Mimi Andino

“Helping one person might not change the whole world, but it could change the world for one person.”  

 

 A lifetime of athletics has enriched my life beyond measure. It has also presented physical challenges that I am striving to overcome. As a children’s fitness instructor, multiple sports coach, and gymnastics coach my knee replacement surgery has been a life-altering experience.
In July 2016 my Orthopedist determined that my right knee was totally shattered, and a total knee replacement was my best option. What was supposed to be a routine procedure, turned my Total Knee Replacement turned into my Nightmare. Several weeks after my first surgery my knee was so stiff and lacked a range of motion that I underwent a manipulation.
I regained enough stability that I was able to return in November. However, it was rough going and I was not making good progress. I continued to have soft tissue swelling around the joint and then developed a Baker’s Cyst behind the knee that contributed to my limited mobility. In April 2019 my leg developed massive swelling. A joint fluid extraction determined that I had developed an infection in the joint. The option now was to undergo a knee revision which entailed removing the joint and putting in an antibiotic infused temporary spacer. The spacer is low impact bearing, so I am forced to use a walker and a cane to make sure that I am not putting stress on the joint.

During the first 39 days after the joint revision, I was also hooked up to a PICC line which facilitated the self-administration of an antibiotic cocktail.
During the next check-up in October, I had the joint fluid extraction to determine if the infection was gone. The initial infection was gone but the blood work and joint fluid cultures were showing signs of another infection festering. I now have to undergo another revision on 11/22. This particular infection will require specific fungal medication. They will remove the temp spacer, insert another and start this process again.
I am unable to plan for the future. The plan had been to have the permanent joint replaced by October, but it's almost mid-November and I am still on preliminaries. Except for medical appointments, I am unable to leave my home.
I have filed for Disability and will be required to wait 5 months before any funds are released. Disability benefits will only be a 1/4 of my salary.

Since I was the sole financial supporter for my family, this time of economic upheaval is causing a tremendous amount of stress.
My husband who is currently undergoing cancer therapy has been my rock as I have been his throughout his battle with cancer.
The New York State of Health has canceled my health insurance because I am no longer working and cannot afford to pay the premiums. I have filed an appeal, but the State works very slow. I have exhausted my savings and small nest-egg.  

So I turn to your kindness and hope that you can help me rebuild…
I will be tremendously grateful to be given the opportunity to heal without the worry of losing my home as well.


I am eternally grateful for any help and for your understanding.

 (I was hoping to be that woman on the commercial who undergoes knee surgery and runs a mini-marathon after 12 weeks. Jokes on me…)