MRI/MRA Scans for Andrea Pacheco’s Brain & Neck
Donation protected
Anyone who knows me, especially over the past few years, knows that I suffer from pretty frequent migraine headaches. Over the past year my attacks have become more frequent and my symptoms have changed, raising concerns with the neurologist who treats me.
The last thing I want to do is crowd-fund my own healthcare, but here I am. I work a full time job and I maintain health insurance through my employer, but I have a sizable deductible and am in need of testing that I’m genuinely afraid to put off for much longer. So I’m here, humbled, asking for help.
I visit Dent Neurologic Institute monthly for a research study for a migraine prevention medication that doesn’t seem to be helping. Both of my rescue medications have side effects that render me unable to drive, resulting in a decent number of unpaid time away from the office. My job is protected by FMLA, but my income is not. I have been falling behind financially with my boyfriend and family doing their best to help me stay afloat. But that’s not why I’m here.
I’m here because, two months ago, at my regular appointment, I described new symptoms to my doctor that seemed to greatly concern her. They concern me too.
Many mornings I wake up already feeling migraine symptoms, but, beyond that, I often have swelling around my eyes and puddles on my pillow from my eyes watering overnight. These are irregular symptoms in general, but in the 6 years or so that I’ve suffered with migraines, this symptom is something that has only begun within the past year. We’ve ruled out the possibility of it being some sort of allergic reaction, which left my doctor to say the following:
”I spend 99.9% of my time telling patients that they don’t need an MRI. YOU need an MRI.”
When I asked how soon I would have to get the scan, and explained that I couldn’t afford it until I met my deductible - which I am nowhere close to. Her response was kind but alarming.
”I can’t make you get the scans, I wish that they were free so we could do them today, but know that sooner is better. It could be nothing, but with a change in symptoms, especially this strange a symptom, I would like to rule out an aneurysm or blockage.”
An aneurysm or blockage.
To say that I’ve been terrified since hearing that sentence would be an understatement. Since that day each headache has been scarier than the last; any hint of a sharp pain or a throb and I immediately wonder if it IS an aneurysm or a blockage. I’ve put the scans off so far just to try to figure out how to finance them.
I take my medications as directed and try to use them sparingly. I’ve tried dietary changes and simple holistic remedies. I pretty much live for my chilled eye mask. These things help my pain, but they do not provide answers or reassurance; I need an MRI and two MRA scans of my head and neck to rule out anything severe or potentially fatal causing the escalation of my migraine symptoms. Those tests will cost $1,575. One of my migraine prescriptions is $178, I’ve been slowly rationing my December refill for over six months because I can’t afford to refill it. If I meet my goal, any and all donation money will go toward my scans, my medication, and if there is anything extra I will set those funds aside to be used should I need any further treatment based on the findings in the scans, or to cover the cost of my visits to Dent for my regular treatments.
I am, of course, hopeful that they will find no cause for concern, and that I will be able to resume treatment focused on simply finding a way to reduce the frequency and intensity of my migraines so that I can get back to my life. I want to work all 40 hours of my work week, earn my full paychecks, keep the plans I make without being the girl who often cancels so she can lie in a dark room with a cold compress on her eyes.
If I felt that these scans could wait, I would do my best to save the money to have them done later this year, but with each passing week, I am more and more scared to put this off, and I’ve reached a point where I’m caving in and asking for help.
I may not look sick, this may be tough to understand, but I’ve been exhausted by this for a long time, when I don’t have a migraine I’m often recovering from one that just ended. I am desperate for relief and terrified of what could happen if I don’t get these tests and these aren’t just migraines. I’m disgusted with American Healthcare (but if we get me started on that I could write many more paragraphs).
Please know that I appreciate anyone even taking the time to read this. I understand that some people may doubt the severity or even validity of what I’ve been dealing with, and I also know that there are people who are suffering worse than I am. I am just hoping that enough people will understand my desire (need) for answers and peace of mind to maybe help me get the care I need. Any and all help is appreciated, even if you can only offer well-wishes and good vibes, know that I am grateful. I am grateful for every kind wish and every well-intended suggestion offered to me in the past months and I will continue to be grateful.
