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In 2007, my dad (Ed Smith) underwent his first emergency spine surgery. His cervical spine (uppermost vertebrae) showed extensive damage and damage to his spinal cord and surrounding nerves. While the surgery successfully removed the offending vertebrae and made room for his inflamed spinal cord, the journey was far from over. Since then, he has been diagnosed with advanced adhesive arachnoiditis.
In simplest terms, advanced adhesive arachnoiditis means the lining of my dad’s spinal cord is chronically inflamed. It presses up against his degenerating vertebrae creating permanent scar tissue and atrophy to both his spinal cord and clumping/adhesion of his major nerves. It causes constant, excruciating pain which can’t be cured or treated by medication. This is because unlike muscular or skeletal injuries, his pain stems from his spinal cord and nervous system.
His diagnosis also causes loss of gross motor control (frequent falling, difficulty walking, or inability to hold things), searing burning pain down arms and legs, inability to regulate temperature, difficulty exchanging cerebral spinal fluid causing fevers and migraines, sleep disturbances, gastroparesis, and adrenal collapse.
Since 2007, my dad has undergone four major spine surgeries:
1. Cervical spine (2007)
2. Lumbar spine (2013)
3. Double lumbar (surgery from both back and front) (2015)
He is waiting to be scheduled for his fifth spine surgery (on his thoracic spine).
There is no cure for arachnoiditis. Treatment is experimental at best and focuses on managing symptoms as best as possible.
This journey has been humbling and swift. My dad has always been a capable, strong, hardworking individual. The change in his body and ability has been difficult. But we cling to the promise that God is preparing a new way for him, a way in the desert.
The medical costs my parents are bearing are astronomical. I have asked their permission to set up this Go Fund Me with hopes of providing support and relief to them, in any amount. I chose $4,000 as the goal because that reflects the amount they have spent on just one of his treatments since January.
More than anything, my parents covet your prayers and your company. In your prayers, please pray for wisdom from the doctors. For a swift rescheduling of his urgent fifth surgery. For compassion and innovation from medical personal. For peace and comfort in the midst of great difficulty. For eyes to see God’s provision. For sustenance and endurance for this hard road. For company, companionship, and friendship during a very lonely and isolating time.
My family thanks you for all your thoughts, prayers, and kind words.
In simplest terms, advanced adhesive arachnoiditis means the lining of my dad’s spinal cord is chronically inflamed. It presses up against his degenerating vertebrae creating permanent scar tissue and atrophy to both his spinal cord and clumping/adhesion of his major nerves. It causes constant, excruciating pain which can’t be cured or treated by medication. This is because unlike muscular or skeletal injuries, his pain stems from his spinal cord and nervous system.
His diagnosis also causes loss of gross motor control (frequent falling, difficulty walking, or inability to hold things), searing burning pain down arms and legs, inability to regulate temperature, difficulty exchanging cerebral spinal fluid causing fevers and migraines, sleep disturbances, gastroparesis, and adrenal collapse.
Since 2007, my dad has undergone four major spine surgeries:
1. Cervical spine (2007)
2. Lumbar spine (2013)
3. Double lumbar (surgery from both back and front) (2015)
He is waiting to be scheduled for his fifth spine surgery (on his thoracic spine).
There is no cure for arachnoiditis. Treatment is experimental at best and focuses on managing symptoms as best as possible.
This journey has been humbling and swift. My dad has always been a capable, strong, hardworking individual. The change in his body and ability has been difficult. But we cling to the promise that God is preparing a new way for him, a way in the desert.
The medical costs my parents are bearing are astronomical. I have asked their permission to set up this Go Fund Me with hopes of providing support and relief to them, in any amount. I chose $4,000 as the goal because that reflects the amount they have spent on just one of his treatments since January.
More than anything, my parents covet your prayers and your company. In your prayers, please pray for wisdom from the doctors. For a swift rescheduling of his urgent fifth surgery. For compassion and innovation from medical personal. For peace and comfort in the midst of great difficulty. For eyes to see God’s provision. For sustenance and endurance for this hard road. For company, companionship, and friendship during a very lonely and isolating time.
My family thanks you for all your thoughts, prayers, and kind words.
Organizer and beneficiary
Michelle Smith
Beneficiary