Help Arabella through Spine Surgery
Donation protected
My name is Arabella Stone and I’m a dancer here in PDX. At 19 I was diagnosed with Degenerative Disc Disease of my lower lumbar spine, my L5S1, something that isn’t common until your 50’s. I have been experiencing pain since 8th grade and for years doctors wrote me off. When I was diagnosed, I was told no surgeon would touch me till I was 30.
I’m now 22 and lucky enough to have found my current doctor who has for the past couple years administered epidural steroid injections into my spinal disc to help with the pain. But these injections aren’t something I can do forever, and the pain always comes back. In October I had an MRI that revealed my disc is now also herniated.
On December 8th, 2023, I will be having surgery on my spine, specifically a Laminectomy and Discectomy. The laminectomy will be to shave down part of my vertebrae to allow more room for my nerves. The discectomy will be removing the herniated part of my spinal disc so it will not press against my nerves.
While my doctor is sure I’ll recover quickly, it is still a 4 to 6 week downtime, possibly longer due to bone work being done. I’m asking for assistance during this time while I recover, I currently dance full time, and due to the time I’ll have to take off living expenses will become more than I can handle quick. I will be working up until my surgery to help create a safety net for myself but any and all assistance is appreciated at this time.
I’m now 22 and lucky enough to have found my current doctor who has for the past couple years administered epidural steroid injections into my spinal disc to help with the pain. But these injections aren’t something I can do forever, and the pain always comes back. In October I had an MRI that revealed my disc is now also herniated.
On December 8th, 2023, I will be having surgery on my spine, specifically a Laminectomy and Discectomy. The laminectomy will be to shave down part of my vertebrae to allow more room for my nerves. The discectomy will be removing the herniated part of my spinal disc so it will not press against my nerves.
While my doctor is sure I’ll recover quickly, it is still a 4 to 6 week downtime, possibly longer due to bone work being done. I’m asking for assistance during this time while I recover, I currently dance full time, and due to the time I’ll have to take off living expenses will become more than I can handle quick. I will be working up until my surgery to help create a safety net for myself but any and all assistance is appreciated at this time.
Organizer
Arabella Stone
Organizer
Vancouver, WA