Norah’s Vertebrae Recovery Costs

Hello Friends and Neighbors , some of you know me through the work I do in Canine Behavior . But did you know what I deal with a disease each and every day ? I have three invisible diseases. I was diagnosed last year with this beast called Small Fiber Sensory Neuropathy and the symptoms are bizarre at best. Buzzing tingling skin from head to toe that doesn’t stop , ever! My lips are buzzing the same as my feet and everything in between. Stiff weakened muscles and I struggle against with each step , burning muscles when I walk up a half flight of stairs. I have to stop and wait for the burning in my thighs to stop before I can take another step. I have have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome which has also weakened my joints. The arthritis in my spine is Forrestiers Disease , named for the doctor who discovered it of course. There’re bone spurs throughout my body including one very large Osteophyte in the C-Spine or neck. Surgery was delayed last year while I trained my Service Dog but it cannot wait again. I plan on scheduling the surgery for the fall Robin in my main concern. He will need to be boarded for a time. POTS , who knew such a condition exists but I have this as well. Orthostatic Intolerance , feeling dizzy when standing , is one way of explaining the disease or condition, his also occurred during the spring of 2020. Bending down to pick up or mop the floor can cause dizziness to the point where I black out , I have yet to pass out but the room will go black and I have to hang on till it passes. Hence Robin. Robin came to me in August of last year as a 12 week old Pup from California sight unseen and for me this was a big deal. We started training the next day. Robin can pick up a dime from the floor and put it in my hand , he’s amazing and just what I need ! In the spring of 2020 I was walking 3 to 5 miles 5 to 6 times a week and this was up hill all the way. Also was riding my road bike getting ready for the season. And now my road bike sits alone on the trainer in my apartment because my legs burn after 30 seconds of peddling. My life my world has changed so ,,,, This is a progressive disease and I have no clue as to where I maybe next her. I have fallen behind in my financial responsibilities since I’m not working as much as I need to be. Robin needs medical attention for shots and tests and his special diet. My vehicle is a 2003 Chevy Silverado and it’s in bad shape and needs shocks and tires , paint and an emergency break ! Many more repair are needed. I have traveled New England helping folks with their pets and have us up most of the life in the truck in the doing. I never thought I would find myself in this picture and here I am , asking strangers for help. I do not know what the future holds for me but I want to know I can take care of my Dog , he works hard for me and deserves the best I can give him. In closing I want to say how hard this is for me to ask and to let you I have deleted this over and over , embarrassed to finish it and post , well , here we go for sure . Good Speed and Bless you all. Norah Ross-Brown PS . Someone said to me the other day while I was picking up a donation that this must be really hard for me , without thinking this is what came out of my mouth.  ‘ this feels like I’m lying on my back naked with my guts cut wide open .’