Hi, my name is Linda. I’m only 32 years old, but I’ve been disabled for the past 5 years. I have a very rare condition called SRS, also known as slipping rib syndrome. I injured myself on a construction job 5 years ago; ever since then, I’ve been going downhill. I worked for a close friend and thought it wasn’t a big deal. I didn’t make a fuss and went to several doctors. It didn’t improve, and my health continued to get worse. I contacted my friend about a year later, but I was told to kick rocks. I had a huge decline last year when I hurt myself at PT. I ended up breaking cartilage, I had significant trouble breathing, and went to the doctor. I made several calls to the PT to explain the situation, but I never received a call back. The PT’s reception was upset that I kept calling, so I gave up. My mental health declined significantly after that. I rarely leave the house; if I do, it’s mostly for doctor appointments. I need bed rest for many hours each day due to pain. I can only lift half a pound in each hand. I have thoracic pain, rib/intercostal nerve pain. My
boyfriend is my caregiver; he takes care of me 24/7. I cannot drive, cook, or even bathe by myself. Every breath that I take hurts. My quality of life is terrible. There are very few surgeons that operate for this condition. I recently visited Dr. Hansen in West Virginia. Unfortunately, I am from New York and my insurance will NOT cover anything. I have a complicated case and I need two surgeries. Each surgery is approximately $40,000. I currently cannot work; I’m in pain every day; my mental health is declining. Please help me. Every dollar counts.
