I live with a condition called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). It was the result of nerve damage from an ill-fitting cast following an ankle surgery. It causes me to be in pain 24/7 and forces me to spend the overwhelming majority of my day lying on my back with my legs elevated. If I go too long without doing so, I experience incredibly painful numbness and swelling in my leg.
A few years ago, I underwent surgery to receive a DRG (dorsal root ganglion) stimulator implant to hopefully relieve some of my symptoms. I was a total success story! It was shocking how much my life improved overnight because of this stimulator. I could almost live a semi-normal life!
Unfortunately, I took a nasty spill in March of 2022 which resulted in one of the electrodes migrating and delivering stimulation to the wrong area, so I had to turn off my stimulator. A surgery would fix this, relieve me of my symptoms, and allow me to function again; however, my only income is SSDI and my insurance deductible is $5,000. I will never be able to afford this on my fixed income.
In addition, my PTSD has recently been triggered due to ableist abuse and degradation from some cruel individuals who have been working overtime to harass me and destroy my podcast. I desperately need to see my amazing therapist, but I cannot afford to do so.
If you have the means to donate, any amount is appreciated. If you do not, sharing this would mean so much to me.
$5,000 is a LOT of money for me and I have no hope of getting this on my own anytime soon (It’s already been more than a year). Asking for help like this is so uncomfortable, but it’s my only hope right now.
Gratitude and love,
Kelly
