Trigeminal neuralgia surgery for Billy Ferris

UPDATE September 2023:

Billy wants to thank everyone who has supported him so far. Even though he’s not 100% yet, he’s very optimistic that he will be soon. He’s been able to return to normal activities, and he’s looking forward to a return to work.

The money from this GoFundMe has covered a good chunk of his past, present, and future medical bills. He’s grateful to everyone who has contributed. Without this surgery, there would have been no recovery.

UPDATE June 2023:

Billy found an earlier surgery date with Dr. Zomorodi at Duke Raleigh Hospital. Dr. Z is a world renowned neurosurgeon who specializes in surgeries relating to trigeminal neuralgia. After speaking with several of Dr. Z's former patients, Billy concluded that his outcome for success was as likely with Dr. Z as his original plan to travel to Japan. Since Dr. Z was able to see Billy sooner, Billy chose to go with the quicker surgery option. The cost and logistical complexity of travelling to Raleigh, North Carolina, rather than Japan, was also less for Billy and his dad.

The surgery happened this past Monday, May 22. The surgery was successful in removing the Teflon from Billy's head. However, as it was a major brain surgery, Billy has a long recovery road ahead. It is too early to tell whether the surgery was effective in helping Billy sleep. He currently is back home in St. Louis recovering.

As initially intended, the funds raised here will help pay for Billy's surgery and travel costs for him and his dad to go to Raleigh, North Carolina. Anything over and above those costs will go towards funding Billy's continued recovery. Thank you to all who have donated.

ORIGINAL POST:

Billy has endured chronic pain from trigeminal neuralgia and related complications for 15 years. At present, he cannot sleep and experiences constant debilitating pain. His only option for recovery is surgery to remove Teflon granulomas in his brain. This surgery is specialized, so only a handful of doctors worldwide can perform it. While Billy has tried to get scheduled with U.S. based hospitals, including at the Mayo clinic, the only surgeon able to schedule Billy is Dr. Takuro Inoue at Nadogaya Hospital in Japan. Surgery is scheduled for June 20, and total expected recovery time before Billy can travel back to the states is 2 weeks

This fundraiser is to cover the surgery costs, as well as travel and lodging costs to get to the surgery. Billy is maxed out on funds, as he has been paying to travel to doctors and surgeons for 15 years. Due to the debilitating nature of Billy's sickness, he has not been able to work for the past 8 months.

General way money will be used:

$9000 Surgery with Dr. Takuro Inoue and Nadogaya Hospital stay

$5000 Flights - 2 * $2500 for flight for Billy and advocate, prices from Google flights

$1300 Hotel - prices from Expedia

$600 Food - $15 USD * 20 days * 2 for Billy and advocate

$4100 - Unknown expenditures

Total: $20,000