Lindsey’s Unexpected Spine Surgery

I had been dealing with sciatic nerve pain since July of 2021, attending physical therapy and treating the pain using noninvasive methods, but things broke down very quickly New Years’ Day. I had a friend take me to the ER on January 1st, but other than a referral for an appointment with a specialist, they were not able to help me.

With no further warning or injury, I woke up early in the morning on January 3 unable to bear weight on my right leg, sit, stand, or roll over unassisted, and had to be taken to the ER via ambulance, and to undergo an emergency microdiscectomy on January 4. The surgeon informed me after my procedure that my condition was significantly worse even than the MRI had indicated, and while my sciatic nerve was bruised significantly, the portion of the extruded disc was removed, the stenosis relieved, and the surgery a success.

I also learned through this process that I am one of those lucky individuals for whom morphine actually makes the pain significantly worse. I received pretty rough treatment by the nursing staff at the hospital, and am trying also to work through that mentally/emotionally, in hopes that other patients would be treated with more humanity and empathy.

I have health insurance through my employer, but as I work in the nonprofit museum field, I do not make much money and an unexpected medical bill is extremely daunting. I also sew historical clothing and will be selling garments I’ve made in hopes of being able to pay off this unexpected expense.

My prognosis is good, and in the ten days since my procedure, I have finally able to get my pain under control. I am able to walk again, and have started finally to be able to sleep for more than a few hours per night. Any help is sincerely and earnestly appreciated in paying this unexpected, emergency medical bill.