Hi my name is Julie,

I am reaching out to you for help. 

Here’s why.

Last March I injured myself while volunteering my time to help out a team of people creating a music video being filmed here on Salt Spring Island.

As I have an been a avid student videographer/editor over the last few years being invited to be a part of this creative project was a huge privilege and highlight for me.  

 

It also brought with it a huge life change.

 

From that day in March 2021 until now December 2021, my life hasn’t been the same.  I have been unable to bend, lift, pull, push, turn over in my bed easily or hold my body up without the support of a walker or cane. 

 

I sleep in a a hospital bed to lower myself to laying down position and can not get up without the side rails.  The occupational therapist who ordered the bed for me in July told me it was expected I would be out of the bed within 2 months. It has been over 6 months now.

        

 

I have had to go to our Island’s Hospital Emergency Room by ambulance on my own more times in the last 9 months than I can remember. 5 times I was there just in the month of June.   My doctor retired last year and I have been unable to find another one to help me. I have lived on this island for 27 years.

 

For the past several months I have needed help dressing, showering, walking, food shopping, meal prep and house cleaning. I am truly grateful to everyone that helped me. I received a CT Scan at the end of July and I was diagnosed with 4 compression fractures in my spine in the area of T11, 12 and L 1, L2 with the freshest one being as recent as July 1. 

The  X-rays I had  in June on Salt Spring somehow had missed this and each time I went to emergency I was told there was no structural damage and I was to go home take my meds and do core exercises. I was even told by one doctor on one 13 hour visit that “pain is not an emergency “. 

 

I had suffered for months not knowing why I was in so much pain and couldn’t function because of this being unfortunately missed. I was admitted to Victoria General for the last week of July. Among other things I was taught how to roll over in bed, put on clothes, and how to lay down in a bed again due to the trauma response and panic attacks that would occur from having experienced so many past spasms. 

 

For those that know me I have lived alone with my son who stays with me half time for 7 years now .  I have worked hard at creating my own business and have been able to maintain a beautiful home and property that I have been blessed to rent. 

 

Since this injury in March, I have experienced about 8 different experiences of turning the corner feeling able to drive in my car, walk with a cane and live somewhat normal again looking after myself. These periods of freedom have lasted anywhere from 2- 8 days before my back has become injured again and again over the most minute and unexpected movements.  Each time I have been left in excruciating pain and can hardly walk or get out of bed. 

This experience happened again about 10 days ago and I was hardly able to move for 7 of them. Because of this I was recently referred for a MRI which I went for a few days ago. I am awaiting the results. 

I was also referred to a Specialist in Osteoporosis and was prescribed medication. 

 

If you know me I have dedicated my life’s work of 35 years to assisting and supporting people who suffer with emotional physical and mental pain. 

I now need to focus on my own heath and receive the care and assistance I need.

 

I have been living in my line of credit for most of this journey. Thank god I have had this but it’s been scary at times. 

 

I am asking for support to help me catch up as I have been unable to work for the past 9 months. I am asking for help with money for; groceries, house cleaning, and for rehab therapy’s such as Physio, Massage, Chiropractor and Osteopathy. 

I would like to continue to focus on my own healing and recovery.

 

If you feel open to offer anything that might help me as I turn this corner I would be truly appreciative. 

 

Thank you if you have read this far. 

Blessings to us all as we navigate this time of tremendous change. 

Julie