For years, I’ve lived with chronic pain, severe flare-ups, issues after issues, and debilitating symptoms that were repeatedly dismissed or overlooked by doctors. Over the past 18 months, my health has rapidly declined, leading to countless appointments, tests, urgent care visits, ER trips, missed work, and mounting medical costs — all without any real answers.

But after extensive research and advocacy for myself, I finally found a highly trained specialist regularly from New York but conveniently also practices here in LA too. Her team extensively reviewed my case and moved quickly to try and squeeze me on to the schedule due to the severity and long history of my symptoms. But of course it wouldn’t be my life without a little obstacle.

So here’s the heartbreaking part:

Even though I pay for health insurance every month, I’ve spent thousands on appointments and testings. I also already met my Family size deductible in only 5 months of my annual policy , however this level of care is not covered.

Not because it isn’t necessary — but because the healthcare system doesn’t even recognize this specialty properly.

Unfortunately that leaves patients like me with an impossible choice:

Live in pain… or go into debt trying to get our lives back.

So because this doctor is a sub-specialist that is not recognized by my insurance provider, all of my care is out of pocket. But I have already paid out of pocket for my initial consultation (via telehealth) and will be paying again for an in-person evaluation when she is here next month.

But I’m trying to raise the funds in time for my surgery, which could possibly take place February 18 — giving me a real chance at a real diagnosis, relief, and a future without constant pain.

But with The cost of surgery, travel, appointments, and time off work is so much more than I can manage. I’m exhausted and at the rapid rate of my declining health, I don’t know if I would be able to make it another 6 months of dealing with all of this. I’ve spent way too much time living with these issues rather than enjoying the time I have left.

It’s extremely uncomfortable and out of character for me to ask for any kind of help but I am asking for help to mainly cover: my surgical costs, to help with any lost income while taking LOA during my recovery, as well as any costs for any additional medically needs that arise because of complications.

I know that This isn’t a fun cosmetic surgery. But instead an extremely invasive exploratory surgery that could change my life forever. Making this decision is a no brainer for me. This is about getting my life back, being present for my children, and finally receiving the care I’ve spent years fighting for.

This isn’t just about surgery.

This is about getting my life back.

It’s about being able to function without constant pain.

It’s about being present for my children.

It’s about reclaiming the parts of me I’ve had to sacrifice just to survive.

If you’re able to donate, share, or support in any way — thank you from the bottom of my heart.

And if you’re someone silently struggling too, I hope my story empowers you to never stop advocating for yourself or dismissing your symptoms. All it took was for 1 doctor to finally listen and the will power to never keep fighting for answers.

So please keep my husband and kids in your prayers as they navigate these next few months. We will all definitely need it.

XOXO

Victoria