Umbilical Hernia Surgery

I will never forget February 11, 2019, as my personal Pearl Harbor Day. That was the day I got the news that I had diabetes, high blood pressure, and stage three uterine cancer. The picture of me on the left is just before I got my diagnosis.

I knew I was in for a battle for my life, but I got by with a lot of help from friends, doctors, and the joyful news that I would soon be a great aunt.

In March of 2019, I had cancer surgery. My surgeon used the DaVinci or robotic process. The incision was small but deep. Unfortunately, the wound started healing from the outside in, causing fluid build-up. Within 24 hours, the surgical incision was infected. A drain was installed, and it took seven weeks for the incision to heal. It was finally declared fully healed on April 21 - Easter Sunday.

I figured the lump over my belly button was scar tissue, so I did not worry. I was healing! That was all that mattered to me!

I had changed to a low-carb, ketogenic lifestyle a month before my diagnosis. When the doctors gave me the green light to exercise again, I went back to sunrise walks every morning. Thanks to these changes, I lost over 100 pounds and have kept it off. My A1C and blood pressure have both returned to normal. My keto-friendly doctor is as delighted with my progress as I am. The picture on the right is me now.

But in August of 2021, the scar over my navel became more prominent and painful. Finally, when I pressed on the large, soft lump, I heard an ominous "squick," and it disappeared. I immediately called my surgeon's office. I was in their office the next day. I was informed that I had a huge umbilical hernia and had just put my small intestines back into my body. I was referred to a gastroenterologist who confirmed the presence of an umbilical hernia. He also confirmed that the post-surgical infection prevented the wound from healing correctly.

The logical thing to do would have been to schedule surgery right then and there. But there were obstacles to consider:

1. The gastroenterologist requires $2,000 upfront.

2. The hospital is asking for an additional $4,000.

3. My insurance requires that I pay a $2,000 deductible and another $5,000 out-of-pocket before they will pay anything towards the surgery. After meeting the deductible and out-of-pocket costs, my insurance only covers 80% of the expenses.

4. I hate needing more surgery.

I currently work two jobs, a part-time job and a full-time job. I usually work 60+ hours per week because my primary full-time job does not pay enough for me to pay all of my bills. I have often worked two jobs since I left home at 18 for this very same reason. It was the only way to make ends meet.

A hernia might not seem like a big deal, but the umbilical hernia is causing fluid retention in my abdomen and legs. The fluid retention is causing my blood pressure to go up. I have put off having surgery because of the cost, but now I have had to give up my second job because of hernia pain. I need to have the hernia repaired to pursue a second job to pay my rent.

I hope to be able to raise enough money to cover the surgery and the wages I lost from my second job due to hernia pain.

I have had to cut back on daily walks because the walking has further aggravated the hernia. I'm hopeful that the hernia repair will be a "one-and-done" so I can safely resume my morning walks.

I have learned that I can do anything, but I cannot do everything alone. Thank you for your help and support.

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