Race to raise funds for Abi's life saving spinal surgery

Hi my name is Hannah and I'm raising funds for my best friend Abi for life saving spinal surgery not available on the NHS.

Abi has been housebound for almost 3 years due to her debilitating Tarlov Cyst that has only recently been diagnosed.

Until a few years ago Abi lead a very normal life. She was able to work a full time job, she studied to obtain her degree in counselling and loved socialising with friends and family, she babysat for her niece and nephew and generally lead a typical life of a mid thirties woman. Abi also loved to travel with her husband and was healthy enough to think about starting a family.

Back in 2020 after many medical issues Abi was eventually diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS). This is a debilitating connective tissue disease that is very rare and often misdiagnosed. It goes hand in hand with many other problems Abi has had to cope with. Such as MAST Cell activation disorder-This is where histamine floods the body and causes severe allergic reactions and even anaphylaxis. Abi has to carry with her an Eli pen at all times and can often react to everyday foods and during a time of flare can even be allergic to water. Another disease that Abi has that is linked to her EDS is POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) This causes an irregular heartbeat and can lead to seizures and fainting. The POTS diagnosis means Abi is unable to drive.

The Tarlov cyst that is entwined around her spine is not only incredibly painful but also causes neurological problems and leaves Abi housebound, having to have carers and medical professionals visit her at home on a daily basis. This cyst has left Abi totally incontinent and is currently enduring daily IV antibiotics which are administered through a catheter that she has to have in her arm.

This makes showering and daily tasks more difficult and with Abi's mobility issues and severe pain on a daily basis her life without this surgery is unbearable and Abi’s symptoms will only worsen.

Abi has gone from a young woman full of life- to someone who is rarely able to leave her own home. She is now facing a challenge that could cost her, her mobility and if left untreated will eventually be fatal.

We are now on a race to raise funds for life changing surgery with the only specialist Doctor in the Uk. Cardiff based Dr Chopra is the sole consultant who is able perform the dangerous task of operating on her Tarlov Cyst. This will relieve many of her symptoms and hopefully lead her on the path to regaining back her quality of life.

Please help in an anyway you can even if it’s just by sharing Abi's story.

Thanks so much for reading ❤️