone anymore.

A Heartfelt Thank You

I am deeply grateful for any support you can offer, whether it's a donation or sharing my story with others. Your kindness means the world to me during this challenging time.

Thank you for being a part of my journey. I will make updates on my medical journey at the bottom of this Gofundme. If you have any specific medical questions I am an open book. Just message me on Facebook.

I am staying at my mothers in Beaverton while I deal with this medical crisis. A roof over my head is not a concern, bless her soul.

-Dezi Wright