Elizabeth's Chair Lift & medical

Elizabeth is my friend, single mother of 13yr old twins and she is very much in need of help.... reluctantly Liz has admitted she needs assistance and she has allowed me to share her painful story..... in her words.

I am a single mother of thirteen year old teenage twins and unfortunately I have a disability. I have had three failed spinal surgeries. The first was in October 2007, the second in April 2012 and the third in November, 2013. In 2012 I had to cease working due to my spinal problems. This meant closing my Private Practice as I am an Occupational Therapist having worked with children. I am now living on Disability Support Pension and struggling with myself and my two children living off it.

My disability is due to three failed spinal surgeries in my lumbar region with my third surgery being a two level spinal fusion. My Orthopaedic Specialist has said unfortunately I am in the 15% of failed spinal surgeries. These have resulted with me having chronic pain 24/7 along with reduced mobility. I also have a condition called Fibromyalgia, Neuropathy, CRPS as well as diagnosed Major Depression and chronic Endometriosis. In addition my left leg has been affected and I have balance issues, nerve damage and muscle atrophy in my foot. My health has deteriorated significantly since my last spinal surgery two years ago but it has worsened moreso this year.

This year I was assessed by an Occupational Therapist and I now use a walker, walking stick and a scooter (hired at the shops) to assist with my mobility. I also have equipment for my home including ramps to access the front and back doors, raised toilet seat, bed rail and shower stool etc.

Unfortunately I had a fall in August on my stairs resulting in hospitalisation for two weeks. The fall has caused the disc at the level above the fusion to herniate causing more pain and more reduction in my mobility. I was already seeking funding at the time in the form of financial assistance for a chairlift (as recommended by the Occupational Therapist) costing approximately $10,000. I have been able to receive government funding for the chairlift (HACC Home Modifications) which accounts for 70% of the cost (possibly up to $7000). I therefore am required to pay the remaining 30% of the cost.

As I am struggling financially I do not have $3000 or so, to pay for the chairlift I so desperately need. The internal stairs in my home leave me with the options of either my children pushing and pulling me up the stairs every night or when they are not home, I have to crawl up the stairs to get to the shower, bedroom etc.

I am very scared of falling on the stairs again. The stairs are narrow and have two bends in them, making the journey even more difficult an dangerous. I only go up them once a day and down once a day in the morning and night.

Due to my condition I spend most of my time lying down during the day. I can sit and stand for only five minutes and walk with assistance for ten minutes. Consequently I do not go out much at all apart from medical appointments and some shopping but this is becoming less. I am very isolated but my two children give me a reason for struggling through each day. My Orthopaedic Specialist has told me that my only option is Pain Management with no change apart from further deterioration of my condition. I have been informed by a Physiotherapist at a Pain Clinic that I will be in a wheelchair as a result of my failed spinal surgeries in the future.

Having a chairlift means I will be able to maintain my independence and continue living in my home causing no disruption to myself or my children. It is not financially viable for me to move to a single level home as my children need to live in the area we are in to continue attending their High School. It is also not an option to live downstairs as the Occupational Therapist said it would cost a similar amount for home modifications and a two year wait as I do not have a shower downstairs or a room that is fully enclosed. It is therefore imperative I have a chairlift especially to reduce having further falls and to maintain my dignity and independence.

I have never asked for help as I am very independent. However I realise I am drowning financially and require financial assistance to purchase a chairlift.

Elizatbeth.

MORE about my friend....
Sadly Elizabeth has gone from being a very independant, social and fun loving woman who ran her own business, to a quiet recluse, trapped in a body that doesn't work well and causes her so much pain.

On top of very minimal govt support, she is unable to rely on family for help financially as her own mother is extremely ill too. I would love for Elizabeth to raise more than the $3000 to cover the gap in the chair lift cost, she is desperate for help financially and medical bills are impossible to keep on top of.

Please help Elizabeth get a much needed chairlift so she is able to remain in her home. She would be so very thankful for any help and her children would dearly love to have some relief for their Mum.

Joanne.