Support Andrea’s Urgent Correcticve Surgert

This video shows me trying to walk outside my apartment. Bending forward at the waist is getting steadily worse since the screws came out of the rods in my back. My lower back was already arthritic. When the bottommost screws of the thoracic rods came out, my lower back couldn't support my upper back. That's why I am bending forward from the waist. The screws are literally protruding out of my middle back (see picture) and need to be removed. The surgery results were good for a year. It's been a disappointment and a shock.

As soon as I can, I'll have another back surgery. The surgeon will add titanium rods to my lower back (lumbar vertebrae to pelvis). That will straighten me up. He will remove the screws that came out and are sticking out of my back. And he will, hopefully pull my neck back up straight.

It's long, tough road. I'm praying that I get a job soon

so we can move forward.

You have prevented hardship and unhappiness for us.

Thank you for your compassion and generosity.

Written by Julie Benveniste.

My friend Andrea needs your help. She was always physically fit, enjoyed working out and ate healthy but has recently experienced some very debilitating health issues.

Her neck became very stiff and her shoulder muscles started to tighten up years ago and caused osteoarthritis. She thinks the osteoarthritis damaged her neck vertebrae and over time caused other degenerative changes. The range of motion to look right and left has lessened. She has lost the ability to look up due to degeneration (shortening) of her neck. The most concerning is that her head has begun to drop forward in the front, a condition called “Dropped Head Syndrome” by neurosurgeons.

Initially the orthopedic surgeons said nothing could be done but did send her to Physical Therapy. It strengthened the muscles around her neck but didn't stop the changes. Now her head has dropped further and her upper spine is starting to curve towards the front of her chest (like a hunchback). This has become so severe she is having trouble holding her head up. The diagnosis is cervical kyphosis (means hunchback). It is now noticeable. Without surgery, her head will continue to drop and her condition will be much worse. She is already having problems swallowing and will possibly have trouble breathing.

Andrea found a neurosurgeon who is also an orthopedic surgeon. He specializes in her condition and can operate to straighten her back and neck. It is a big surgery and high risk and although she is very scared she has decided to move forward. A titanium rod will be inserted into her thoracic spine to straighten the hump in her vertebrae and screws will hold her straightened cervical vertebrae to keep her neck straight. The surgeon will enter from the front and the back.  Andrea will not be able to work during the recovery period and the recovery is lengthy (3 months if all goes well).

Most of the surgery cost will be covered by insurance. But she will pay a percentage and will need 24 hour care during the first three weeks of her recovery. Afterwards she will still need a caregiver for another nine weeks. There are no family members to help her. She has not been able to work for a year, and her financial situation is dire. Her savings have been depleted.

Andrea also tackled lymphadema last February and it prevented her from working. Lymphadema caused extreme swelling of her legs. Three months of therapy three days a week was required to reduce the swelling. Then she transitioned into expensive compression garments that were not covered by insurance. The expense was unexpected.

The neurosurgeon is looking at the final MRI and nerve testing after September 21rst and then Andrea can schedule the surgery. Without your help she will not be able to have the surgery. She won't be able to get her household bills paid in advance and pay her medical bills. She needs enough money to pay for caregivers, to pay for prescriptions. medical supplies and transportation.

I am asking you to please help Andrea through this difficult time and know that no matter how small a donation, every little bit helps. She is a very giving and kindhearted soul that has always been there for others so let’s show her some love and support.

If you have any additional questions, I am happy to answer them.

Thanks for reading and wishing you all the best of health!

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