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Neck Surgery Help

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The short of it is, I need neck surgery. I've spoken with 5+ different doctors and they all kind of say the same thing. You could wait but could have irreversible damage to the nerve at C6/C7.  This is all I would be getting surgery on. The surgery will likely be a Foraminectomy.  The question is how fast can I start working again to support myself post-surgery.  The surgery is roughly 9k and I won't be able to work for an unpredictable amount of time, hopefully no more than 4 weeks.  I may or may not need PT.

Apparently being a competitive athlete can earn you an 80-year-old spine. Or maybe the 12 years of being a massage therapist looking down 6 days a week on some of the coolest people on the planet. Many of those clients have had a massive positive impact on me.

I have nerve pain in my hand, forearm and losing sensation in my fingertips.  There isn't a simple answer as to what caused it. The worst and most alarming issue is that I've lost about 70% or more strength in my tricep and slowly losing other shoulder muscle/strength.  This is the main concern for everyone. Muscle weakness is no joke and I would prefer to have full strength back ASAP as nerves can take time to heal.  

Many of you have made recommendations and have been incredibly helpful already. I appreciate all the support so far and many of you know how frustrating something like this can be. I've been lucky enough to of never had a surgery so far. 

I don't want any maybe's, I want to live my life like I have. It seems having the surgery to free up the nerve is the right move and there are no maybe's, it will create space to free up the nerve and this gives me the best chance for full recovery.  

I moved to Boulder, CO after losing my Dad and Brother to become an athlete and a healer. I've done that for 12 years; helping and healing people. I love what I do. Being a competitive athlete and helping others via massage, blood testing or just supporting friends has been unbelievable for me in my own healing process.  To not be able to use my arm right now to its fullest is physically and emotionally damaging. 

There is no better feeling for me than helping someone else, it is part of why I was put on this earth. If you think you can help me in this process, this hurdle, speed bump... I would forever be grateful.  Thank you for taking the time to read this. It's very hard to admit I don't have the financial means to help myself or have health insurance.  

Please Share this thanks. 
-Josh
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Donations 

  • Wendy Lord
    • $50 
    • 6 yrs
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Organizer

Josh Shadle
Organizer
Boulder, CO

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