Hello! For those of you who don't know me, my name is Shelly. I'm currently a patient at Mayo Clinic and have been since April of this year. I have a whole lot of medical issues, including a Spinal Dura Arteriovenous Fistula, which is incredibly rare in women, especially in my age group. I've been working with several subspecialists at Mayo to try and find a solution to my issues. When you've stumped the subspecialists at Mayo Clinic, what other options do you have? I've been told that I may end up having a condition named after me at this rate, which is not something anyone wants.

I've had three spinal angiograms in the last year to try and find the fistula to repair it, but they've all been unsuccessful so far. Basically, what that means is there's a vein and an artery that are connected in my spine where they're not supposed to be, and that's causing blood flow issues to my spine. I've been in a wheelchair since March of 2021. I was working full time prior to this, but I'm unable to get out of bed for very long, can not walk or stand, and am in a lot of pain.

I have over $2000 in bills from Mayo Clinic so far. I live with my mother, who is paying my expenses since I'm unable to work. My health insurance is $300 a month. I've emptied my savings and 401k over the last several months trying to keep up with my bills. I'm at the point where I no longer have anything to contribute. I've applied for disability again, but that takes years sometimes, and we don't have that long. Bills don't care about your issues, sadly. So I'm swallowing my pride and asking for help.

If you've made it this far, thank you for taking the time to consider helping out.