
Help Fund Priya's Medical Bills and Healing
Donation protected

As some of you know, I suffer from chronic pain. The last two years have been especially tough; I haven't gone one single day without pain.
I've had multiple whiplash injuries since I was 16, that have caused flare ups with increasing frequency and intensity. Yet another neck injury a year and a half ago caused these flare-ups to become debilitating. During these periods I miss work with unbearable pain that lasts for weeks. On top of the chronic neck pain, I suffer from plantar fasciitis and tendinitis of my posterior tibialis. The pain feels like my feet have been dipped in acid...and then I just have to go on with my day.
On June 5th, I had the worst flare-up yet. I'm still enduring it, unable to work, and am experiencing the most intense pain I’ve ever felt. The muscle spasm in my neck feels like a stabbing, seized-up charlie horse that won't let go. It has become worse, radiating constant shock waves of aching pain into my shoulder, back, and down my arm. Lying down intensifies the pain, so when I can sleep, I sleep sitting up.
This has lead to a series of specialists, MRIs, medications, more medications, etc. The MRI showed I have cervical radiculopathy. It's caused by compression of the cervical nerve roots by protruding (herniated) intervertebral discs. I have two nerve roots being compressed, which explains the excruciating pain.
Unfortunately my insurance doesn't cover much - no MRIs, treatments or therapies until I reach an absurd $8,000 deductible. I’ve been to at least 5 PCP appointments, 9 specialists, plus innumerable podiatry treatments. I've emptied my bank account, my emergency savings, and now must begin using credit cards. I'm out of funds, unable to work, and bills are stockpiling. I have a long road ahead of physical therapy, specialist follow-ups and (hopefully not, but) potentially surgery...none of which is covered by insurance.
Besides the financial toll, this has greatly affected my emotional well being. I've had to stop doing what I love. I can't hike, go for walks, run, dance, swim, do yoga, or Pilates or strength training. Even holding a musical instrument for more than 5 minutes causes pain. Exercise and music are my outlets for stress relief, but now they ignite or intensify pain.
Lately I've been reaching out to loved ones, having A LOT of melt downs and explaining my fears. In doing so, I feel less isolated, I'm regaining hope, and I know how loved I truly am. I feel thankful for the amazing people in my life, and I'm learning to ask for help.
Here it is: I need your help! Please help me with any amount you can afford.
I am forever grateful for your gift, be it $8 or $888. If you're unable to give financially, please share this fundraiser with your friends and send healing thoughts my way. I’m regaining my believe in the power of positive thinking!
From the bottom of my heart, sending love and thanks to you all!
Priya
Organizer
Priya Hikel
Organizer
Austin, TX