Too young for spinal pain.

Hi, I’m Ashley!

UPDATE: 12/30/23

Ashley’s back surgery was 12/22/23

This is very difficult for me to swallow my pride and ask people to HELP me and my children, during this challenging year.

I’m 34 and a single mother of two children. This past year has been extremely difficult with all of my family’s health and financial issues. I lost a lot of time at work this year due to my three year old, daughters health problems and her surgery, she had done in August 2023.

My back has been an issue for years. I was in the hospital in June with the same symptoms that I’m having now but it did get a little bit better until October 10th. I have done all the treatments the doctors have asked me to do, yet still have no relief.

You never know how painful and crippling it is until you drop your three year old out of your arms and you end up on the floor, also. Thank God, I was at my daughters daycare when this occurred. They all came to our rescue. This is the day my symptoms WORSENED.

I headed to ER that morning. When the doctor reviewed my MRI, he couldn’t believe how bad my back is. The space between L4-S1 should be 36 degrees . Mine is 21 degrees. In my 34 years, on this earth, I have lost 15 degrees. That’s why I am in excruciating pain.

The anesthesiologist did 3 epidural series which did not work.

While, I was in the hospital they did the first series of injections and pain medication to control the pain. I was released after three days in the hospital.

On November 9,2023 I saw my back surgeon. He said, that I would need three titanium disc, two cobalt rods with bone grafting, mesh and titanium screws. It would be a three hour surgery. My surgery ended up being 3.5 hours. I’m going to be out of work for three to four months. I’m using a walker to get around. It’s very painful to sit, lay or walk. I need assistance with everything even wiping myself after using the restroom.(No bending, lifting, twisting, pulling, pushing.) I ended up getting an allergic reaction to the adhesive which creates blistering, redness and pain. One more thing to add to the list. I won’t be able to drive a car for months. The recovery is going to be long and painful. My first appointment with my surgeon will be six weeks and then again in 12 weeks. I’m not even sure when I’ll be able to return to work which is my only income.

My mom, has been my only caregiver. She’s doing everything for me and my children, and she hasn’t been able to go to work. We

are so desperate for help.

I’m just at a loss and so scared right now so if anyone can find it in their hearts to help me, it would be greatly appreciate it.

Love, Ashley,Connor and Charlotte ❤️