Music Journalist Robert’s GI Downslide into Hell

What's this all about - Introduction by Geoff Waye

Dear friends & family,

You may know my friend as Rob or CelticBob. He’s been a music journalist for years in Heavy Metal and Hard Rock. Writing about his favourite bands, new bands and concerts have been a lifelong pleasure. He has covered bands all across North America. Music unites us all, am I right? Since I've known Robert he has been a huge music fan and has introduced me and countless others to many amazing artists.

A couple of years ago, he woke up feeling sick… thought it must have been the dreaded COVID-19. I sure wish now, it had been. Welcome to the start of his GI Downslide into Hell.

After a negative COVID test, he made an appointment with the Dr. as he felt like crap. Upset stomach, abdominal pain, cramps and well, YOU KNOW what follows… His Dr. suggested an Endoscopy and he had hopes of it bringing a better understanding of what was going on with his GI issues. A string of bad luck followed. His Dr. gave up her practice and he was left hanging. Trip after trip to Emergency at Central Regional Hospital (located in Grand Falls-Windsor). He was still unable to eat and collapsed at work. His supervisor had to take him home.

A new Dr. arrived in late August, and Robert was diagnosed with several bowel diseases: Diverticulitis, Knotted Bowel and Elongated Bowel. Another Colonoscopy followed and an Endoscopy as well. GI system was blocked, (yes, he’s full of “it”) & nothing was passing. Trip after trip to the Dr., Emergency, again at the hospital and even some by ambulance as he was totally unable to get there by himself. The pain was just that bad…

Robert has seen a Dietician but even with changes in diet, was still not finding relief. He’s been surviving on water, juice, smoothies & protein shakes for over a year. Then, he began to have issues swallowing. Medication for better digestion hasn’t done the trick either. More waiting on more tests to be done. Multiple bowel diseases have chipped away at his dignity, his finances and his quality of life on every single level.

Last October 2022, GI issues led to new problems with his eyesight. Who knew that GI inflammation would affect other areas of the body!? His vision was blurred with intense pain around the left eye. The dentist said it was a bad tooth, so he removed it. Did that help? Not much. He saw his Dr. that same morning & now, his eye pressure was through the roof. He was sent directly to Emergency at the hospital & a course of drops & pills followed. They have tried laser treatment to relieve the pressure, but it didn’t help. Eye surgery was needed at this point but, it was just too risky. Mid-November saw him travelling out of town for a week to access surgery. As he was unable to drive, costs started adding up to have a driver, a place to stay, etc. All expenses were out of pocket. He is now waiting on having another eye surgery, as well. The final kick in the guts was a call from his insurance provider just days before Christmas. His Long-Term Disability was terminated. Zero income! Medical bills piling up and no way to cover them. Insurance will not cover more dental work required with existing GI issues either. Yup, a full decent into GI Hell. The havoc of inflammation just keeps on ripping his life apart.

The process of trying to fight for his benefits with his insurance company has taken its toll. He cannot do this alone. He needs financial help. With costs for dental, medication, a specialized diet, mortgage, heat and lights, he cannot see (literally) an end in sight. Added to the list is another eye surgery. He wants to keep writing as a music journalist and he needs to be able to see. Most importantly, he needs to get back to his paying job. His GI issues have led to a very poor quality of life. With your help, that can change.

Please share this campaign with your friends and family & help us spread the word. I am confident that, with your support, Rob/CelticBob will come out on top and have a fighting chance!

We all hope we will not end up in a position like this....and if we do, we hope someone will be able to help. Every little bit of your financial help will go directly to helping get Robert back on his financial feet. Anything you can spare would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time, support, and generosity.

Sincerely,

Geoff Waye (on behalf of Robert Bursey)