Heidi Needs Life Saving Surgery
Donation protected
What happened to Heidi?
In 2017 Heidi Wahl was experiencing strange back pain while hiking. An osteopath diagnosed Heidi with severe Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. After an MRI, the doctor was alarmed to see her vertebrae was rubbing against her spinal cord and Heidi needed spinal surgery immediately.
That was the first of SEVEN spine surgeries to date.
The first two surgeries failed as the surgeon did not take Heidi's Ehlers Danlos into account. After the second surgery ALL of the screws, and rods had come undone and were floating perilously around her spinal column. This was life threatening. And very scary.
The reconstructive surgery Heidi needed was not performed by many surgeons. She was fortunate in finding one. Before he could begin Heidi had to be in traction, to lengthen her neck. Called a "halo" the device was clamped to Heidi's head, screwed into to each side of her skull, connected with weights. It was extremely painful.
In a marathon 10 hour surgery, Heidi then had her entire cervical spine fused from C1-T2 of her thoracic spine with rods, screws and plates and a cage inserted to keep her head, neck & spine secure.
Ehlers Danlos complicates everything to do with the spine, nerves, connective tissues, bones and Heidi's ability to heal properly. She lives with unbearable, constant pain.
Why does Heidi need your help?
Throughout Heidi's medical ordeal to date, she has gone through all of her savings. Even with good health insurance, the medical bills alone are astronomical. It has been financially devastating.
Heidi just found out she needs one more extremely complex surgery called a three-column pedicle subtraction osteotomy in the upper thoracic spine with extension of the fusion distally.
The risks are severe, from paralysis to life threatening scoliosis (bending of the spine).
It is difficult for Heidi to even hold her head up. With her sagittal alignment issues, it is a drain on her body and it is very difficult to live with any semblance of a normal life. Even basic daily activities, like washing her hair(!) are a challenge. It sucks for someone so active and full of life to not be fully functional, let alone work.
This very high risk surgery is scheduled for February. It is urgent she has this done as soon as possible. It costs $80,000+ and Heidi will need life care for at least 4-6 months as she recovers. Beyond that, future costs for her rehabilitation are unknown.
Who is Heidi Wahl?
Heidi LOVES LIFE!
She is the founder of Heidi Wahl Productions, an event production company. She loves her work, loves hiking in the Hollywood Hills by her home, she adores traveling, embracing new cultures. Going to the Hollywood farmers market, concerts at the Hollywood Bowl are faves!
She is blessed with amazing friends from all over the world. And she really loves her Dodgers!
It has been brutal having these forced life changes, but Heidi remains strong and positive. She is looking forward to sending updates as she fights through this incredibly difficult time.
Please help. If you are touched by Heidi’s story, please share it with others and if it is within your means to make a donation towards the cost of the surgery, Heidi would be forever grateful. No donation is too big or too small. All donations will go directly to her care.
WARNING GRAPHIC IMAGES BELOW:
Thank you all so much. Can't wait to hike again one day :)
In 2017 Heidi Wahl was experiencing strange back pain while hiking. An osteopath diagnosed Heidi with severe Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. After an MRI, the doctor was alarmed to see her vertebrae was rubbing against her spinal cord and Heidi needed spinal surgery immediately.
That was the first of SEVEN spine surgeries to date.
The first two surgeries failed as the surgeon did not take Heidi's Ehlers Danlos into account. After the second surgery ALL of the screws, and rods had come undone and were floating perilously around her spinal column. This was life threatening. And very scary.
The reconstructive surgery Heidi needed was not performed by many surgeons. She was fortunate in finding one. Before he could begin Heidi had to be in traction, to lengthen her neck. Called a "halo" the device was clamped to Heidi's head, screwed into to each side of her skull, connected with weights. It was extremely painful.
In a marathon 10 hour surgery, Heidi then had her entire cervical spine fused from C1-T2 of her thoracic spine with rods, screws and plates and a cage inserted to keep her head, neck & spine secure.
Ehlers Danlos complicates everything to do with the spine, nerves, connective tissues, bones and Heidi's ability to heal properly. She lives with unbearable, constant pain.
Why does Heidi need your help?
Throughout Heidi's medical ordeal to date, she has gone through all of her savings. Even with good health insurance, the medical bills alone are astronomical. It has been financially devastating.
Heidi just found out she needs one more extremely complex surgery called a three-column pedicle subtraction osteotomy in the upper thoracic spine with extension of the fusion distally.
The risks are severe, from paralysis to life threatening scoliosis (bending of the spine).
It is difficult for Heidi to even hold her head up. With her sagittal alignment issues, it is a drain on her body and it is very difficult to live with any semblance of a normal life. Even basic daily activities, like washing her hair(!) are a challenge. It sucks for someone so active and full of life to not be fully functional, let alone work.
This very high risk surgery is scheduled for February. It is urgent she has this done as soon as possible. It costs $80,000+ and Heidi will need life care for at least 4-6 months as she recovers. Beyond that, future costs for her rehabilitation are unknown.
Who is Heidi Wahl?
Heidi LOVES LIFE!
She is the founder of Heidi Wahl Productions, an event production company. She loves her work, loves hiking in the Hollywood Hills by her home, she adores traveling, embracing new cultures. Going to the Hollywood farmers market, concerts at the Hollywood Bowl are faves!
She is blessed with amazing friends from all over the world. And she really loves her Dodgers!
It has been brutal having these forced life changes, but Heidi remains strong and positive. She is looking forward to sending updates as she fights through this incredibly difficult time.
Please help. If you are touched by Heidi’s story, please share it with others and if it is within your means to make a donation towards the cost of the surgery, Heidi would be forever grateful. No donation is too big or too small. All donations will go directly to her care.
WARNING GRAPHIC IMAGES BELOW:
Thank you all so much. Can't wait to hike again one day :)
Organizer
Heidi Wahl
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA