Kathleens Journey: Arachnoiditis to A Doctorate

Hi, my name is Kathleen Haynes, and I am studying for my doctorate in Psychology for Teaching, at Walden University. At age 70, pursuing my doctorate over the last eleven years has been a feat born of resilience, grit, and determination. My dissertation is unique, as it looks at suicidal ideation in adults with adhesive arachnoiditis (AA). What exactly is AA? It is a rare disease that affects the spinal nerves, clumping them together and resulting in severe intractable pain. I know about this disease because I am one of its victims.

At Walden, I graduated in 2012 with a Master of Science degree with a 3.98 GPA and began my doctoral studies right away. I have completed my coursework and am solely focused on my dissertation. I am ready to submit my proposal (the first three chapters of the dissertation). However, I need help. I need to raise $6,666 to finish my studies. More important I need to raise $2,833 by the end of August, or I will be academically dismissed, even with a 3.58 GPA.

AA is a tough disease to live with. There is continuous stinging, gnawing, and burning pain in the back and lower extremities. The bladder and bowel can become incontinent, painful spasming of the extremities occurs, sexual dysfunction, and ocular, gastrointestinal, and hearing difficulties are all associated with AA, which can result in paralysis and death. Not only do we live with these complications, relationships suffer and are often destroyed.

My goal is for my study to be widely read by medical and academic professionals, who up to this point have very, limited knowledge of AA., let alone know of the suicidal ideation that exists in their patients, which unfortunately has led to completed suicides. My hope is that suicidal ideation becomes a talking point for professionals, and becomes more understood through this study and that it saves lives.