As many of you know Jerome and our family have been navigating many medical challenges the past few months. To back this up a little it Jerome had a very large lower lumbar fusion about two years ago. That recovery was long and hard. You name it, it happened (infection, home health nurse, the whole bit). But he was doing well until about the spring of this year. New and worsening pain and numbness. As well and loss of strength. We had a number of appointments about new symptoms. It was determined that a revision of his lower fusion was needed and recommended adding an additional level to the fusion. So in June he went back to the operating room. When they were in there they found two fractured screws. Of which are still in his spine. Thought that was some answers to why he was in so much pain. Recovery from this last surgery, has been extremely difficult for Jerome. He is worse now than before. He is not able to do many things that are easy to a lot of us (putting on socks or shoes for example). We have been told that we are possibly dealing with multiple failed back surgeries and that we should apply for disability. whether he will be able to return to work is unknown at the moment. Disability application has been done. But that takes months and have been told due to his age a denial of application will most likely happen. The amount of self advocating with medical professionals has been increasingly stressful. To add to everything before this surgery Jerome was having new symptoms in his cervical spin (neck into his shoulder down the arm and into his hands) After his current surgeon telling us there is nothing he can or will do. He will drop things, or have no strength in his arms. We had tests run, this is due to findings in imaging. But his Nero surgeon has said to bad I will not address your symptoms any longer.

We have reached out to an orthopedic surgeon. He will not offer any assistance. We are now trying the Mayo for a third opinion on all this. But we are not seeing an end to this currently and financially, we are scrambling. My pay is not enough to cover our monthly expenses. Paid time off has been run out a long time ago and there are many appointments. That’s in addition to me trying to stay healthy with my MS and them appointments.

With all this going on we are asking for help. Literally anything will help and is so appreciated!!!

We have and will continue to pray for strength, patience and answers. Your prayers are appreciated as well.