Help Linda Fight Nutcracker Syndrome: A Decade of Pain

Hi, I’m Laura, and I’m writing to share the story of my incredible stepmom, Linda. For nearly ten years, she has endured a medical nightmare that has taken an unimaginable toll on her body, her spirit, and our family. Despite everything, Linda continues to show up for everyone in her life—never complaining, always smiling, and quietly carrying the burden of her pain. But now, as she faces two major surgeries and recovery time in the ICU at the end of October, we need your help.

Linda’s journey began nearly a decade ago when she started experiencing sudden weakness in her left leg, causing frequent falls and many fractured bones. Doctors suspected multiple sclerosis, which requires extensive testing to diagnose. However, despite undergoing numerous MRIs, CT scans, ultrasounds, surgical procedures, and more, she was left with no answers. “You’re a medical mystery,” one neurologist finally told her after two frustrating years. When that neurologist retired, Linda stopped seeking a diagnosis and did her best to live with the pain, even though her body was failing her in ways none of us could fully understand.

Fast forward to two years ago, and things got worse. Linda began losing weight rapidly—47 pounds in total. She tried to hide it from most of us, wearing baggy sweaters to cover her thin frame. It wasn’t until I hugged her at a family party one winter that I realized just how much weight she had lost. I’ll never forget the shock of feeling how frail she was. But even then, Linda didn’t complain.

This dramatic weight loss triggered another round of specialists and tests. Finally, a vascular specialist diagnosed her with Nutcracker Syndrome, a rare condition where an artery compresses the renal vein, causing extreme pain, weight loss, and other severe complications. It was a relief to have some answers, but the journey wasn’t over. That doctor didn’t recommend surgery, as he believed the risks outweighed the potential benefits. Instead, Linda was prescribed more medications and put on a special diet. She gained back 30 pounds, but the pain only worsened.

Determined to find a solution, Linda sought a second opinion and found Dr. Marc Schermerhorn, Chief of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. After even more tests, Linda was also diagnosed with Pelvic Congestion Syndrome, which explained even more of her symptoms. As Linda put it, “It’s weird to hear a doctor say, ‘Your blood doesn’t know which way to go.’” The doctors attempted a procedure to seal off the veins in her pelvis to avoid surgery, but within four minutes, her kidneys began to shut down. After six minutes, they had to reverse the procedure. That’s when the surgeon told Linda she’d need surgery for both the Nutcracker Syndrome and Pelvic Congestion Syndrome.

Finally, there is hope on the horizon. After years of tests, doctor visits, medications, and endless expenses, Linda is scheduled for two major surgeries at the end of October to correct both conditions and she’ll be in the ICU for 2–5 days following surgery. It’s a huge relief to know she will finally get the treatment she needs, but the financial strain has been—and continues to be—overwhelming. My dad will be taking time off work to care for her during her recovery, and between the medical bills, surgeries, and the loss of income while neither of them works, they are facing an enormous challenge.

Over the years, Linda and my dad have spent more on medical bills than most people could even imagine. Between all the tests, doctor visits, surgeries, and treatments—many of which weren’t covered by insurance because she didn’t have a diagnosis—they have paid an astronomical amount out of pocket, totaling over $200,000. For those who know them, it’s no surprise that they have always been determined to manage on their own, working hard and doing whatever they could just to make ends meet. They were reluctant to let me set up this GoFundMe in the past, feeling they should handle this themselves. But now, with the surgeries ahead and the strain of lost income, they simply can’t do it alone anymore.

I’m asking for your support to help ease the financial burden on them so Linda can focus on her recovery without the added stress of mounting bills. Any amount you can give will make a meaningful difference and go directly toward Linda’s medical needs and the living expenses they face with both of them out of work. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this story with others would mean the world to us. Linda has always been there for us, supporting everyone without asking for anything in return. Now, we want to be there for her.

Thank you for taking the time to read Linda’s story and for any support you can offer. Your kindness means more to us than words can express.