Spinal Fusion Expenses:

Hey y’all my name is Gloria Thornton I am 26 years old and trying to get some of my money independence back. As I look back to Elementary, Middle, and high school I realize I always felt pain. Sadly I was the kid who had a wrist brace, knee brace, or crutches. I use my wheelchair as my primary mode of mobility but even with my wheelchair my spine pain has been intense / unbearable. I worked hard to obtain my masters degree and bachelors degree but even with a work from home job I am unable to sit up for the 8 hour shift at a desk. On September 23, 2022 I went on short term disability hopeful conservative treatments will help my spine pain. Fast forward to April 2023 I am still experiencing pain. During this time I get a CT scan and we confirm my L5- S1 area in my spine are naturally partially fused. This partial fusion is what has been causing my pain. Since it is essentially rubbing in an area it shouldn’t anytime I move. It got to the point I couldn’t move around without wanting crying. I am a very independent person but that can only go but so far when your body’s physically limitations are met. With that being said June 30, 2023 I have a bilateral fusion of my L5-S1 vertebrae. My surgeon recommended I go to a bigger hospital who will have an amazing after surgery team and an inpatient rehab team. The surgery itself should not cost but the items around it do. - A hotel for the time before and a few days after will cost over 500$ ( I am very cheep and found a good deal and it’s still well over what I thought we would be paying out of pocket. - We will have to pay for a hotel from Wednesday the 28th to June 2nd as my spouse will be with me for the first few days and the surgery is not local (when you have multiple health conditions doctors like to send you to bigger hospitals) - I have to board my dog for 30 days which is 1100$ at minimum. I am hopeful I can leave the hospital before a 30 day mark but that is very unlikely. - Due to the fact my spouse is in and out of the house frequently I have to be able to pay for and afford a family member / friend coming to stay for a little after the surgery. If things go well I may not need as much a physical help but if I do this is an accrued cost. Adding the cost of hotel , food, lodging for my dog, and recovery items our resources are thin. I would typically work a second job to pick up extra income but considering I am unable to work my first job I am unable to work my second job due to the month long hospital / rehab stay. My spouse is in the military and works long hours and with him coming and going it isn’t possible for him to get a second job as well. I know 2,000$ is a lot of money and I would honestly be grateful for 1$ I take pride in myself and my abilities to do things with my spouse or myself but even when cutting non necessities out the budget the cost i will accrue is far more than we are capable of. if you can help by donating 1$ or whatever your heart desires or even sharing this with friends that would truly be amazing. I look forward to the days I will not be stuck in the house because of all my lower spine pain. I can’t remember a day where my pain was minimal. I am praying that the physical pain and struggles after the surgery are minimal but I am going to a hospital with amazing care both after surgery, recovery , pain management, and with the inpatient rehab. Thank you in advanced for your donations , prayers, and sharing the go fund me ❤️