First and foremost, thank you for taking the time to read this, donate, or share with others who may be able to! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ In September of 2021, I was diagnosed with severe osteoarthritis in my left hip. Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the cartilage between your bones breaks down gradually and worsens over time. While it is rare for someone my age, it is not unseen, usually due to an accident, or in my case, being born with a bone spurt on the head of my femur that has ground away at my cartilage throughout time. This has resulted in an onset of severe/chronic pain, not being able to walk, and a noticeable limp resulting in a decline in my quality of life. I was given a time frame of maybe 10 years before a replacement was needed if other methods of treatment could help but was told it would be my decision based on the factors previously mentioned. Why wait? The material used in the replacement will also need replaced after 15 to 20 years depending on your usage and its decline over time. Waiting would push back the need for a second surgery as most don’t experience osteoarthritis until they are over the age of 50. I’ve taken pain medication for up to a year and a half now. After having moderate success for majority of that time, the effects started to plateau which led me to try two rounds of cortisone injections, only to be done every 3 months. Both have their own side effects I can deal with but don’t work anymore, ultimately being a waste of resources/money/time. After the last round only working for about a week and a half plus some very bad months, I’ve decided that it is time to get the replacement so I don’t spend the prime of my life in pain and accomplish the goals I’m working towards in my life. My surgery is scheduled for April 26th 2023 as long as all the tests come back and nothing puts a hold on it. Why a gofundme? With the surgery comes the recovery process which takes up to 6-8 weeks. Because of the nature of my job, I will be out of work for up to 12 weeks depending on my progress and short term disability approval. While I do have some coverage that will help me pay for everything, it will still leave me with a huge financial burden until I can get back up on my feet, no pun intended. All the money donated will go directly to pay bills (medical and monthly) as well as groceries until I can return to work. This is not easy for me to ask but I believe in the kindness of others and mutual aid. I am very nervous, scared even, but I’m very excited to put this behind me, at least for the foreseeable future! Much love!