Hello all! As most of you know, I have been dealing with back pain for about three years. While I have several ongoing chronic medical issues, over the last 2 years the pain in my back has steadily increased. After an ER visit last year, I was diagnosed with Degenerative Disc Disease level 2 with mild spinal stenosis and several mild herniations of the lower lumbar discs. I have spent the last year doing all of the recommended treatments with no improvement. I have hobbled through with pain medications, an IFC/TENS unit, and significant time in bed or on the couch trying to be a present mom.

This past week my pain escalated again and I found myself back in the ER. I was given a second neurosurgeon referral and saw a different doctor who finally suggested surgery. While my chronic issues will not be fixed, she will proceed with a spinal discectomy with a plan for future care if it fails or re-herniates. I am very happy to be moving forward with surgery!

However, I have been unable to work this past week as I am mostly bedridden. My surgery is scheduled for Oct 3. After that I will have approximately two weeks minimum recovery time totaling at least 4 weeks off work. As a private practice LSW therapist, I do not get paid if I do not work. This means we will lose 4 weeks of my income.

As most Americans, we have been living paycheck to paycheck. As social workers, our income is pretty stagnant. While my husband and I are very happy that I am finally getting this surgery (he had the same surgery 6 years ago), we are very worried and anxious about our finances. His income will cover less than half of our bills and needs this month. We do not want to put bills on credit cards because we do not have extra the income to pay them off. We also have not been able to accumulate any savings because we live paycheck to paycheck.

If you know me, I hate to ask for help. I've been told this twice today by my girlfriends (OUCH!). Yet, as my third child reminded me of today, "Mom! You are having SURGERY. You have the right to ask for help!"

So, I am.

The needs we have this month are our typical utilities and insurance premiums, groceries including school lunch fees, my medical insurance premium, a $1,000 ER bill, and per usual life, my car needs back brakes and calipers. I have estimated these costs, what my typical pay is, and the ER bill. Thankfully the surgery will be 100% covered!

I thank you all in advance. I know many of you have heard about my experiences and have been so encouraging over the last year or two. I am SO thankful for this community I have found both online and in person. (#blessed LOL.)

We appreciate all of you and any support that is offered.