Lumbosacral Medical Surgery Expenses

My name is Diane and I reside in Johannesburg.

Due to having spinal, thyroid, autoimmune and adrenal problems as well as being a single income earner and looking after my family, getting onto a hospital plan with all of its exclusions has been a challenge.

I will be having surgery to remove the L5/S1 disc which has ruptured and affecting the right and left sacral nerves (more severely on the left) and is pushing against the spinal cord as well as the bowel and bladder nerves and has left me facing lumbosacral disability.

The disc is herniated to such an extent that it is trapping my spinal cord and nerves against the bone. There are secondary issues in the thoracic & cervical spine which increase the amount of tension on my spinal cord and nerve routes. Spinal stenosis is present as well facet joint degeneration as a cause to the injury in the lumbar and sacral spine.

10 weeks ago my lumbar and sacral spine as well as the muscles which support the spinal column became so exasperated from the chronic pain that I found myself unable to get up, stand or sit for more than a few seconds, turn around, bend forward or backwards or walk more than a few steps. My quality of life has suffered to such an extent which has left me almost bedridden and being cared for 24/7.

I am so very thankful to all of you who have been involved in assisting me with making this surgery happen. There simply are no words to express my utmost gratitude! Thank you!

Surgery will take place hopefully on the 3^rd or 4^th of December 2019. Although I know the risks involved, I am hopeful that it will be a success.

After surgery I will be on a strict 6 to 12 month rehabilitation programme due to the nerve damage that has occurred as well as a degree of lumbosacral disability which may already be present.

Half the funds have been raised to have this surgery, however I still need to raise the other half of +/- R70 000.00 to R80 000.00.

Please help to make this happen!