Support Seb's Knee Replacement Surgery

My name is Sebastian Grobben. I have started this fundraising effort in hopes of covering my knee replacement surgery and costs associated with it.

Since 2019, I have had issues with my right knee. Upon initial x-rays, it showed that it was mild osteoarthritis and a small bone chip floating in my knee. At the time, doctors advised me that it was nothing to worry about, take an Advil and carry on.

Since then it has progressed to severe degradation of my knee (bone on bone) and up until most recently I was repeatedly told to just take some painkillers. The 24/7 pain and the inability to do things that I normally would do (work/bicycling/hiking) is emotionally and physically draining.

I have had cortisone injections, nerve block, nerve ablation, hyaluronic acid injections, custom knee braces and countless trips to physiotherapy and chiropractic treatments. All have been ineffective.

The pain has increased now to the point that I am unable to work (carpenter) since July of 2024. It has placed a large financial & emotional strain on my wife and me.

I have no benefits through work or otherwise. EI (government employment insurance for temporary disability) runs out in April of 2025. At that point, there would be no income, I would still be unable to work, and my knee is degrading daily.

The orthopaedic surgeon has told me that I am on the surgery wait list. However, there are 200 people ahead of me, the orthopaedic surgery ward is short staffed, and they are only performing 2 surgeries per month. My wait time would be 14-18 months if they were operating at optimum time frames, so it is unclear how long I will actually have to continue to wait. It seems that under the current circumstances, it will be longer than I can wait due to the financial, emotional, and physical stress I am suffering.

The funds will be used for a full knee replacement in Lithuania at the NordClinic. (A private orthopaedic surgical clinic) I would be able to go early next year. Recovery time would be 3 months before returning to work performing light duties.

Funds would cover surgery, 2 weeks post surgical rehab, accommodations, flights, medications and all things related to the surgery and recovery.

I understand that this is a big ask and know that for many people things are tight.

Any donation amount is extremely appreciated, as well as the fact that you have taken the time to read this. I have struggled mentally writing this and appreciate any help provided.

The quicker I can get my knee repaired the quicker I can get back to working and be a contributing member of society again.

Thank you.