My name is Rita for those of you that don’t know me. Last year, I felt ashamed when I had to do this, but that was emergency surgery twice in a 5-week period. I swore that I wouldn’t have to do this again, but desperate times call for desperate measures. I find myself once again struggling since I’ve been on short-term disability since May 18th. Those 40% checks only cover so much, especially when you have to pay bills and try to cover my premium, medication, doctor’s visits, imaging, etc. I’ve gone through many spinal injections in both lumbar and cervical. I’m at a point where I’m a fall risk and my pain specialist said no more injections, it’s time to see a surgeon. I am now in the care of Barrows Brain and Spine and have a surgeon that’s awesome. More images were done and my neck is a complete mess. Three of the discs are very thin and you can see where one of the bones in my vertebrae has shifted. C-4, C-5, C-6, and C-7 are compromised and I’ve reached a point where another fall could possibly lead to paralysis. I’m waiting for the insurance to approve my surgery which would involve a frontal approach to remove the disintegrating discs, put in titanium discs, then a titanium cage with screws to hold my neck in place.

The issue is that my premium is behind and if not paid in full by October 12th, my insurance will be cancelled. I’m making payments, but between the payments for that and medical bills, it’s just not enough to keep my insurance. People have asked me why don’t I go on disability? Well, my answer is, I still want to work. I miss working and feeling useful; I’m good at my job. My goal is to get this surgery and return to a routine that makes me feel good about myself. I’m tired of feeling useless. It’s hard to keep from getting depressed. I miss my active life.

I want to be honest—it’s not easy for me to ask for help. I feel ashamed and humbled to even share this, but I’m in a situation where I can’t manage on my own. Reaching out is difficult, but I’m truly grateful for any support you’re able to give.

With gratitude,

Rita Trostle

PS- I would like to get back to the way I look in this picture.