Hi all, I never pictured myself doing this, but I need some help, and want to tell my story over the last three years. July 2nd, 2019, a day after my partners and I celebrated the ownership starting in 2017 of our business, Marios Fishbowl, I woke up with the most horrible pain I've ever experienced in my inner left ear. I went to the ER, they did nothing and told me everything was fine. I knew it wasnt fine. I made an appointment at the ENT. They looked in my ear, everything was fine. It wasn't fine. I went back again, "Kim, we dont see anything wrong". At this point I could hardly open my left eye the pain was so bad in my ear, and there was a sharp ringing constantly, never going away. I pleaded with the ENT to keep looking, and I wasnt leaving the office until there was an answer. I finally was able to get a second opinion from a senior specialist there, he took a deep look into my upper canal, and said "Miss, dont google what im about to tell you". I was diagnosed with severe cholesteatoma. To sum it up, I had three tumors growing in the attic of my ear against my skull with an infection so large they could hardly see past that to see the tumors. Then, came the CT scans, and MRIs. Fortunately, the tumors didn't cause brain fluid to leak from being pressed against my skull. In order to perform the first surgery for cholesteatoma, the infection needs to be reduced, if not gone. I was put on the highest dose of antibiotics and steroids both orally and through drops for 3 weeks, and had to wait 7 months for the infection to clear. Ear doctors, especially surgeons are very hard to come by in Morgantown, WV, especially MY body constantly was working to fight an infection which also caused me to have the feeling of a low grade fever everyday, even until present time. In February of 2024, I had my first surgery to clear the tumors, the rest of the infection, and excess skin. The infection was still so bad during surgery they almost missed removing a full tumor. Fast forward to my next surgery, April 20th of 2024. After this intial surgery, I then had to wait a year for this to heal, and then the surgeon goes back in, repairs the ear drum, puts a graft in, and a titanium piece. Basically a repair of everything that was damaged because of the tumors.This surgery comes after clearing the ear out and the reconstruction can start. For each surgery thus far, it puts me out of work for 2-3 weeks, and I can have no change in elevation or any heavy lifting for 6-8 weeks. Now, I did forget to mention, before my first surgery, my surgeon mentioned there is a worst case scenario, that if the surgeries fail, and tumors grow back, there is a third surgery called a Low Down Canal surgery. I didn't pay attention, because I thought that would never happen. I thought after surgery number two, and thousands and thousands of dollars later, I'd be able to get a hearing aid to help with the hearing loss, and cut my ties with the tumors, the pain, the infection, and lost time. Well, I was wrong....fast foward to January of 2024. I knew something wasn't right. From my last surgery up until January 2024 I had at least 12 ear infections, and insurance doesn't cover copays for specialists. So, I had at least 12 visits this past year with pain and probably annoying all the staff at the ENT. I had to get another CT scan. Then, I needed a follow up with my surgeon. I had to wait to get an appointment for 6 weeks after that CT scan for the results and where we go from there. My surgeon walked into the room, and says, "Well Kim, worst case scenario, and you need the worst case surgery." The tumors had grown back, the graft and titanium put in my ear all retracted, and I now have a hole in my ear drum. And this is besides still having on going ear infections. I had to wait until this upcoming month, July 26th, to have this worst case scenario surgery. They widen my ear canal, clear the tumors, and regraft everything. Basically the past two surgeries combined in one, and widening the canal so more air can pass through. I can never put my head under water again and I will have to most likely go to the ENT once a month to have any drainage cleared out, post surgery. For those of you that know me, when I work, I work hard. Im dedicated and passsionate about my work. The past three years, to literally not be able to communicate with my staff normally, being I have extensive hearing loss, and tinitus, and constantly hearing static when I talk and when people talk into my left ear, or just talk to me in general especially in a loud environment is beyong aggravating, frustrating, and sad. When I'm in silence, I hear a high pitch ringing and a sound almost like an ultrasound CONSTANTLY going through my left ear. It leaks fluids because it's constantly infected, and I never feel great, or good. MY body is fighting everyday and it completely tears me down and wears me out. Not to mention how frustrating work has been and communication verbally, in general, but you all know how passionate I am about music as well, which I can hardly be around if crowds are too loud, as well as the music in general. If i do withstand any of this, it usually debilitates me for days after because my body just cant handle it. My next and hopefully final surgery, which I've been on the high priortiy cancellation list since February, is the end of July, this month. I am asking, for anyone that can help me out financially, to help me pay for my expenses for surgery and all the medical history that's lead me up to this point. It has been a really really rough 3 years, and I know life could be worse, and I am still grateful for what I'm able to do, and the life I live, but this fundraising, would really help me out. I appreciate everyone that took the time to read my story and I hope you can empathize with me. Thank you, and cheers. Kim Z
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