<div>Hi, and thank you so much for taking a moment to read this. My goal of reflects the mid-range of my total estimated costs, including pre-surgery strengthening, post-surgery physical therapy, COBRA premiums, transportation for appointments, and essential dog care during recovery.
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<div>I’m 52 years old and preparing for a total knee replacement on December 16. After years of chronic pain, instability, and declining mobility, this surgery is the next necessary step toward getting back to a fully functioning, pain-free life.
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<div>This isn’t something I would normally ask for help with, but the timing, logistics, and financial realities surrounding this surgery have created challenges I can’t manage alone.
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<div><strong>Why I need the surgery</strong>
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<div>I’ve been living with:
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<ul>
<li>A torn ACL
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<li>Advanced osteoarthritis
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<li>Bone-on-bone pain
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<li>Increasing difficulty with stairs, walking, and everyday tasks
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</ul>
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<div>My doctors agree that a total knee replacement is medically necessary to restore mobility and prevent further damage.
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<div><strong>Why this year has been especially difficult</strong>
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<div>In March, I was part of a <strong>company-wide reduction in force</strong>. Since then, I’ve been actively interviewing and job searching, but losing my job meant moving to COBRA, which is extremely expensive.
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<div>I’m grateful to have coverage at all, but the combination of COBRA premiums, surgery-related costs, and recovering alone has created a financial gap I can’t cover by myself.
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<div>What your support would help cover
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<div><strong>Pre-surgery strengthening &amp; preparation ($2,640)</strong>
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<div>To give myself the best possible outcome and reduce complications after surgery, my medical team recommended a comprehensive strengthening plan.
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<div>This includes:
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<li>Multiple PT sessions leading up to surgery
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<li>Regular sessions with a certified trainer to build upper-body and leg strength
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<li>Gym fees to complete surgeon prescribed exercises
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<li>Ice therapy supplies, compression wraps, and essential pre-op items
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</ul>
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<div>None of these costs are covered, but pre-hab is one of the strongest predictors of a successful knee replacement and faster recovery.
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<div><strong>Surgery day + immediate recovery needs ($200–$400)</strong>
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<li>A walker, a cane, and mobility equipment
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<li>Medications and post-op care supplies
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</ul>
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<div><strong>Post-surgery physical therapy ($1,000–$2,000)</strong>
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<li>PT several times a week for multiple weeks
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<li>Transportation to and from physical therapy while I’m unable to drive
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<li>Follow-up appointments and copays
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</ul>
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<div><strong>Dog boarding + dog walking ($600–$1,400)</strong>
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<div>For my safety and my dog’s, I’ll need:
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<li>Boarding immediately after surgery
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<li>Several weeks of dog-walking support
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<li>Occasional check-ins
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<li>Holiday-season pricing is especially high, so this reflects realistic local costs
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</ul>
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<div><strong>Living expenses &amp; medical coverage during recovery ($1,000–$2,500)</strong>
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<li>COBRA premiums
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<li>Grocery delivery
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<li>Transportation for appointments
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<li>Basic expenses while mobility is limited
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</ul>
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<div><strong>Why your support matters</strong>
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<div>This surgery is my path back to stability, health, and everyday independence. I’m doing everything I can to prepare, strengthen, and stay proactive, but managing this alone, while on COBRA after a job loss, has made this an especially challenging time.
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<div>Any support, whether financial or simply sharing this page, means more than I can express. Thank you for reading, caring, and supporting someone you may not even know. This was harder to write than you can imagine. 
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<div>Cára
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The McKeon  Family

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