Still Healing After Two Brain Surgies - Turtle's Journey

Hi, my name is Ilyshiaw Bliss — most people call me Turtle. I'm reaching out with humility and hope as I continue to recover from a rare brain condition that turned my world upside down. Your support will help carry me through a difficult chapter of healing. I’m still fighting, still healing, and still working to reclaim my life each day.

For nearly a year and a half, I lived with constant, debilitating pain. I had headaches 24/7. There were days my husband would find me curled up in bed, crying, just trying to survive. But the headaches were only part of it — this condition affected nearly every part of my life.

My vision became impaired. I experienced frequent dizziness and balance issues. My arms, limbs, and face would go numb. I struggled with memory lapses, vision and hearing loss, speech difficulties, and a host of other cognitive challenges. The pain was constant and excruciating — at times, it was so intense I could hardly move or think. Over the past year, I’ve endured two brain surgeries, six emergency room visits, three hospital stays, and two experimental brain procedures — while I was awake (YES, AWAKE WHILE THEY WERE IN MY BRAINNNN ... #dontrecommend). It was terrifying, and at times, it felt like my body was no longer my own.

Eventually, I was diagnosed with severe bilateral venous sinus stenosis, which led to a condition called idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). The narrowing caused intense pressure in my head that affected my entire body. To relieve that pressure and preserve what functioning I had left, I underwent my first brain stent surgery — and for a while, I finally felt real relief.

But then the symptoms came back. I had to go on daily medication just to manage the pressure and symptoms again. After seeking multiple opinions, I learned my original doctor hadn’t fully addressed the most critical area in my brain. Nearly nine months after my first surgery, I had to undergo a second, more intensive procedure to correct what was missed.

Right now, I’m still recovering from that second surgery — and it hasn’t been easy. Healing is slow and unpredictable. Some days are better than others, and I’m still very much in the thick of it. Just this past week, I had to return to the ER due to potential complications from surgery. The uncertainty can be scary, and the setbacks take a toll, both physically and emotionally.

Over the past year and a half, I’ve accumulated $16,000 in medical debt from both surgeries, medications and procedures not covered by insurance, and essential medical devices like hearing aids and multiple prescription glasses due to hearing and vision loss. The ongoing care I need continues to add up. My family and I are doing our best to stay afloat, but the weight of it all feels endless.

That’s why I’m asking for help — to raise $7,000 and relieve some of the burden this journey has left on our shoulders. Every donation, no matter how small, brings me closer to peace of mind — and a future where I can focus on healing instead of debt.

If you’ve ever known what it’s like to feel stuck between survival and recovery, I hope my story resonates. And if you’re able to help — even a little — I truly thank you.

Even if you can’t give, simply sharing my story means the world.

With deep gratitude,

Turtle