Help Combat Merrik's PTSD & FND

I am Merrik's Dad Brian raising funds to help pay medical bills that are not covered by our health insurance.

Merrik was misdiagnosed at first, what they thought was Neurological was indeed a chronic sinus infection. His new primary care physician took a culture from his nose, and they have isolated the bacteria that has given him a Chronic Sinus Infection since last September. We are truly grateful and relieved to know the cause of his severe headaches and hypersensitive ears. He Is now taking a specific antibiotic to treat the bacteria strain he has. Unfortunately, since this is a chronic sinus infection lasting eight months now it will take time to alleviate his symptoms. Merrik was seen by his ENT (Ear, Nose, & Throat Doctor) who reviewed his latest MRI from February. She was able to shed some light on why his sinusitis has been chronic since last year and a possible reason for his intense head pain. She thoroughly reviewed all treatment avenues since the antibiotics have had minimal impact. A septoplasty and inferior turbinate reduction surgery is what Merrik needs to correct his deviated septum and relieve his severe congestion & pain. The surgery was successful, and he began to heal but the pain returned with the same intensity.

We thought it was another sinus infection and 3 tests were performed and an additional CT scan. While the CT scan showed an infection none would come up in the testing. He went under another surgery so they could wash his sinuses and get a good sample. Three days later they did find 2 new bacteria that could be responsible. He was given the appropriate antibiotics but none of them worked at all. His ENT then sent us to an Infectious disease specialist who thoroughly examined Merrik. He arranged a hospital stay where a team of doctors could review and observe him. Low and behold 2 days later we left the hospital with an entirely new diagnosis of TMD (TMJ) and Occipital Neuralgia. Diagnoses: Occipital Neuralgia and TMJ have been feeding off each other in addition to withdrawal from the anti-inflammatory medication between uses. This has been the cycle that has produced and intensified the pain. The actual root cause that started all of this was the initial sinus infection. During Merrik’s visit with the Neurology staff including a Pediatric Neurology Brain Specialist, he determined that Merrik had TMJ in his jaw (temporomandibular joint) disorder that affects the muscles and nerves of the temporomandibular joint. This joint is located on each side of the jaw and it connects the jaw to the skull. TMJ occurs when the muscles and nerves of the TMJ joint become injured or inflamed. Merrik stated that he has had a popping sensation in his Jaw for a number of years now, this is Classic TMJ. In late August when Merrik had the initial sinus infection this inflamed the TMJ causing pain in his forehead and through his sinuses. Since his sinus infection was misdiagnosed and he only had anti-inflammatories to ease the symptoms the pain intensified causing Occipital Neuralgia, this is a condition in which the nerves that run from the top of the spinal cord up through the scalp, called the occipital nerves, are inflamed, or injured. Occipital neuralgia can cause intense pain that feels like a sharp, jabbing, electric shock in the back of the head and neck, on one or both sides of the head, & Pain behind the eye. This is the lightning pain Merrik has been experiencing all along especially as the sinus infections intensified.

The doctors are uncertain how much or even if he has a sinus infection currently even though bacteria was found during the surgery on August 4th. A new CT scan that was performed did not indicate any major signs of infection. The sinus pain may just be a result of Occipital Neuralgia and TMJ.

In conclusion, no anti-inflammatory medication are to be taken, he is using a heating pad on the back of the neck to soothe the Occipital Neuralgia. Merrik will see his Chiropractor on Monday about both the TMJ & Occipital Neuralgia and consult a dentist. This will take weeks to sort itself out, he will continue to have pain while the pain cycle is broken down allowing him to heal. Even with all of this going on Merrik is keeping up with his schoolwork and will be able to attend virtual school on Monday! He is determined to overcome!

As of May Merrik's Hyperacusis has become worse and is attacking his nerves. We were referred to a new Audiopligist and Merrik will be fitted for a hearing aid to control how much he hears (opposite of an actual hearing aid). After the past two weeks of Hospital stays and 3 different ERs we believe everything else has been vetted. We hope and pray that his Hyperacusis is the root of all of this and he will be able to heal soon.

We thank everyone in advance for your generous contribution. Merrik is looking forward to healing and getting back to school. Merrik is currently an 18-year-old Senior at the AAST in Myrtle Beach majoring in Clean Energy Science. Today he finished his finals and he is off to Graduation!!

Thank you,

Merrik, Sheila, Regan & Brian O'Neil