Three months ago I felt a sharp pain in my groin after surfing and assumed it was a minor strain. I stayed active, worked, and pushed through it. Recently, that pain escalated into a medical emergency.

I was hospitalized with an incarcerated inguinal hernia that caused a bowel obstruction. I experienced severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and dehydration, and required emergency treatment including imaging, IV hydration, antibiotics, and several days of intestinal decompression with a nasogastric tube. I spent 5 nights in the hospital and am looking at over $18000 in unplanned expenses. Thankfully, there was no perforation, and my condition stabilized.

I now need hernia repair surgery to prevent this from happening again. While I’m recovering well, the hospital stay, imaging, specialist care, and upcoming surgery have created significant unexpected medical expenses.

I live and work independently, and this interruption has also limited my ability to earn income during recovery.

If you feel moved to help, any contribution will go directly toward:

- Hospital and specialist bills

- Diagnostic imaging

- Surgical fees

- Medications and follow-up care

- Recovery time off work

I’m deeply grateful to the doctors and nurses who helped me avoid a far more serious outcome, and I’m committed to taking care of my health going forward.

Thank you for reading and for any support you’re able to offer.