A bulging disc, incurred during my first tour in Iraq, lead to my first herniation upon my return, however, I deployed for my second tour anyway. I had my first of four disc surgeries in 2008, culminating with two surgeries in 2017 to implant a spinal fusion.
Now, I have another herniated disc and a degenerative disc. My doctors at the renowned Virginia Spine Institute say I am a prime candidate for regenerative therapy but my insurance won’t pay for the VIA Disc procedure which is $21,000 plus the associated therapy.
I am in pain every day that has destroyed my way of life. This physical pain exacerbates my PTSD and pulls me down into a deep, deep hole. I think if I can fix the physical pain it’ll fix the mental pain.
