Help with Heather's Medical Complications from Surgery

This fall, I had severe complications during a scheduled outpatient surgery (massive internal bleeding- I lost 85% of my body’s blood volume). After being rushed back to the OR for an additional 4+ hour surgery, I woke up in the ICU on a ventilator at a hospital near Washington DC. After coming home, my recovery had a lot of complications (infection, anemia, allergic reactions, etc). We haven't gotten all of the medical bills yet, but so far the hospital itemized statement is at $266,191.80 (this doesn't even count the original surgery because I prepaid for that, or any 3rd party providers). Insurance will hopefully cover some, but not all. Since I am self employed, I don't get medical leave either. The follow up appointments and testing with my specialists in Washington DC are time consuming and expensive. My doctors are still trying to pinpoint the cause of the blood loss and my failure to clot. I'm tentatively scheduled for a second surgery in December, if they can get it figured out by then. (send me your recommendations for expert DMV hematologists or related specialists!)

I know the past few years have been difficult financially for many families (which also means my business slowed down). With that in mind, please do not feel obligated to give if it takes away from what you need for yourself and your family. However, I have had several families reach out with a desire to help financially, so I finally set up the gofundme page. Thank you for reading my story. I'll post a follow up with the itemized hospital printout.