Raising money for injections in my neck - pain free living!

Hi, my name is Sorrell. I’ve suffered from Chronic back pain since I was a kid, for over half my life.

It started around the age of 15, I started getting aches and pains in my lower back. By 17, I could barely carry my school bag, let alone take part in normal school life. Aged 19, I underwent the first of 7 spinal operations.

In total, I’ve been through three open discectomies, one laser discectomy, one 3-level fusion surgery and two spinal cord stimulator implant surgeries. My lower back scar has been re-opened six times, and I now walk around with two ‘burner phone’ looking controllers that can be adjusted to “manage” the pain by increasing the intensity of the electrical impulses.

Unfortunately, despite all the operations and countless injection sessions (which are painful as **), I am still in pain and still take 40mg Morphine daily, with a few swigs of the Oramorph bottle, as well as Gabapentin, Duloxetine and Amitriptyline. Additionally, a knock-on effect of my inability to mobilise well, exercise and the long-term use of these medications, I have gained over three stone in weight, this past year alone. Which, in turn, causes more pain and more health problems.

This life isn’t a life. I feel dazed and unable to concentrate on work. I struggle with basic daily tasks, and the constant pain is there from morning to night, with every step feeling like knives in my back being twisted.

So, I’m looking to raise some money, so that I can go back to the London Spinal Clinic. An expensive trip I know, but Dr Mo Akmal is the best in the country, and I’m hoping that with the help of more modern technology of keyhole surgeries, stem cell therapies and even ozone therapy, there might stand a chance of me getting a more pain-free life, that lasts longer than a year or so.

Initially, I am looking to raise £1000, which would pay for an initial consultation, a much-needed MRI scan of my whole spine, a follow-up consultation, a full medical and MRI report and the transportation costs of getting there from South Wales. Although I can drive, a train ticket would be needed for such a long journey when travelling alone.

UPDATE: I have had the MRI scan now, and the consultant has recommended Cortisone injections in my neck, as I have two bulging discs which are compressing my spinal cord between C4 and C6. These injections will cost just over £3000. For more information, please read through my updates below.

I really appreciate you reading my story, and it would mean the absolute world to me if you are able to help me get one step closer to waking up every morning without dread of the pain ahead, but only if you can.

I will keep you all updated on how I get on.

Thanks again, Sorrell xoxo