Tina's back needs a car

Hi everyone, 

Back in January I injured my back. I thought it was just a basic injury and first went to a chiropractor and that seemed to make the issue worse, then I went to physical therapy and left each time in tears and barely able to walk. I would sit in my car and sob at all the pain I was in. I got an MRI and went to a neurosurgeon and was grateful to learn that I didn't need surgery but I also learned that I have spinal stenosis that has been aggravated more by the injury that is still healing.

I had to drop out of PT after a while because the cost was adding up.  There just isn't room in my budget for $25, 3 times a week, plus the reccomended accupuncture. I have been slowly getting stronger, I have mapped myself walking up to 3.5 miles on flat ground a couple of times a week but always with pain in my hips and lower back to pay after. I can't walk up hills without my hips shaking, which is one of the oddest sensations, it feels like a Barbie doll leg that needs to be popped out and put in right again.  Some days I can walk at a good steady pace and others I move at the speed of snail.

Today I went to the doctor and she's recommending that I do another MRI, this one with contrast to make sure that nothing was missed and to be sure nothing has changed for the worse. I am pretty sure it costs $1000 just to turn that machine on!!!

This has had a pretty harsh affect on the rest of my physical health as well as my mental health. I have been dealing with some pretty harsh depression that is truly weighing me down.

I have already racked up nearly $5,000 in medical bills on my back alone, but I am also paying off a medical procedure I had done last year.

To top things off, my car died a month ago and as pitiful as it sounds, I can't walk up the hill from my bus stop to my house right now. I am relying on rides to and from work at the moment, but there is more to life than getting to and from work!

I plan to use the money I am asking for to get a car that is reliable enough to last a couple of years without worry and pay the remaining balance toward my medical bills that will lower my monthly payments and give me room to breathe.

I know I am asking for a lot, but really anything will help.

In the mean-time, please see me getting back to being able to walk regularly and better still hiking without fear of injuring myself further.

Thank you for your time and support.

Tina