Support Kathryn's Spinal Cord Stimulator Surgery
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April 22, 2018, was my daughter's 5th birthday party. I wasn't able to attend. That morning I injured my back getting something out of my car. I cried and yelped with pain as I made my way up the stairs. It would be days until I could get back down the stairs to go to the doctor, and months to fully understand the severity of my situation.
What I miss the most is being able to pick up my children when they need their mamma.
The first of many MRIs showed injuries on L4-L5 (herniated disc) and a painful level 4 annular tear on L5-S1. The MRI also showed degenerate disc disease. I tried so many treatments to ease the disc and nerve pain (Lumbar Radiculopathy). Lumbar radiculopathy may occur when the spinal nerve roots are irritated or compressed. I wanted to avoid surgery, so I tried multiple sets of injections, physical therapy, massage, acupuncture, dry needling, diet changes, essential oils, ice, heat, hydrotherapy, and more. Between the pain of sitting, and the endless doctors' appointments, I missed many work hours.
Degenerate disc disease cannot be cured. There are surgical options for disc injuries. October of 2018, I underwent a two-level microdiscectomy to repair the discs and try to relieve the disc and nerve pain. I woke up in more pain. I was devastated. I was informed that the nerve was under more distress than they originally thought.
My days are filled with a waxing and waning never-ending pain.
I have spent these past 6 months managing my chronic pain symptoms. I never really understood that you could wake up sick and never get better. I suffer through burning nerve pain that feels as if the lower half of my body is on fire, pins and needles like bees attacking my right leg, and non-stop aching in my low back. I didn't expect my hair to break and fallout and my muscles to fade away, along with countless friendships. I didn't expect the brain fog, the memory loss, the sadness, and the loneliness.
I didn't expect to spend my savings on pain and to never feel better.
On May 7th, 2019, I will have surgery. I was approved for a spinal cord stimulator implant. A spinal cord stimulator works by masking pain signals before they reach the brain. A small device, similar to a pacemaker, delivers electrical pulses to the spinal cord. It helps people better manage their chronic pain and reduce their use of opioid medications. Stimulation does not eliminate the source of pain, it simply interferes with the signal to the brain. I will never be 100%, but I can significantly improve my quality of life with this device.
I'm looking forward to feeling just OK, maybe even normal!
As much as I hate to admit it, the financial situation surrounding this injury/chronic pain grows worse each day. I have missed countless hours of work and future opportunities. Due to physical limitations and surgery restrictions my husband, a wildland firefighter, has had to turn down fire assignments to care for our two small children (6 and 1). This affects our family and our community.
For the sake of my family, it is time to put my pride aside and ask for help. Each share of this campaign helps. Every donation great or small helps. If all you do after reading this is text a friend in chronic pain, you have helped.
To my husband, I am forever grateful. To my family and friends, you are my reason to wake up each morning. To those who have helped in the past, the present, or into the future. You are loved. You make a difference. Thank you.
Funds will be utilized to pay mounting medical bills and to support my family who has and will incur tens of thousands of dollars in wage loss.
Watch Spinal Cord Stimulation Video
April 22, 2018, was my daughter's 5th birthday party. I wasn't able to attend. That morning I injured my back getting something out of my car. I cried and yelped with pain as I made my way up the stairs. It would be days until I could get back down the stairs to go to the doctor, and months to fully understand the severity of my situation.
What I miss the most is being able to pick up my children when they need their mamma.
The first of many MRIs showed injuries on L4-L5 (herniated disc) and a painful level 4 annular tear on L5-S1. The MRI also showed degenerate disc disease. I tried so many treatments to ease the disc and nerve pain (Lumbar Radiculopathy). Lumbar radiculopathy may occur when the spinal nerve roots are irritated or compressed. I wanted to avoid surgery, so I tried multiple sets of injections, physical therapy, massage, acupuncture, dry needling, diet changes, essential oils, ice, heat, hydrotherapy, and more. Between the pain of sitting, and the endless doctors' appointments, I missed many work hours.
Degenerate disc disease cannot be cured. There are surgical options for disc injuries. October of 2018, I underwent a two-level microdiscectomy to repair the discs and try to relieve the disc and nerve pain. I woke up in more pain. I was devastated. I was informed that the nerve was under more distress than they originally thought.
My days are filled with a waxing and waning never-ending pain.
I have spent these past 6 months managing my chronic pain symptoms. I never really understood that you could wake up sick and never get better. I suffer through burning nerve pain that feels as if the lower half of my body is on fire, pins and needles like bees attacking my right leg, and non-stop aching in my low back. I didn't expect my hair to break and fallout and my muscles to fade away, along with countless friendships. I didn't expect the brain fog, the memory loss, the sadness, and the loneliness.
I didn't expect to spend my savings on pain and to never feel better.
On May 7th, 2019, I will have surgery. I was approved for a spinal cord stimulator implant. A spinal cord stimulator works by masking pain signals before they reach the brain. A small device, similar to a pacemaker, delivers electrical pulses to the spinal cord. It helps people better manage their chronic pain and reduce their use of opioid medications. Stimulation does not eliminate the source of pain, it simply interferes with the signal to the brain. I will never be 100%, but I can significantly improve my quality of life with this device.
I'm looking forward to feeling just OK, maybe even normal!
As much as I hate to admit it, the financial situation surrounding this injury/chronic pain grows worse each day. I have missed countless hours of work and future opportunities. Due to physical limitations and surgery restrictions my husband, a wildland firefighter, has had to turn down fire assignments to care for our two small children (6 and 1). This affects our family and our community.
For the sake of my family, it is time to put my pride aside and ask for help. Each share of this campaign helps. Every donation great or small helps. If all you do after reading this is text a friend in chronic pain, you have helped.
To my husband, I am forever grateful. To my family and friends, you are my reason to wake up each morning. To those who have helped in the past, the present, or into the future. You are loved. You make a difference. Thank you.
Funds will be utilized to pay mounting medical bills and to support my family who has and will incur tens of thousands of dollars in wage loss.
Watch Spinal Cord Stimulation Video Fundraising team: Team "We've got Kathryn's Back!" (5)
Kathryn Osborne
Organizer
Redmond, OR
Lea and Kyle Betty
Team member
Lindsey Cox
Team member
Cecily Bolton
Team member
Marianne Elliott
Team member