L5-S1 Spinal Surgery for Kendra

Hello, my name is Kendra Collins, a 39yr old mother of 2 from Houston, Texas. In August of 2023 I was unexpectedly diagnosed with a focal 11mm right posterior central herniation. This is causing a compression and the displacing of my right S1 nerve, crushing the nerves in my right leg, enabling me to walk, sit, stand or lay.

Spinal surgery is the only option as the nerve is currently being compressed by a disc, causing my right leg to be immobile. I have no feeling in my leg, nor am I able to move it without agony. Most importantly, I am not on any pain medication, as nothing that has been given has worked. I am only being given nerve medication. It does not work either… The pain is so severe that it causes nauseousness, vomiting and dizziness. I also can not drive and must be transported by lying down only.

This gofundme is being creating in hopes of gaining financial support so I can gain my life back be fully mobile again. Unfortunately, without health insurance, this surgery starts at $20,000. All funds will be distributed to Memorial Herman Hospital and my pain management doctor at Pain Relief Associates in Katy, Texas.

Being a full time entrepreneur has unfortunately hindered me from paying for this surgery. I will be in extreme pain until I’m able to proceed with a surgery date. Sadly, this is all dependent on the support from my community. Please consider donating to the healing of my spine. I am terrified of what’s to come, but I do have hope that I will be fully healed and able to walk, pain free.

As prideful as I am, I know when to ask for help. Thank you so much for your donation and for sharing my story.

Complete MRI diagnosis: A large acute right posterior central herniation and disc extrusion with sequestration is evident at the L5-S1 level, measuring more than 1.0x1.7 cm in diameter, markedly compressing and displacing the patient’s right s1 nerve.

PICTURE #1: The disc bulge that is pressing down on my s1 nerve.

PICTURE #2: No bulge whatsoever on my left side. The left side is fully functioning.

PICTURE #3: The blue line is showing exactly where the bulge is on my spine.