Spine issues affecting my family

Hi, I'm James mid 30s with 4 beautiful children and I have a spinal condition.

This all started after surgery to fuse my spine went wrong. Firstly, I ended up with a major infection in my spine that resulted in 6 months of continuous treatment including 24/7 antibiotics delivered directly to my heart via a PICC Line. During this time I also spent a number of months in hospital while the doctors figured out why my back pain was so severe. After further surgery, it turned out that one of the metal rods was impacting one of my joints. This had to be removed.

All of this has left me with ongoing back problems, much worse than it was before the fusion operation took place. I was told that this was likely to nerve damage and the pain will continue for life. I am currently taking 20 pills a day, which help with the pain but leave me feeling sleepy and lethargic all the time.

I cant play with my kids, I can't do what I want to do and my family are suffering.

Ive just been informed that I require further major surgery as my spine has not fused and in fact my vertebra has been damaged through months of abrasions due to collapsed cages where the discs used to be.

Why am I fundraising? My family are suffering, while I continue to work, even though acc would cover me being off, I've spent a lot of money throughout this process. Ive used all my sick leave and holiday leave at work. I just want a few dollars to be able to buy my 4 kids and my lovely wife a treat, they are suffering and it kills me to see them struggle while trying to be positive for me. It breaks my heart not being able to kick a footie with my 7 year old son. Or ride a bike with my 9 year old girls, pick up and play with my 15 month old baby or go for a long walk, like we used to with my wife.

I would use this money to firstly pay for additional costs of being in hospital, and then anything left will buy my family a treat. My recovery will last well into the new year so being able to buy the kids and my wife a gift would also be nice. I would be grateful for anything you could donate.

Thanks for reading my page.