Help me get my spinal surgery
Donation protected
06/11/20
***UPDATE***
As many of you know my financial aid was not approved by Ontario Health for my originally booked surgery in California and I was forced to delay getting any relief. Fast forward almost a year and a half later and I am finally on my way! We have found a doctor in Halifax by the name of Dr. Jacob Alant who is willing to perform my surgery and I have it booked for November 27!!! I’m leaving tomorrow as I will need to quarantine for 14 days prior to my initial appointments and of course the surgery.
From the bottom of my heart I want to thank each and every one of you who has donated towards this for me. I can’t thank you enough. This money is going towards my airfare, my mother’s airfare (who is coming to help take care of me) the cost of staying in another province for my healing duration (I will be gone for at least a month), my normal living costs in Toronto, as well as supporting myself while I am there and away from work. Thank you ❤️
************
Hi all,
As some of you may know, last year I was in and out of the hospital for a few months. First it was cysts, then I was formerly diagnosed with a rare disease called Tarlov Disease.
I have multiple large lumbar and sacral presacral meningoceles and a meningeal diverticulum. To break it down, there are 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, and 5 lumbar type vertebral bodies.
Basically I have cysts that are collecting spinal fluid attached to my sacrum which causes me severe pain on a regular basis. I'm under strict instruction to not lift anything, physical exercise is almost completely out of the question, I have to split my time at work 50% sitting and 50% standing (as too much of one or the other will cause pain), and to be completely honest, I barely leave my home unless it's for work. I just can't guarantee I'll be able to last through an event or night.
I have had several MRI's and CT scans, copious amounts of blood work done, and two Myelograms over this past year alone. Painkillers are a part of my daily diet, and I have been experimenting with infra-red heating for pain management.
My specialist (Dr. Kieran Murphy) in Toronto is wonderful and has been incredibly caring for me as I go through this, but after the last round of testing it was determined that he and his colleagues were unable to help me further.
This brings me to today: My specialist got into contact with a surgeon by the name of Wouter Schievink who is based out of Cedar Sinai in Los Angeles. We spoke today on the phone and he is confident that he will be able to help treat me through surgery.
I am applying through the government to have some coverage for the procedure, however this will not cover flights, lodging for 14 days, transportation in the city, or food.
I'm asking today for your help so that I am able to get this surgery and hopefully return to somewhat of a normal life.
Any little bit helps and I thank you from the very bottom of my heart.
-Aimee
***UPDATE***
As many of you know my financial aid was not approved by Ontario Health for my originally booked surgery in California and I was forced to delay getting any relief. Fast forward almost a year and a half later and I am finally on my way! We have found a doctor in Halifax by the name of Dr. Jacob Alant who is willing to perform my surgery and I have it booked for November 27!!! I’m leaving tomorrow as I will need to quarantine for 14 days prior to my initial appointments and of course the surgery.
From the bottom of my heart I want to thank each and every one of you who has donated towards this for me. I can’t thank you enough. This money is going towards my airfare, my mother’s airfare (who is coming to help take care of me) the cost of staying in another province for my healing duration (I will be gone for at least a month), my normal living costs in Toronto, as well as supporting myself while I am there and away from work. Thank you ❤️
************
Hi all,
As some of you may know, last year I was in and out of the hospital for a few months. First it was cysts, then I was formerly diagnosed with a rare disease called Tarlov Disease.
I have multiple large lumbar and sacral presacral meningoceles and a meningeal diverticulum. To break it down, there are 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, and 5 lumbar type vertebral bodies.
Basically I have cysts that are collecting spinal fluid attached to my sacrum which causes me severe pain on a regular basis. I'm under strict instruction to not lift anything, physical exercise is almost completely out of the question, I have to split my time at work 50% sitting and 50% standing (as too much of one or the other will cause pain), and to be completely honest, I barely leave my home unless it's for work. I just can't guarantee I'll be able to last through an event or night.
I have had several MRI's and CT scans, copious amounts of blood work done, and two Myelograms over this past year alone. Painkillers are a part of my daily diet, and I have been experimenting with infra-red heating for pain management.
My specialist (Dr. Kieran Murphy) in Toronto is wonderful and has been incredibly caring for me as I go through this, but after the last round of testing it was determined that he and his colleagues were unable to help me further.
This brings me to today: My specialist got into contact with a surgeon by the name of Wouter Schievink who is based out of Cedar Sinai in Los Angeles. We spoke today on the phone and he is confident that he will be able to help treat me through surgery.
I am applying through the government to have some coverage for the procedure, however this will not cover flights, lodging for 14 days, transportation in the city, or food.
I'm asking today for your help so that I am able to get this surgery and hopefully return to somewhat of a normal life.
Any little bit helps and I thank you from the very bottom of my heart.
-Aimee
Organizer
Aimee Cardinell
Organizer