Kristina's Spinal Surgery Relief Fund

Hello Folks,

For those of you who don't know me, my name is Kristina Howell, I am 39 and single, and I reside in Maynard with my dog and my cat. I am a clinical social worker, LICSW, in the pediatric psychiatry department at a Boston area hospital. I am working on completing pre-requisites in nursing to potentially become a psychiatric nurse practitioner. I enjoy singing, cooking, camping, crafting, animals, and socializing.

I am creating this GoFundMe to help offset costs and income lost as I missed over 2 months of work due to a bulging disk injury, which caused severe, debilitating nerve pain down one of my arms for weeks and almost months. All of the tests and imaging showed that I had a bulging disc of the C6-C7 area of my spine. I had 3 trips to the Emergency Department due to severe pain, and all less invasive attempts at targeting the bulging disc, including a steroidal epidural into the back of my neck, were unable to relieve the pain.

Finally, on July 26, 2023, I underwent spinal surgery of a total disc replacement of that C6-C7 disc, followed by 4 weeks of recovery and restrictions as I healed. Overall, I was unable to work starting the week of Monday, 07/03/2023 due to the pain, and after surgery and recovery, I finally returned to work on Monday, 08/28/2023. Due to having only limited Paid Time Off available, I went unpaid the entire time I was out on my medical leave. The financial stressors of having no income for over 2 months have increased significantly, and I would appreciate any assistance to help offset my lost wages and catch up on past-due financial obligations I need to fulfill.

I want to express that I am very grateful that I am no longer in intolerable pain, and I sincerely thank all of those in my life who helped support me emotionally, physically, and logistically during this time. I truly appreciate all of your consideration, well wishes, and anything you may be able to contribute to this emergency fund to help get me back on my feet. Please feel free to reach out with any questions to me directly. Thanks again, and take good care.

Best,

Kristina Howell <3

PS- Should you have some of your time to offer in lieu of a donation, I would also be interested in and very thankful for some assistance with tasks around my home that I have been unable to complete due to lifting restrictions, as well.