Looking For A Little Help To Get Back On My Feet.

May 31st, 2024, I was walking out my backdoor and fell down my back steps, leading to a double fracture and a dislocation of the right ankle. I had my first surgery in Sioux City, IA, where they put in 1 plate and multiple screws. I was lucky to be off for the summer since I work for the school district. I then developed an infection where the plate was and had to have surgery again on August 18th. I was hospitalized for 5 days after the surgery on IV antibiotics to fight the infection. I was able to return to work on September 6th and work the remainder of the 2024/2025 school year.

But unfortunately, the pain was getting worse and my ankle was swelling constantly. After a second opinion, I am now seeing a surgeon in Omaha, NE. He has diagnosed me with severe post-traumatic arthritis from my injury. He recommended that I have my plates and screws taken out and ankle replacement surgery. I had the surgery for the plate and screw removal on June 3rd. Deep tissue and bone biopsies show no infection in the bone, but bacteria on the plate side which generally is caused from contamination in handling of the hardware before and/or during surgery. I am on 4 weeks of antibiotics. I'm hoping to have ankle replacement surgery in July but due to the infection, I may not have any choice but an ankle fusion. With either a replacement or fusion I will need weeks of physical therapy.

Now... on to the next part. Due to using all my sick time, which is only 15 days, I was also granted 5 extra paid days through the sick bank offered at the school. Since then, I have unfortunately gone multiple weeks without any pay, and I am unable to do anything at the moment to earn any income. I absolutely hate to ask for help and have tried my hardest to make ends meet, but I am at the point that I need some help until I am able to return to work, and I am not sure when that will be at this moment. I am hoping for the end of August, if not sooner.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

Graphic pictures of surgery below.