Stacey Parker to undergo digital x-ray in Spain to see how badly damaged her spine is from numerous health conditions

Date published: 29 May 2019

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) sufferer Stacey Parker will have a digital motion x-ray in Spain in June to find exactly how damaged her spine is from her health conditions.

Stacey, of Castleton, will be undergoing a digital motion x-ray in Barcelona, which will help assess any issues or damage to her spine in greater detail.

The funds raised through the Help for Stacey cause will pay for all associated costs, including the full digital motion x-ray and neurosurgeon consultation. The trip is planned to take place towards the end of June.

Diagnosed with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), Stacey first fell ill with a range of strange symptoms in early 2016, following episodes of allergic reactions which caused rashes, intense itching and swelling.

MCAS sufferers’ immune systems become hypersensitive and they react to all sort of normal things, often with a very limited diet and they become housebound as they are sensitive to environmental triggers.

Stacey’s health became uncontrollable with symptoms affecting every system within her body.

In addition to Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, Stacey has also been diagnosed with other conditions, including lipoedema, lymphoedema, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS), plus spinal issues. She is also at risk of adrenal crisis as her adrenal glands aren't working, potentially due to taking the steroid prednisolone on a long-term basis.

The 31-year-old former council worker, who takes 30 tablets a day, has recently been diagnosed with painful, unstable first and second cervical vertebrae in her neck which are misaligned (Atlantoaxial subluxation, or AAS) and easily dislocated (Atlantoaxial instability, or AAI).

Earlier this month, Stacey underwent genetic testing for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a condition which causes extreme widespread pain, daily dislocations, cardiac abnormalities and multiple other illnesses through weak and faulty connective tissue holding the body together.

EDS affects around one in 5,000 people worldwide.

Stacey’s results are expected back within eight to 12 weeks before she will return to London.

Stacey said: "I am so thankful for everyone who has supported and donated to my plight. Three years ago, I was healthy, active, had a good job, a lovely home and was enjoying life.

“Many days I am now confined to my parents’ home, looking at the same four walls, day in day out, or in bed. I can only manage to walk a few steps without pain or symptoms flaring which means I have to rely on a wheelchair and being pushed around too.

“The symptoms are awful and the pain becomes unbearable. My life is consumed by my ill-health. I have lost everything and was retired at just 30 because of it.”

“There are no miracles out there, but with the right support and results from all the private tests, I hope it will then open treatment pathways, which will in turn lead to me getting somewhat better.

“I hope I can live again and not just exist. If not, dying seems a better option because that’s how bad it has got for me.”

Stacey’s mum, Bernadette, added: “We are so grateful for everyone helping and supporting our difficulty so far.

“Stacey needs help and she needs the chance to get better after three awful years. Private medical help isn't cheap; as a working-class family, we couldn't have afforded this by ourselves.

“There are other things in the pipeline too and, going forward, it looks like a lot of Stacey's help and support may be located in London, if not further afield. This means more expenses due to potentially needed accommodation as well as travel.”

Bernadette began crowdfunding to save her daughter in December 2018, initially aiming to raise enough for an extensive upright MRI of Stacey's full spine and shoulder alongside genetic testing for EDS.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/125192/sick-womans-mum-hopes-to-raise-£5500-for-private-tests-to-find-answers-for-daughters-illnesses

Since then, friends, family and strangers alike have donated over £11,000 to the Help for Stacey cause through the fundraiser, and events to help raise funds.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/126987/hundreds-of-pounds-raised-with-family-fundraiser-days-for-stacey-parker
• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/126569/rochdale-council-staff-raise-over-£700-for-former-colleagues-medical-tests
• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/126272/comedian-jason-manfords-charity-ninjas-donate-thousands-of-pounds-towards-local-womans-medical-bills

To date, the amount raised has funded a full extensive upright MRI scan of Stacey's spine, a review of the MRI by a specialist in Barcelona and tests for autoinflammatory conditions and EDS.

On top of Stacey's health, the family received the devastating news in January that Stacey's dad, Anthony Parker, 54, has aggressive and incurable prostate cancer that has spread to his bones.

He is currently undergoing treatment to try and contain it.

The family continues to fundraise for Stacey in anticipation of further medical tests, and any remaining funds will be donated to the Mast Cell Action charity.

Help Stacey

To donate to Stacey’s cause, please visit:

• www.gofundme.com/helpforstaceyp 
• www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/helpforstacey
• Paypal paypal.me/helpforstacey

Direct donations to:
Stacey Parker
Sort Code 11 06 41
Account No 13088768