UPDATE: Turns out I was a part of an even smaller percentage of people who herniated the same disc three times.

Around Halloween 2025, while recovering from surgery, I reherniated again.

And because everyone knows that medical appointments always take longer to get scheduled at the end of the year, I was not able to get my surgery until February 3rd.

Meaning it will be a total of about 6 months out of work, instead of the originally anticipated 6 weeks.

I thought I was panicking then..

This is much, much worse.

Any continued support is so very graciously appreciated. ❤️

______________________

My name is Anna, and asking for donations is a really difficult thing for me to do. But when life hits, it hits hard. I need help.

In June of 2021, I had my first microdiscectomy for herniating my L5/S1 disc. I dealt with debilitating pain for 6 months prior: inability to stand, walk, bend, twist, or even use the restroom without debilitating pain.

Surgery was the only relief, and afterwards, I cried because I could finally go about my daily life without excruciating sciatic pain.

My doctors told me I should have no more issues.

Flash forward 4 years and 3 months later—here I am, again.

The chances of reherniating the same disc twice is only 9%.

I was not part of the 91%.

I now find myself thrown back into the darkest nightmare I've ever had, again.

However, this time the pain is much more intense. I find myself screaming and crying on a regular basis, just trying to ease the pain.

If anyone has had nerve pain before, you know there's nothing worse.

To make matters worse, I now work as a server, which basically means that if I'm not working, I don't make money.

Short-term disability will only pay me a fraction of my hourly (minimum) wage while I deal with recovering, which will take a total of about 8 weeks.

To make matters worse? My surgery is going to cost me thousands. Yes, I have insurance, but it will cost me around $3000 out of my own pocket.

My savings did not prepare for another spine surgery and being off work for 2 months.

I've never needed help as much as I do right now.

Anything helps, and everything is appreciated

*Friendly reminder that your whole life can fall apart in the blink of an eye*

With Love,

Anna Lepke

Venmo @AnnaLepke