Story
Hi, everyone -- below is a (new) MAJOR health update. I am humbly, wholeheartedly, praying & asking for HELP. *Please scroll down for Care Calendar* After 1 year healing from a multi-level, Cervical Spine Surgery (C4-C7 Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion), I am entering Phase 2 of Cervical Spine repair & replacement: Occipital Cervical Fusion. This. Is. Life-Changing. I have been waiting to LET GO of a lifelong secret kept in hiding: I am disabled, & I lose full consciousness daily. Why? Loose cervical vertebrae (C0-C2) are compressing the artery that supplies ~1/3 of the blood to my brain. > Vertebrobasilar insufficiency causes blackouts, impaired cranial nerves, & a myriad of debilitating symptoms. > "Drop attacks" & "convulsive syncope cause" full loss of consciousness, every day, for up to 30+ hours (!!) > Bow Hunter's Syndrome and Basilar Imprint* are present, impairing blood flow from reaching my brain. > When blood vessels cannot respond because of their obstruction in the neck, brain ischemia can ensue. > Increased intracranial pressure eventually damages the brain neurons & ultimately, the brain tissue itself (!!) See "Loss of blood flow to brain" headline: https://caringmedical.com/prolotherapy-news/basilar-invagination/ Occipital Cervical Fusion is the gateway to living a HEALTHY (semi-normal, but WIDE AWAKE) miracle of life. Director of Neurosurgery, Dr. Justin Virojanapa, is performing the procedure at University of Cincinnati Hospital: > This major surgery will remove the top 2 discs in my cervical spine, fusing my C0-C2 spine with titanium rods and bone allografts* > Titanium screws will be drilled in to the base of my skull (ouch), supported by metal rods & Occipital plating. > I will lose 70-80% of my upper spine motion, permanently, trading for a life FREE from full-body blackouts. > Fixing: Cranio-Cervical Instability, Atlanto-Axial Instability, Vertebral Insufficiency & Bow Hunter's Syndrome. Learn about CCI, AAI & Occipital Cervical Spine Fusion here: https://drgilete.com/craniocervical-instability/ "Didn't you just have spine surgery...?" Yes. I still have EDS. It's a genetic mutation & chronic condition. It causes loose vertebrae to pinch my vertebral arteries, & restricts blood flow from reaching my brain by 30%. Alongside POTS, & ME/CFS... I have been *suffering* a LIFETIME in silence. Those days are coming to an end, hallelujah. To further understand Ehlers-Danlos-Syndrome, Atlanto-Axial instability, & Cranio-Cervical instability, please read this article: https://caringmedical.com/prolotherapy-news/ehlers-danlos-syndrome-craniocervical-instability/ Or... just ask me directly! (About anything--I'm an open book.) I am *most grateful* to share this journey with you. First, I need to *survive* this surgery & ensure a *healthy recovery.* 🏥🌸❤️🙏 *Thank you* with all of my heart.
Special Notes
ANYTHING HELPS: Prayers for full-body healing, home-care support & check-ins, driving assistance, donations, meals, sending good vibes... it ALL makes ALL the difference. I am terrified, excited, EXHAUSTED, & overwhelmed beyond words... but I am *grateful* & HOPEFUL, as the miracle of *restorative healing* is finally within my reach. Thank you for reading, and THANK YOU for being the hope, inspiration, kindness, & unconditional LOVE that has kept me going. In the words of GRIZ, "It only gets better from here..." 🌈✨🎶