Amanda's Double Jaw Surgery

Hi Everyone,

My name is Amanda and I am 27 y/o graduate student in a doctoral program studying child clinical psychology. When I turned 17, I developed an underbite. At the time, it wasn't severe and was not causing any significant problems. However, over the past few years it has gotten significantly worse and as of last year has caused severe difficulties. Although I've been told I will need orthognathic surgery (double jaw surgery) for years it didn't seem a necessity until more recently. Because my jaws are not aligned properly, their function is impaired. I cannot chew food normally and have to cut everything into very small pieces so that I do not choke. Breathing is challenging as my airways are impaired due to my abnormal bite and my underdeveloped upper jaw. Chronic TMJ pain, clicking when I open my mouth, and headaches are also a challenge I deal with daily. The pain that I experience each day has made it extremely difficult to focus on my coursework, and more upsettingly, carry out day to day activities. Some days I struggle eating at all because my jaw gets too tired from eating and it's discouraging to keep pushing through the pain. 

I am a graduate student and my yearly stipend ($16k) equates to being below the poverty line so the costs of this surgery are an extreme financial burden and quite frankly something that at this point I cannot go through with. Unfortunately, my student medical insurance does not cover my surgeon's fee ($27,000) even though the surgery is deemed medically necessary. My parents provide me with physical support but unfortunately are unable to provide any financial assistance. 

In order to be ready for the surgery, I had my wisdom teeth pulled out before Christmas ($800). Now, I need to go through with orthodontics which are not covered by insurance at all ($8,225). This will include having a palate expander placed in my top jaw because my upper jaw is abnormally small and smaller than my lower jaw. I will also need braces to ensure my teeth will be in their proper place after double jaw surgery. I luckily had some money saved to start paying for my orthodontics. What was more shocking, however, is that although the double jaw surgery (my upper jaw will be moved forward and my bottom jaw will be moved backward) is deemed medically necessary, my student insurance will only cover a portion of the hospital stay and anesthesia but will not cover my surgeon's fee of $27,000. I was told I cannot even book the surgery unless I pay half of the fee upfront at the time of scheduling.  

The process and surgery itself is already mentally draining as is preparing for a 3 month recovery. Albeit scared of the process, I was finally beginning to look forward to the prospect of relief from chronic pain. I'm also stressed about how this will disrupt my standing in my graduate program. Now I am also worried about how I will afford to get the surgery done. Any bit will help as I am told that putting off the surgery will only result in further pain. Also, the younger I am the less risk I have of developing complications associated with the surgery (e.g., permanent nerve damage in my lower jaw/face). 

I greatly appreciate any help especially during such an unprecedented time with COVID. 

Funds can be donated directly through venmo if preferred: @aflagg