Sam's Road to Recovery
Donation protected
Friends, Family, and Others,
While most of our summers are filled with vacations and fun in the sun, mine was filled with hospital visits and lots and lots of bed rest.
In early June I began experiencing an odd array of symptoms including nerve sensitivity, chronic back and chest pain, pain breathing and overall fatigue. After a week of experiencing symptoms I decided to go to the ER where I was diagnosed with Costochondritis, which is just inflammation of the joints in the rib cage. Although very painful, it is a harmless diagnosis. I was sent home with a prescription and advice to rest over the following 6 weeks.
For a short time, I did experience some relief, but slowly my symptoms began to return, becoming more severe. By mid-July I was in excruciating pain, consistently being told by medical professionals that I needed to rest more, take it easy, and be patient. It was when I began to lose feeling and normal function in my legs that I knew there was something else wrong. The numbness started in my toes and worked its way up to my waist in the time of a few days. We found ourselves in the ER again.
During this visit, two lesions were found on my spinal cord, causing the numbness and nerve damage. I was diagnosed with a condition called Transverse Myelitis. I was admitted to the Hospital and received treatment over the following week. My symptoms were slowly alleviated, and by my discharge date I was walking on my own again. It was explained that the recovery period was roughly 6 months to a year, but I should slowly and surely regain most to all function and feeling in my legs.
After a week of rest, I could return to work, I was living independently, and getting around normally. This was unfortunately short lived. Two weeks after I was discharged my symptoms all returned overnight and we found ourselves in the ER, for a third time. Fortunately, I was able to take treatment from home this time.
From this point forward I would be seeing a neurologist almost weekly, coupled with other medical professionals to confirm my diagnosis and maintain a treatment plan. I unfortunately lost my job in this process, and as a result lost my medical insurance, and income.
Physically and emotionally I felt complete defeat. I had to relearn how to walk, drive, climb stairs, squat, and other basic skills.
As of right now (September) I am still receiving treatment, and likely will for a few more months, as well as seeing a neurologist on a regular basis until the conclusion of my treatment period.
I am beyond blessed to have an unbreakable support system of friends and family who have surrounded me throughout this entire process. I have received unconditional support and love from those in my life and it has made a world of difference during this difficult time.
I am creating this fund to help with current medical bills, future neurology appointments, future scans, and basic living expenses. My family and I combined have been paying out of pocket for services recently, and with no income for myself, finances are becoming slim. Any and all support is appreciated. For those who feel led, please donate. I hope that when well again, I can fully pay forward the kindness I have received during this time. Thank you for taking the time to read about my cause.
While most of our summers are filled with vacations and fun in the sun, mine was filled with hospital visits and lots and lots of bed rest.
In early June I began experiencing an odd array of symptoms including nerve sensitivity, chronic back and chest pain, pain breathing and overall fatigue. After a week of experiencing symptoms I decided to go to the ER where I was diagnosed with Costochondritis, which is just inflammation of the joints in the rib cage. Although very painful, it is a harmless diagnosis. I was sent home with a prescription and advice to rest over the following 6 weeks.
For a short time, I did experience some relief, but slowly my symptoms began to return, becoming more severe. By mid-July I was in excruciating pain, consistently being told by medical professionals that I needed to rest more, take it easy, and be patient. It was when I began to lose feeling and normal function in my legs that I knew there was something else wrong. The numbness started in my toes and worked its way up to my waist in the time of a few days. We found ourselves in the ER again.
During this visit, two lesions were found on my spinal cord, causing the numbness and nerve damage. I was diagnosed with a condition called Transverse Myelitis. I was admitted to the Hospital and received treatment over the following week. My symptoms were slowly alleviated, and by my discharge date I was walking on my own again. It was explained that the recovery period was roughly 6 months to a year, but I should slowly and surely regain most to all function and feeling in my legs.
After a week of rest, I could return to work, I was living independently, and getting around normally. This was unfortunately short lived. Two weeks after I was discharged my symptoms all returned overnight and we found ourselves in the ER, for a third time. Fortunately, I was able to take treatment from home this time.
From this point forward I would be seeing a neurologist almost weekly, coupled with other medical professionals to confirm my diagnosis and maintain a treatment plan. I unfortunately lost my job in this process, and as a result lost my medical insurance, and income.
Physically and emotionally I felt complete defeat. I had to relearn how to walk, drive, climb stairs, squat, and other basic skills.
As of right now (September) I am still receiving treatment, and likely will for a few more months, as well as seeing a neurologist on a regular basis until the conclusion of my treatment period.
I am beyond blessed to have an unbreakable support system of friends and family who have surrounded me throughout this entire process. I have received unconditional support and love from those in my life and it has made a world of difference during this difficult time.
I am creating this fund to help with current medical bills, future neurology appointments, future scans, and basic living expenses. My family and I combined have been paying out of pocket for services recently, and with no income for myself, finances are becoming slim. Any and all support is appreciated. For those who feel led, please donate. I hope that when well again, I can fully pay forward the kindness I have received during this time. Thank you for taking the time to read about my cause.
Organizer
Samantha Jo Flores
Organizer
Allen, TX
