Rare spinal and pelvic diseases. Please help.

This is my daughters story: 

I have not included everything but I am willing to share more and post updates as my diseases progress .I have good days and bad days, I’ve been practically bed ridden (on and off) for the last 4 years. I’m not expecting to go back to a normal life, due to so much pain, Food those who don’t know me, hi and thanks you for reading my bio. My name is Heather Reid. And people call me Heather. Lol. Dumb joke but I think it’s funny.

Anyway back to being serious, your help is not just for me, but also my family. I had to move back in with my parents and, I’m just going to say it, it’s been hard on everyone! Anyway, I just recently turned 36 and I am preparing to have my 4th back surgery which brings my total number of surgeries to 10. It all began in 2010, when I had my first spinal surgery. My disc had calciated around my sciatic nerve and almost left me paralyzed with pain and permanent nerve damage. I recovered and coped well. I suffered for months to finish my semester and I got through the 3rd to last final exam before the pain consumes me. Luckily, I still aced the class. Four years later, my life drastically changed and my health deteriorated. I got better, then worse, then better and so on. I finally demanded help because an irresponsible and incompetent pain doctor told me it was all in my head. I struggled and suffered with pain, anxiety and depression which stemmed from several health conditions (a few newly diagnosed) for about 5 years. 

Truth be told, I have spinal conditions (disc degenerative disease, bulging discs, spinal stenosis, a bone graft fusion, osteoarthritis, post-laminectomy syndrome and neuropathy); pelvic and GI conditions (endometriosis, complex ovarian cyst, gastritis, esophagitis, chronic esophagus and stomach inflammation, and a hiatal hernia); neurological and mental conditions (seizures and ADHD); cardiac condition (tachycardia); hypoglycemia and more! 

 Read the updates for new diagnosis during this journey.

Unfortunately, I was obligated to pursue social security disability. My surgeon recommended a home health aid or nurse until I recovered but my insurance wouldn’t authorized it. Therefore, some of the funds will be allocated towards that need.

I will be receiving a spinal cord stimulator in one month, which reduces the pain by 50%. After I recover in the next 12 weeks, my team will move forward with other options that will hopefully facilitate better functioning and perhaps the full ability to return to work full time. It has been a long journey and I still have many trials and tribulations ahead of me. I’m not one to typically ask for help from anyone, but sadly my pain and debilitating health issues have left me with very limited options. I was a special education teacher and I loved my job. Due to having to take an extensive medical leave after my failed back surgery almost 2 years ago, I was wrongfully terminated. I am here today seeking $20,000 to help pay for my overdue and future living/medical expenses.

I spent many years in college in order to have a fulfilling life with a successful career that would forage a path to a more equal and sustainable world. Life had other plans for me. Instead of relying on family, friends and strangers, I always believed the government should provide us all with a financial safety net for when life throws unexpected and uncontrollable curve balls. But, unfortunately, that is not the case ; so, here I am asking and pleading for your help.

 I didn’t deserve what happened to me and I certainly wasn’t prepared for this type of emergency life-altering situation. I prepared for a self-gratifying and self-sufficient life and I worked very hard for it. I am a college graduate and I graduated with honors, student of the year awards and I was offered multiple full scholarship to graduate school, in which I accepted Easten Michigan University, and I have over 100,000 worth of student loans. 

I continue to reference back to the serenity prayer, which was spoken during my graduation commencement ceremony. It helps me, along with yoga and meditation, to get through these difficult times. It’s becoming e more difficult to rely in holistic medicine at this point.

 

Anyway, I would forever be grateful for your help! Anything would mean the world to me.

 

Thank you for reading a little bit about my story. Please reach out if you would like to get to know me better.

 

sincerely,

 

Heather

IG: @heathermarreid