Save Your Local Staci
Donation protected
First, I understand the amount of money I am asking for is exorbiant. I wish this procedure was covered by my insurance, as it seems to be my last hope. I don't know how many people will read this, but even $1 will add up. If 15,000 people gave just $1, I could have this surgery and start my new life, pain free.
16 years ago I started having migraines. They have progressed to daily pain in my face, temples, and the back of my head. At the very least, my scalp burns and feels like it's on fire. At the worst, it's as if I've been hit in the head with a hammer. I keep ice packs on my head and try to sleep off the pain. Frequently, that can be 3-4 days of constant pain. This is caused by Occipital and Trigeminal Neuralgia.
Basically, everywhere you see the color red, I have intense, burning pain. On both sides.
Your Occipital nerve runs from the base of the skull up around the top and side of your head. The trigeminal nerve runs about around your ear and on into your face, cheek, jaw. These nerves, for me, are extremely overactive and send constant, 24/7 signals to my brain that I am in pain. This pain is pinpointed all over my scalp and face.
Numerous neurologists, cardiologists (due to possible enlarged vessels), and primary care providers have all tried to help me. I have exhausted all daily and "as needed" medications. I have tried rounds of Botox injections and very painful nerve block injections. I have also made lifestyles changes. I quit smoking 7 years ago, cold turkey. Stopped drinking alcohol. I have overhauled my diet and exercise program. I have experimented with stress-relieving therapy, massage, yoga. I have two daith piercings. Vitamins, elixers, etc. I had come to accept that this was my life.
I have now started seeing Dr. Carlton Perry in Houston, Texas and am a great candidate to have those irritated nerves decompressed. I do have insurance (United Healthcare) who refuses to cover this procedure for any of its customers with Occipital / Trigeminal Neuralgia. They have also denied our appeal. Out-of-pocket for this surgery is $15,000. Holy cow this is still a lot of money, but 15 seems easier to reach than 100.
Please understand that I am not one to ask for money, but I have come to the point in my journey where I am desperate. I am in pain, depressed, and at the very end of my rope.
I do try to make the very best of my situation. I am a Neuro ICU nurse, so I am very well aware that I could be much worse off. I don't want anyone to feel sorry for me. I do continue to work full-time. However, if I am honest, hurting every day makes me very depressed. It makes life unenjoyable. I want to wake up every day and not have a headche. I want to be able to do simple things again like see my friends, wear perfume, and not have this pulsing pressure running up the back of my head.
Please watch these two videos to better understand my situation. These are graphic, just to warn you.
Thank you so very much for your time.
-Staci
16 years ago I started having migraines. They have progressed to daily pain in my face, temples, and the back of my head. At the very least, my scalp burns and feels like it's on fire. At the worst, it's as if I've been hit in the head with a hammer. I keep ice packs on my head and try to sleep off the pain. Frequently, that can be 3-4 days of constant pain. This is caused by Occipital and Trigeminal Neuralgia.
Basically, everywhere you see the color red, I have intense, burning pain. On both sides.
Your Occipital nerve runs from the base of the skull up around the top and side of your head. The trigeminal nerve runs about around your ear and on into your face, cheek, jaw. These nerves, for me, are extremely overactive and send constant, 24/7 signals to my brain that I am in pain. This pain is pinpointed all over my scalp and face.
Numerous neurologists, cardiologists (due to possible enlarged vessels), and primary care providers have all tried to help me. I have exhausted all daily and "as needed" medications. I have tried rounds of Botox injections and very painful nerve block injections. I have also made lifestyles changes. I quit smoking 7 years ago, cold turkey. Stopped drinking alcohol. I have overhauled my diet and exercise program. I have experimented with stress-relieving therapy, massage, yoga. I have two daith piercings. Vitamins, elixers, etc. I had come to accept that this was my life.
I have now started seeing Dr. Carlton Perry in Houston, Texas and am a great candidate to have those irritated nerves decompressed. I do have insurance (United Healthcare) who refuses to cover this procedure for any of its customers with Occipital / Trigeminal Neuralgia. They have also denied our appeal. Out-of-pocket for this surgery is $15,000. Holy cow this is still a lot of money, but 15 seems easier to reach than 100.
Please understand that I am not one to ask for money, but I have come to the point in my journey where I am desperate. I am in pain, depressed, and at the very end of my rope.
I do try to make the very best of my situation. I am a Neuro ICU nurse, so I am very well aware that I could be much worse off. I don't want anyone to feel sorry for me. I do continue to work full-time. However, if I am honest, hurting every day makes me very depressed. It makes life unenjoyable. I want to wake up every day and not have a headche. I want to be able to do simple things again like see my friends, wear perfume, and not have this pulsing pressure running up the back of my head.
Please watch these two videos to better understand my situation. These are graphic, just to warn you.
Thank you so very much for your time.
-Staci
Organizer
Staci Schellinger
Organizer
Tyler, TX