The last thing I want to do is crowd-fund my own healthcare, but here I am. I work a full time job and I maintain health insurance through my employer, but I have a sizable deductible and am in need of testing that I’m genuinely afraid to put off for much longer. So I’m here, humbled, asking for help.
I visit Dent Neurologic Institute monthly for a research study for a migraine prevention medication that doesn’t seem to be helping. Both of my rescue medications have side effects that render me unable to drive, resulting in a decent number of unpaid time away from the office. My job is protected by FMLA, but my income is not. I have been falling behind financially with my boyfriend and family doing their best to help me stay afloat. But that’s not why I’m here.
I’m here because, two months ago, at my regular appointment, I described new symptoms to my doctor that seemed to greatly concern her. They concern me too.
Many mornings I wake up already feeling migraine symptoms, but, beyond that, I often have swelling around my eyes and puddles on my pillow from my eyes watering overnight. These are irregular symptoms in general, but in the 6 years or so that I’ve suffered with migraines, this symptom is something that has only begun within the past year. We’ve ruled out the possibility of it being some sort of allergic reaction, which left my doctor to say the following:
”I spend 99.9% of my time telling patients that they don’t need an MRI. YOU need an MRI.”
When I asked how soon I would have to get the scan, and explained that I couldn’t afford it until I met my deductible - which I am nowhere close to. Her response was kind but alarming.
”I can’t make you get the scans, I wish that they were free so we could do them today, but know that sooner is better. It could be nothing, but with a change in symptoms, especially this strange a symptom, I would like to rule out an aneurysm or blockage.”
An aneurysm or blockage.
To say that I’ve been terrified since hearing that sentence would be an understatement. Since that day each headache has been scarier than the last; any hint of a sharp pain or a throb and I immediately wonder if it IS an aneurysm or a blockage. I’ve put the scans off so far just to try to figure out how to finance them.
I take my medications as directed and try to use them sparingly. I’ve tried dietary changes and simple holistic remedies. I pretty much live for my chilled eye mask. These things help my pain, but they do not provide answers or reassurance; I need an MRI and two MRA scans of my head and neck to rule out anything severe or potentially fatal causing the escalation of my migraine symptoms. Those tests will cost $1,575. One of my migraine prescriptions is $178, I’ve been slowly rationing my December refill for over six months because I can’t afford to refill it. If I meet my goal, any and all donation money will go toward my scans, my medication, and if there is anything extra I will set those funds aside to be used should I need any further treatment based on the findings in the scans, or to cover the cost of my visits to Dent for my regular treatments.
I am, of course, hopeful that they will find no cause for concern, and that I will be able to resume treatment focused on simply finding a way to reduce the frequency and intensity of my migraines so that I can get back to my life. I want to work all 40 hours of my work week, earn my full paychecks, keep the plans I make without being the girl who often cancels so she can lie in a dark room with a cold compress on her eyes.
If I felt that these scans could wait, I would do my best to save the money to have them done later this year, but with each passing week, I am more and more scared to put this off, and I’ve reached a point where I’m caving in and asking for help.
I may not look sick, this may be tough to understand, but I’ve been exhausted by this for a long time, when I don’t have a migraine I’m often recovering from one that just ended. I am desperate for relief and terrified of what could happen if I don’t get these tests and these aren’t just migraines. I’m disgusted with American Healthcare (but if we get me started on that I could write many more paragraphs).
Please know that I appreciate anyone even taking the time to read this. I understand that some people may doubt the severity or even validity of what I’ve been dealing with, and I also know that there are people who are suffering worse than I am. I am just hoping that enough people will understand my desire (need) for answers and peace of mind to maybe help me get the care I need. Any and all help is appreciated, even if you can only offer well-wishes and good vibes, know that I am grateful. I am grateful for every kind wish and every well-intended suggestion offered to me in the past months and I will continue to be grateful.
Organizer
Andrea Pacheco
Organizer
Grand Island, NY