<div>As most of you know, I had that near-fatal car accident in 2018. I broke 26 bones, punctured my spleen, had 3 chest tubes, and 3 surgeries. Emergency hip replacement and a rod/plate/screws all put in the right side. Took a while to be able to walk unassisted.

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<div>A couple of years later, I had 3 of the screws in my shin removed after a work accident brought it to the attention of the doctor that they were unscrewing/migrating out. Now, <strong>I need 2 procedures on my spinal cord and 2 surgeries at the same time on my leg</strong>... yeah, it's me, can't be simple. The knee has to be replaced, not like I ever had great knees, but the bone joint being between all the metal has taken a toll. In order to do that, all the metal in my shin has to be removed when they go in to replace the knee. Yeah, extra recovery time too, also extra time off with little PTO left.

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<div>The pre-accident spinal compressions only got worse after, and of course, I broke one of the compressed vertebrae because, again, it's me. I am skilled like that! The spinal doctor doesn't think surgery is an option bone-wise, but wants to do injections into the spinal cord in 2 locations. I have done 1 so far, and we might progress into other more aggressive treatment methods.

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<div>Anyway, <strong>this is the total of all copays to get everything done</strong>. I just can't stand the pain anymore. The metal in my shin feels like it wants to jump out half the time, even if I am just sitting doing nothing. When it rains, OMG, I hate it. I refuse to do pain management because that's just a doctor pushing pills when there is a real resolution to this once I can afford it. I always share when I see one of you post one of these. All I am asking is you return the favor. <strong>I am SO tired of the pain I am swallowing my pride and making one of these, it hurts that bad</strong>... also taking volunteers for rides for when I can schedule this stuff!!! Love ya all!!!

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Peter Topkis

Join Me in My Fight to Walk Pain-Free

Still $9,885 to go. Help us build momentum.