Update: Another trip to Spain is needed!
It’s about time I gave you all a proper update!
Unfortunately as many of you know, I’ve been pretty poorly over recent months with flu and then a virus straight after alongside two chest infections, and what feels like constant allergy/ asthma flares.
All the coughing has made the instability in my thoracic spine much worse… I’ve had a special CT scan done which pinpointed the problem area and confirmed my suspicions!
For those medically savvy, it’s the T4 vertebra in my thoracic spine that is causing issues. The hardware and fusion is all in tact (great news) and it appears to be the facet joints popping, the joints at the side of the vertebra.
However when they pop out of joint it is incredibly painful for me and causes some other nasty related symptoms too.
After consulting Dr Gilete my fantastic Neurosurgeon in Barcelona, last year, he recommended the SPECT CT scan. This highlighted the problem, before we discussed how to help manage this issue!
We all agree the best option for me at the moment would be a conservative approach! To perform nerve ablations of the nerves at T4. This should stop the pain, and enable me to progress with my physio and strengthen everything as much as possible!
I’ve not mentioned this previously as I was hopeful my pain management team here would be able to undertake the ablations…. But, I’ve waited 2 years now for NHS support with my pain, due to waiting lists and so far I still have no appointment date!
However, they’ve now written to me after receiving Dr Gilete’s recommendation, to say they’re not willing/able to perform the nerve ablations for me, due to the complexity of my case.
So, again, my only option is to go back to Barcelona where the team who know me so well, will take great care of me and perform them themselves.
I’m hoping to have the procedure in the Easter holidays, and need to raise around £5,000 to fund it.
It’s a day case procedure so no hospital admission this time, but I need to be in the apartment to be able to have pre testing etc.
Note* This is in addition to the £7,609 still needed on the old GoFundMe to pay off the previous debt, so I have opened a brand NEW GoFundMe specifically for this NEW treatment needed in April.
I know you’ve all been incredibly generous with your time, support and donations, in the past and I hope you will help me jump this last hurdle!
I’ve been doing so well since my surgeries, living life halo and seizure free, and I have a very exciting year ahead….. moving into my own home very soon, and starting my teacher training in September!
So I’m hoping this treatment can be done in May to control my pain, enabling me to spend the summer working really hard on my physio to get as strong and stable as possible, before I begin my teaching journey!
Any support with fundraising or raffle prizes for online raffles would be massively appreciated! We also have #MelaniesMission collection jars available! Donations can also be made via bank transfer to avoid fees if you contact myself on social media for the details of the Melanie’s Mission Trust.
Sending love to all my lovely followers!
Thanks again,
Mel 🙂 x
Donate to Melanie’s Mission Managing pain via:
GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/30c1912f
Or Bank transfer via requesting details of the Melanie’s Mission Charitable Trust.