A couple of years ago I had a sudden blood clot behind my right collarbone that landed me in the ER. My arm was swollen, turned purple, and I had no idea what it was.  Thankfully, they caught a rare condition in time called Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. 

The space between my 1st top rib and collarbone was compressing a vein. An urgent 1st rib removal surgery from the base of my neck was needed. A rehab process ensued for several months and I was so happy to be able to put the trauma from that time behind me once done. 

 Fast forward… it’s happening again. This time on the left side. My left rib now compressing the vein. Thankfully I knew the warning signs this time. 

So THIS TIME, my lovely mother planned to move in temporarily and help out with my mobility post-op.  We were all set! … until 48hrs before the big day, when she went in an ambulance to her OWN emergency surgery for a kidney stone obstruction. 
It was a surreal nightmare. She was in the hospital for 6 days following with a bad infection, but beat it!  And
thanks to some guardian angel friends of mine, (who pivoted faster than lightning to take over as my post-op caregivers), I was also able to get the surgery I needed that week. 
Before long, we were both alert and texting one another from our respective hospital beds. 😊😊  It was a tough time to not be present for the other in crisis, but we coped. 
Now my rehab process begins again and I’m ready, but having had to suddenly stop working again, and us now contending with multiple hospital bills, it’s a mighty challenge. 

So here goes… (My therapist is forcing me to be vulnerable and ask for help! 😱) If you’re at all able or inclined to contribute any amount during our recovery time, we’d be so incredibly grateful and touched. 

We do not take lightly or for granted, the rare gift of community and care we know exists during this time. Thank you all for being the light right now. 
Love, S&S