Earlier than Expected Knee Surgery
The Incident
While volunteering in the Honduras with Seacoast a couple months ago, I got my butt handed to me by a bunch of kids playing soccer. I tripped and fell backwards which resulted in a torn ACL and Meniscus (and my dreams of being the next Ronaldo...).
The Issue
Unfortunately, I do not have health insurance, and due to complications in my marital status am having issues with ObamaCare. The more immediate concern is, the surgery is currently slated for December 27th (I found out yesterday - December 10th). Currently bartending is my sole source of income and the Doctor's have notified me that I will be unable to work in that type of environment for AT LEAST 4-6 months.
The Procedure
My ACL is completely deteriorated. They will need to take tissue from other parts of my leg to build a new one, and drill it diagonally through my knee cap. My Meniscus is torn in three places and they will insert a device in two parts of it to pull the meniscus back together.
Recovery Time and Process
I will start intensive rehabilitation right after the surgery for 4-6 weeks. The recovery time until I can perform quick cuts, turns, or jog will be 4-6 months minimum. Full recovery will take 1 year.
The Problem
I was not expecting the surgery so soon, and being realistic about the situation, am asking for help to cover expenses for two months immediately after the surgery to see me through the most difficult period of the recovery process, during which I will simultaneously be searching for a new job.
While I am uncertain what will happen with the surgical costs themselves, I know ultimately the hospital will work with me with self-pay payment plans, if necessary. My chief concern is not being able to find a job immediately after surgery (let's be honest; right after Christmas, intermittent attendance the first 4 weeks due to rehabilitation, and during a slow period while everyone waits for tax returns) and how quickly that will translate into bigger problems (do you really want me sleeping on your couch?).