Teens in Chronic Pain

In this blog, I have openly discussed my struggles with chronic pain, its impact on my faith, and my fight to get approval for a necessary surgery by my insurance company. After being denied by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan three times, I took my case to the external insurance review board. I submitted letters from my orthopedic surgeon and physical therapist as well as studies showing the effectiveness of the surgery I need and other relevant documents. BCBS also gave the board their documents. The board then looks at all of the information and makes a decision (usually siding with the insurance company). After waiting 10 weeks past when I should have heard, I learned this evening that the board denied my request to reverse the insurance company’s decision.

What does that mean? I have no other avenues to turn to in terms of getting insurance to cover my surgery. As a result, I must raise $30,000 in the next 11 months if I want to have surgery next summer. Fortunately that’s a solid chunk of time, but it’s also a ton of money that needs to be raised. And I have a feeling people would be more receptive to financially assisting me if I was fighting a more serious problem like cancer, but it’s just a knee surgery and chronic pain is a more invisible health problem. Because of that, only my friends, family, and coworkers would truly understand the role pain plays in my life whereas the average bystander would look at me and likely see nothing wrong because I don’t openly showcase my pain (unless it’s a really bad day and I have to limp).

Yes, I cried tonight after learning the bad news. However, I’m determined to keep a positive attitude about it. If this surgery and the timing of next summer is truly God’s will and not just my desire, I will be able to get the $30,000. As such, I am completely putting my trust in God because I obviously don’t have $30,000 just sitting around. Hopefully, it will be very exciting to see what God has in store for me over the next 11 months and how I’m able to raise $30,000 (if that, in fact, happens).

Here are some verses I will be focusing on as I continue to pray and believe:

Ephesians 6:18 - Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

Matthew 21:22 - You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.

Romans 4:20-21 - Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. 21 He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises.

What do these verses tell me? Through prayer, I am joining my heart with His. I need to pray simply and wholeheartedly. I must pray because I believe it and expect God to fulfill his promises.

I am a well-organized individual who is goal-oriented and has experiences with fundraising. In addition, I’ve interned in public relations so I will hopefully be able to market and promote my fundraising efforts well. This goal of $30,000 will allow me to flex my creative muscles for the most important fundraising efforts of my life and I already have ideas streaming through my head. I will continue to post here with thoughts on chronic pain, but I will also document my effort to raise this large sum of money.

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