Help with Tessa's Total Hysterectomy

Greetings, all! It's your local goblin, Tessa, here.

On January 4, 2024, I am having a total laparoscopic hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (TLHBSO). In plain English, that means that I'm having my uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries surgically removed. This is the last line of treatment for pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder, and I could not be more thrilled to be approved for this procedure. I have an amazing care team and know that I am in good hands.

I started chemical menopause in August 2023 in preparation for this surgery, with estrogen add-back for hormone replacement therapy. If you've been following along on my little journey, you'll know it's been a rocky one that has caused both my body and mind a great deal of stress. It has not been easy, especially when I have received medications late due to miscommunications between pharmacies, insurance, and Dr. offices. It has also impacted my performance and attendance at work. So it bears repeating, I cannot wait until January rolls around and I can be rid of this!

I am asking for help with funds since we are all aware of how to medical-industrial complex works in this country. The cost of the surgery itself will be at least $900-$1,200 out of pocket after insurance kicks in. This does not factor in the cost of anesthesia or any other weird billing codes the hospital will throw in there. I am also taking the cost of recovery supplies and missed pay into account with the goal I currently have set. Additionally, my HRT patches cost $20/month, meaning I'll be spending $240/year on them alone.

I will be receiving short term disability, with the exception of the "elimination period" week. This means I'll be receiving 60% of my pay for the other 3 weeks I'll be out. Thankfully I will only be off for a month, but I still have to be able to pay my rent and utility bills and feed my sweet cats (and myself).

Additional items I would like to be able to provide funds for would be to pay to have help with cleaning my house before, during, and after the process of surgery and recovery, paying for groceries, and so on. After 4 weeks of recovery, I'll be allowed to return to work, but it will take a bit longer before I can do certain things like lifting anything. IAPMD is a great resource and has an estimated recovery time chart available so you can gain perspective on how long recovery takes: IAPMD Recovery Time Chart.

I'm extremely grateful for all of the love and support I've received from everyone over the years while I have been dealing with these health issues. You're all so dang wonderful. If you're not able to assist financially, there are other things I will need help with! Maybe you can help me figure out some meal prep, a meal train, some projects or books that can keep me occupied while I'm stuck sitting upright for several weeks... the possibilities are endless.

Thank you so much for everything! I'm so glad to still be here after all of this.