u/ekj912

*please note first and foremost that I am selling everything but essentials out of my home and am soon picking up a second job to help towards this. I currently work full-time for a city government and even live at home with my parents to save on rent. My parents are retired and can’t help financially.*

For the past 24 years, I have battled relentless migraine, occipital neuralgia, and trigeminal neuralgia pain. Neuralgias are debilitating nerve conditions that feel like electric shocks, burning like fire, or stabbing. There is a high s#icidal rate associated with the neuralgia pain. I am not s#icidal but the pain is unrelenting.

These conditions began during my last year of undergrad and have only intensified over time, now affecting me every hour of every day. The pain has forced me to change careers—from pastry chef to office worker—because the smells of the kitchen made my migraines unbearable. My insurance has denied coverage for the surgery I need, labeling it as experimental and investigational, which means I must pay out of pocket. The self-pay option is $24,500 not including travel, hotel, etc to Washington, D.C. where my surgeon is. The surgery has a 90-95% success rate!

This journey has not only impacted me, but also my family. My parents are now in their 70s, my brother is bipolar, and my nephew is on the autism spectrum. I haven't been able to be the full-time family member I want to be, and it hurts to miss out on moments with them. The constant pain and nerve issues have made it difficult to be fully present and supportive, and I long for the days when I was my 'happy-go-lucky' self.

I have tried all other therapies including, but not limited to, physical therapy, Botox injections, various types and endless medicines, nerve blocks, massage, and heat / ice therapy.

Your support will help me afford this surgery and give me a chance to reclaim my life. With relief from the pain, I hope to return to my family and be there for them in ways I haven't been able to for years. Any donation, big or small, will make a difference and bring me closer to healing. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing to your networks. I would greatly appreciate it.

Thank you for reading my story and considering helping me.

You all are awesome!