Please help me afford treatment for Post Concussion Syndrome

Hello, thank you for taking the time to read this. My name is Gabriel and I’m 20 years old. I’ve been recently suffering from post concussion syndrome, after a fall in the bathroom and hitting the back of my neck/head on the bathtub. The picture is of me in the ER, the day of the injury. I’ve tried physical therapy, changing my diet, as much exercise as I can handle, and more, but none of it seems to work. A doctor that has helped me a lot for a different problem that I will get into later, recommended a place that specializes in treating concussions and brain injuries. It is called the Neurological Wellness Institute. The problem is that it is very expensive, and because of my symptoms (mainly nausea, lightheadedness, weakness, tiredness, brain fog, and headaches) I haven’t been able to get a job to afford it. It is hard to afford this all especially considering that I have no college education for reasons I will get into later, and because my parents are immigrants from Poland with no valid degrees and don’t t make much at work.

Now a bit about my past. I grew up fairly normally, went to school, had friends, played sports, video games, etc. everything was going fine and well. I was preparing to go to college my junior year, doing what I could to get into the ones I liked… until summer break happened. I went to a party for a friend's communion and ended up dancing a bit too close to the speakers. Afterwards I got tinnitus and hyperacusis as a result. I know people don’t like to read those words so I will use T and H instead from now on. Soon after that happened, my life started to get worse. T and H severely limited my life. When I was in a quiet place, my T bothered me a lot. When I was in louder areas, my ears hurt from my H. It was torture no matter what I did. I ended up having to do my senior year online, only three classes to meet graduation requirements because I was so depressed, suicidal, and overall not able to live properly. I graduated and that was that. I spent my time in the basement of my mom’s house, in the only room, alone all day and night. I would eat at night and live at night. I would sleep during the day to avoid my family and outside noise. It was not a good time to live. A good doctor named Dr. Bradshaw, helped me with sound therapy. She gave me hearing aids that make white noise that I use to this day. I slowly increased the volume to deal with my H and gain tolerance to sound. The sound also masked my T. Because of her I was able to get better. She was the one who recommended the concussion clinic.

I felt better after a year. I started to lift dumbbells quietly to keep myself entertained and healthy. Then it happened… a wrist injury.

I ended up having to get wrist surgery about a year after that happened. Even to this day, even after a year after finishing PT, I still can’t use it. I might have to get another surgery. Just when it felt like I was making progress, I got hurt again and had to stop doing what I loved. The depression grew. The feelings got worse. Only more suffering.

It took 3 years of effort and suffering to be able to make decent progress. I was able to go outside for a while. Do things. I could live somewhat normally. While I just achieved this level, my friends and classmates were in college, getting degrees. I felt like I had wasted so much time… I wanted to do something. I knew I couldn’t go to college… so I tried to get a job… and I did.

I worked in retail for 6 months. I did my best and pushed through pain. Though I soon realized the harder you work the harder the work you. I was overworked and under appreciated. Relied on with no one to rely on. My body was at its limits, since I had to walk 4-6 miles a day at work throughout a large store carrying heavy clothing. I also had to walk half a mile to work and back home. I would often work until 10pm and started early the next day. I worked 34-36 hours a week. I quit because I needed a break, but I was happy that I was able to finally accomplish something in my life after such a long time. Though that happiness would fade soon enough. A month into my break, I ended up slipping in the bathroom and hitting the back of my head and neck on the bathtub, getting a concussion. This was in March 2024. I still suffer from post concussion syndrome and symptoms even now. My hopes of going back to work and school are gone as my days are how they used to be. Laying in my room doing little. It’s very tasking to even write this and set this up. I want to feel better, feel normal again, but I can’t afford to pay for the help I need. That’s why I’m making this. I ask of you all please, please help me. I want to do something with my life.

Thank you once again for taking time out of your day for reading this. Any donations would be appreciated. May God bless you all.