Turning point to Living Again

Hello. Many of you know my journey but I’ll give a little history. It started in June of 2016 while on vacation. I’ve had issues with my legs going numb and tingling in the past but this was extra. It got to the point that I’d have to stop for a period of time, while walking, until I got my strength back. Once we got home, this journey of uncertainty began. After numerous tests, I decided to have lower back surgery to correct the problem. That surgery was expected to be 3-4 hours; it was double that time. The surgeon explained that there was more damage than expected. That surgery was November 1, 2016. I was excited that the issue was fixed; or was it? Instead of getting better and my legs getting stronger, my legs actually started to get weaker. The left leg was always the weaker of the 2 but my right leg was becoming just as weak as my left. We know our bodies, and mine was telling me that something isn’t right. So I had to petition my surgery to run additionally tests. This would entail, additional X-rays, cat scans and MRIs. Once these tests were done, they doctors “found” the additional problem for sure. I had some disc issues in my neck area that where pressing on my spine. “We are certain this is the issue and if you don’t have surgery, we are 90% certain that you’ll will end up permanently paralyzed”, the doctor said. I’m thinking that this isn’t really happening, that this has to be a joke. I was scared and already having more trouble walking so I say, “ok, let’s do it.” So, on February 7, 2017, I had my second surgery in the thoracic and cervical area. When I woke from this surgery, which was longer than expected; I could not move my legs. I could feel the touch of people but I could not move. All I could do was cry like a baby for almost an hour and ask why me. I can honestly say, I was crying because I couldn’t move my legs and my next thought was that I won’t be able to cook with my granddaughter again. She loves to cook with me and we even started a YouTube channel callled Sloane’s Kitchen. And she said to me that she’s not gonna cook with anyone. She’s waiting for me to get better. After that second surgery, I spent a total of 87 days in the hospital and inpatient rehab. By the time I got home, friends and family had built wheelchair ramps for me in our back so I could get in the house. A friend also found a hospital bed for me. And that leads me to this post. I’ve been living on our first floor for over a year. I’ve tried to lay in our bed but I cannot. When I lay flat, I have immense pain going down my left side. If my head is elevated like a hospital bed, there is no pain. I never thought in a million years that is still be in this predicament after surgery. So, I am creating this campaign with extreme hesitation and embarrassment.

In order for me to sleep in my bedroom again, we NEED a craftmatic type bed. As I researched these beds, I began to lose hope. Why are they so freaking expensive? As I was talking to a friend, he suggested starting a campaign to seek assistance in getting one of these beds. More than anything, your prayers are needed and welcomed. And once you pray, if you feel led to donate, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thanks again to all!