Operation Laura: Please help!

In October I began experiencing excruciating pain in my left jaw. I, along with others, thought the pain was simply related to my temporomandibular joint (tmj). I had experienced mild episodes of this pain throughout my entire life. I saw an orthodontist who was hesitant to treat me, as he was certain it was something more. As the pain got worse, I saw another doctor who was also sure it was something more. Several visits to the Emergency Room, and multiple doctor visits including a visit to an ENT gave me no answers. FInally, a close NP suggested I see a neuro specialist. That same night I ended up in the ER once more, where the doctor suggested the same thing. I was able to see a neurologist in Los Angeles on November 4, and he ordered a series of in depth tests, including 3 specialized MRI's.

IN early November my neurologist/neurosurgeon followed up with me and confirmed that my MRI's did in fact show a condition called Trigeminal Neuralgia. In simple words,TN is caused by a blood vessel pressing on the trigeminal nerve as it exits the brain stem. This compression causes the wearing away or damage to the protective coating around the nerve (the myelin sheath).

The path of treatment chosen for me is this: Retrosigmoid Craniectomy and Craniotomy, Endoscopic Exploration of Posterior Fossa with Endoscopic Vascular Decompression of Cranial Nerve(s) and Cranioplasty. Basically, this means they will drill a hole behind my ear, exposing my brain, and find the nerve and separate it from the blood vessel.

My surgery has been scheduled for November 19 in Los Angeles.. the problem?

Because I am uninsured, and at this point applying wouldn't help because the condition already exists, I have to pay out of pocket, upfront.

The discounted price of the surgery is $97,000.00, but because my surgeon is incredible, only half of that is due before surgery--Friday, November 15, at 5 pm PST.



I have, by a miracle, been able to be accepted to the Mayo Clinic next week if this doesn't work out. It is my assumption that, because my surgeon loves me so much, that he will be disappointed when he hears that I was turned away because of finances. God could totally move his heart. But, if that doesn't happen, I have a second option. So I need to keep raising and keep believing.



So.. I need your help! I need your ideas! I need your connections! I need your prayers! I need your love! Please please please post any creative insight you might have on how this could happen! Press in with me for a miracle!

Here is a link to a couple of sites where you can read more about it!

http://skullbaseinstitute.com/trigeminal-neuralgia-tn/

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/trigeminal-neuralgia/DS00446

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WHO AM I???? Read all about me at lauramichellereed.com