Hi, I’m Max, reaching out to share my girlfriend Madelaina’s story and ask for your support.

The Onset of NTOS, Pec Minor Syndrome & Nerve Damage

Six months ago, a stack of drywall fell onto Madelaina’s shoulder, causing what we initially thought was a painful but manageable injury. Over time, her pain worsened, and she began experiencing:

After months of doctors’ visits, she was diagnosed with Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (NTOS) and Pec Minor Syndrome—both conditions involve nerve compression, causing debilitating pain and loss of function. NTOS occurs when the brachial plexus, a crucial network of nerves controlling the arm, shoulder, and hand, is compressed in the thoracic outlet.

Unlike more mild cases of NTOS, Madelaina’s EMG confirmed axonal nerve damage, meaning the nerves controlling her hand, arm, and shoulder are damaged. Simple tasks like pouring a glass of water with that arm are now impossible and excruciating in her current state. Her symptoms are also becoming bilateral which can happen with NTOS. Unfortunately, many of the “top” surgeons who treat these conditions are out of state.

Madelaina’s Preexisting Health Challenge

Before this injury, Madelaina had already spent years fighting debilitating health issues. Nearly five years ago, she developed severe chronic neck pain with symptoms like difficulty with movement, vertigo, headaches, tinnitus, jaw pain, brain fog, and dysautonomia. Despite countless specialists and treatments, the cause remains unclear.

While seeking answers, she suffered a severe allergic reaction to MRI contrast dye (Gadolinium Deposition Disease) causing burning skin pain throughout her entire body (dysesthesia/small fiber neuropathy) for 8 months. Later, during a pain management procedure, she experienced local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST), a life -threatening reaction - due to the local anesthetic being inadvertently injected into an artery, causing a seizure. These experiences have made navigating the medical system even more difficult.

Now, with this new nerve injury worsening her preexisting conditions, she is facing the most challenging time of her life.

To make things even harder, Madelaina was laid off from her job, leaving us with mounting medical expenses and the stress of navigating a complex, expensive healthcare system. The costs of specialized care, travel, and treatments are beyond what we can afford alone.

We are raising funds to help cover:

These donations will also help Madelaina focus on her health while managing her pain, treatments and potential surgery without worrying so much about finances.

How You Can Help

Madelaina has been through so much, yet she continues to face each day with resilience and determination. She has been very dedicated to her specialized physical and occupational therapy. Watching someone you love lose their ability to do the things they once enjoyed is heartbreaking, but we’re hopeful that with the right treatment and rehabilitation, she can regain function and improve her quality of life.

Please consider donating to her GoFundMe to help her access the care she desperately needs. Every contribution—no matter the size—brings her closer to recovery. If you’re unable to donate, sharing her story is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for taking the time to read Madelaina’s story. Your kindness and generosity mean the world to us.

With gratitude,

Max

Learn more about TOS:

What is TOS

NTOS Symptoms

NTOS Treatments

Surgical Approaches