Medical Support for Spinal Surgery Recovery
In early August, my life changed. After six unexplained falls, I went to the emergency room. I was hospitalized for four days while doctors ran multiple tests—CTs, MRIs, and a spinal tap.
I'm now facing a constellation of life-threatening medical issues.
The Surgery
I have a serious spinal cord injury. In one spot, my spinal cord is compressed by more than fifty percent. On January 5th, I will undergo a six-hour operation to remove the vertebral arches from C3 to C6, decompress my spine, and fuse my neck with rods and screws.
The surgery is complicated by the fact that I had 38 radiation treatments to my neck twenty years ago when I was fighting stage IV cancer. Radiated tissue doesn't heal the same way, so there are very serious risks. But without the surgery, permanent paralysis is all but guaranteed.
Other Medical Concerns
Doctors also found several scattered spots deep in my brain's white matter. Combined with biomarkers measuring 2.5 times above the diagnostic threshold, doctors are concerned about the possibility of early-onset Alzheimer's disease, though further testing is ongoing.
Bloodwork suggests an autoimmune disease, but more tests are needed. I have enlarged lymph nodes under my jaw—in the same area where I previously had cancer—which now need close monitoring. And my right carotid artery is sixty percent narrowed, increasing my stroke risk.
Facing This Alone
My eight-year relationship ended. I am facing all of this without a partner by my side.
Recovery and Financial Reality
Full recovery from the surgery will take about a year. I won't be able to lift my arms above my shoulders for months. I may be able to do some light work from home after a few months, but nothing close to normal capacity.
I've spent my career working, contributing, and taking care of myself. Asking for help like this is not something I do lightly. I've already burned through much of my financial runway trying to manage this privately, and I would not be asking for your support if I had another option.
How Your Support Will Help
I'm asking for help to cover approximately one year of recovery expenses:
- Monthly living costs: $2,800-$3,200 (rent, utilities, food, transportation)
- Medical expenses insurance won't cover: Co-pays, medications, follow-up appointments, medical equipment
- Recovery support: Housekeeper for tasks I can't do, Uber to medical appointments, paid assistance during early recovery
I've been out of work for three years due to declining health. The surgery will require nearly a full year before I can return to any meaningful work capacity.
The surgery will require nearly a full year before I can return to any meaningful work capacity.
What I'm Asking For
The $30,000 goal represents approximately 10-12 months of basic living expenses and medical costs during recovery. This support will allow me to focus on healing rather than surviving month to month.
If you're able to help, your support will make a direct difference in my ability to recover safely. If you can't give financially, sharing this campaign still helps immensely.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story.
—René
Organizer
