Holly McConnell

Hello from Germany ! It's been 5 months since my last update and much has happened since then. My US and UK surgeons have decided to delay an ACDF fusion on my lower neck for now. The subluxation has improved so we are trying to manage my arm and facial pain with pain meds, PRP injections and physio. As an alternative to the ACDF I went ahead with a breast reduction 2 months ago to alleviate any extra pull on my current skull-neck fusion. It's helped a great deal! So what brings me to Germany?! ☺️ In addition to a funny upper body I also have a funny lower one. My spinal cord is tetherd (stuck in the wrong place) and this is causing pain, weakness and numbness in my low back and leg. As with my neck op there is no treatment pathway or research into TCS within Ehlers Danlos patients in the UK. Medicine, science and political will takes time. We're still pushing the Department of Health and Social Care for change. On the bright side tho Germany is much closer than the USA, so my latest medical adventure has been closer to home . For those of you who haven't been German bread is amazing and everywhere is super tidy and clean ! I'm so incredibly grateful to all of you who have helped me and my family on this journey. The difference the neck op made was profound, and I don't think I can ever really truly express how much you collectively all changed my life . I don't like asking for help again but if any of you are in a position to donate a second time and support us my parents and I would be most grateful. This op is costing us just shy of 20k. If you're unable to donate please would you consider sharing my story and fundraiser on your social media or among friends? This also really helps ☺️! I hope all of you have been keeping well, and enjoying the lovely summer With much gratitude as always ! More news later ! And please cross your fingers and toes for me tomorrow! ‍♀️ Holly xx

I have made this GoFundMe on behalf of my friend Nilla. Like me she suffered a chiropractic injury resulting in debilitating pain and disability. Please take a moment to read her story. With much gratitude and thanks. Holly Nilla: Today, I want to share my story—not for sympathy, but in the hope that it prevents someone else from going through what I did. Like many people, I had dreams. I dreamed of being healthy, enjoying life, becoming independent, pursuing my passions, finding meaningful work, and building a future I could be proud of. I was working hard to make those dreams a reality. Then, in a single moment, everything changed. A dishonest doctor manipulated my neck without my consent. Whether it was for money or to keep me as a long-term patient, I don’t know for certain—but his decision changed my life forever. My body was left in constant pain. My spirit was shattered. From that day on, I watched my strength disappear, little by little. I watched my dreams, my opportunities, and the life I had imagined slip away and I was powerless to stop it. I fought to recover. I tried everything I could. But nothing ever returned to the way it was. To have another chance at healing, I would need support and resources. Instead, I reached a point where I couldn’t even afford life’s basic necessities—food, clothing, the things many people take for granted. Now, for the past three years I have been confined to my bed. I am 25 years old and this is no way for a young person to live. Every single day, I close my eyes and imagine the life I once dreamed of. Then I ask myself the same question: Will I ever get my life back? Will I ever become the person I was supposed to be? So far, my answer has always been the same? No. If there is one thing I hope you take away from my story, it’s this: Please be careful about who you trust with your health. Not everyone who wears a white coat deserves your trust. Your health is priceless. Protect it, ask questions, seek second opinions, and never let anyone make decisions about your body without your informed consent. I sincerely hope no one else ever has to live the life I’m living today. I share my story to raise awareness, but also to ask for your help if you are in a position to do so. Due to my disability I cannot work anymore. It is becoming increasingly hard for me to meet even my basic needs. I can barely provide for myself let alone support my family. If those of you reading could find it in your hearts to donate even a small amount to my fundraiser to help me with my medical bills, rent and groceries I would be hugely grateful. Even $1 can go a long way. If you are not in a position to donate I ask if you could please take a minute and share my story on your socials. It really would mean the world to me. Thank you, Nilla