Julie's Craniotomy(s) (Skull base surgery)
Donation protected
My Story
SCDS- a rare condition, a hole in the bone between my brain and inner ear. In my case, it’s both sides (left and right) requiring 2 middle fossa craniotomies to repair.
Hi, I am Julie Bolton, born and raised in Durham, NC. I am a divorced, single mom of two children that are now 11 and 13. For years (as long as I can remember) I asked medical professionals about my symptoms, yet they never figured out the cause. I asked about the many symptoms I had and I was told a range of things from sinus/ear issues to anxiety, a whole list of things that didn’t apply.
A week after I turned 35 in July of 2020, I received the results of a CT scan of my head. I have bilateral (left and right side) Semi-Circular/Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome (SCDS) (it is a very rare condition - just discovered in 1998). It affects my every-day life (hearing, balance, vision, etc.) The only fix for this condition (for me, personally): two major surgeries at two separate times.
My first surgery for left side repair was December 2020 (that is when I started this GoFundMe). I was out of work for only six weeks after a stay in the hospital. I only had 10 days PTO to use at that time and I am so grateful for the donations received that went to covering the rent/bills/expenses at that time.
My second surgery (with complications) was this past February (2022). The surgeons told me beforehand that this one would be the most difficult, and they were right. Although I attend vestibular/physical therapy twice a week, I am really struggling and currently and at a standstill in my recovery. I am not sure why or if I can, one day, get better.
I had several tests done on August 18th because I still have the same symptoms I had prior to surgery but now I have more. I am off balance and unable to work due to this. I cannot drive and I suffer from more severe vertigo, imbalance and migraines. My field of vision is always shaky (like trying to watch a tv but someone is shaking it). The results of my tests on August 18th were not good, per the performing doctor. One of the statements in the notes following the tests states, “score of 96/100 on the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), suggesting this patient has a severe dizziness handicap”.
I have an appointment with my surgeons in October, where I hope to get some answers and discuss options to get me back to me. I have so many questions.
For those of you that know me, you know I am a very kind, reliable, trustworthy, independent and goal driven. I have come a long way after a nasty divorce, his infidelity and him abandoning the children and me when I was a stay at home mom. I started my life over, so creating this GoFundMe isn’t easy, but it’s my last resort.
I had been working in healthcare the past several years and my job was my sole income, I do not receive child support or any other financial help whatsoever. The money donated is used to cover rent, bills and expenses for my children.
Thank you for reading this. Thank you for helping and if nothing else, thank you for sharing and keeping my family and me in your prayers!
I will be sure to add updates to my GoFundMe to keep everyone in the loop. God Bless!
SCDS- a rare condition, a hole in the bone between my brain and inner ear. In my case, it’s both sides (left and right) requiring 2 middle fossa craniotomies to repair.
Hi, I am Julie Bolton, born and raised in Durham, NC. I am a divorced, single mom of two children that are now 11 and 13. For years (as long as I can remember) I asked medical professionals about my symptoms, yet they never figured out the cause. I asked about the many symptoms I had and I was told a range of things from sinus/ear issues to anxiety, a whole list of things that didn’t apply.
A week after I turned 35 in July of 2020, I received the results of a CT scan of my head. I have bilateral (left and right side) Semi-Circular/Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome (SCDS) (it is a very rare condition - just discovered in 1998). It affects my every-day life (hearing, balance, vision, etc.) The only fix for this condition (for me, personally): two major surgeries at two separate times.
My first surgery for left side repair was December 2020 (that is when I started this GoFundMe). I was out of work for only six weeks after a stay in the hospital. I only had 10 days PTO to use at that time and I am so grateful for the donations received that went to covering the rent/bills/expenses at that time.
My second surgery (with complications) was this past February (2022). The surgeons told me beforehand that this one would be the most difficult, and they were right. Although I attend vestibular/physical therapy twice a week, I am really struggling and currently and at a standstill in my recovery. I am not sure why or if I can, one day, get better.
I had several tests done on August 18th because I still have the same symptoms I had prior to surgery but now I have more. I am off balance and unable to work due to this. I cannot drive and I suffer from more severe vertigo, imbalance and migraines. My field of vision is always shaky (like trying to watch a tv but someone is shaking it). The results of my tests on August 18th were not good, per the performing doctor. One of the statements in the notes following the tests states, “score of 96/100 on the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), suggesting this patient has a severe dizziness handicap”.
I have an appointment with my surgeons in October, where I hope to get some answers and discuss options to get me back to me. I have so many questions.
For those of you that know me, you know I am a very kind, reliable, trustworthy, independent and goal driven. I have come a long way after a nasty divorce, his infidelity and him abandoning the children and me when I was a stay at home mom. I started my life over, so creating this GoFundMe isn’t easy, but it’s my last resort.
I had been working in healthcare the past several years and my job was my sole income, I do not receive child support or any other financial help whatsoever. The money donated is used to cover rent, bills and expenses for my children.
Thank you for reading this. Thank you for helping and if nothing else, thank you for sharing and keeping my family and me in your prayers!
I will be sure to add updates to my GoFundMe to keep everyone in the loop. God Bless!
Organizer
Julie Bolton
Organizer
Durham, NC
