My journey to Osseointegration and a better life!

It’s hard to ask for help. In April of 2022, I had my leg removed after 28 years of pain and suffering. It took me that long to finally beg for a better life. The doctors recommended a specific amputation called Osseointegration, where a metal rod is placed in your stump so that you don’t have to wear the hard shell of a fake leg, nor do you need the hot sweaty silicone sleeve underneath the hard shell. Unfortunately, the technology is newer and the only Hospital that did it was in Colorado and would require a 1 month stay, which there was no way that we could afford. I ended up with a traditional amputation and started a long journey of difficulty with the shell and the sleeve.

It is now February of 2025. My life is so much better without the leg, but I have so many problems with the prosthetic (not the actual amputation, just the prosthetic). My leg is hard to fit and I have had painful prosthetics, friction burns, open sores, increased pain, prosthetics breaking and a ton of heartbreak and frustration. I had my leg cut off to get my life back and it seems to have made my life somewhat worse!! My prosthetic team is amazing and always willing to think outside the box. They have come up with some amazing ideas and we have tried a ton of different options, but after 3 years, they have come back to the decision that I really do need to have the Osseointegration surgery. Since first looking into it, the technology and science have improved. A hospital in New York (Hospital for Special Surgery) is doing AMAZING things with Osseointegration and because I have done so well with the amputation, my team at Mary Free Bed was able to get me a referral with the best Surgeon for my situation.

I will be required to travel to New York for the initial appointment, which insurance will not cover. We will have to drive 1300 miles there, stay 2 nights in hotel, parking, appointment fee of $400, then drive the 1300 miles back. Once approved by the office, Then the office will fight with my insurance to have the surgery covered as an “Out of Network” surgery. We will have to drive the 1300 miles back to New York, stay for a 3 day hospitalization (husband will stay in the hospital hotel next door), then drive back 1300 back home. The post surgical follow up can be done by my prosthetic team and a zoom meeting with the Surgeon in New York.

My out of pocket estimates include:

1300 miles to New York: $150

2 nights in hospital hotel for consult: $640

Consult Fee: $400

Food for 3 days for both of us: $300

1300 Miles home: $150

1300 miles back to New York: $150

4 nights for Jason in hospital hotel for my surgical stay: $1280

Food for Jason for 4 days: $200 (I will be eating hospital food)

1300 miles back home: $150

For a estimated total: $3420

I am not including my out of network copay of $5000 but will be fighting my primary and secondary insurance over that so I have time to work on that.

I am asking for help raising the $3420. Our family has had its share of emergencies over the past 3 years and I have tapped my savings dry. I try to help others when I am able, whether with financial help, knowledge, support, etc. I hate asking for help, but I can’t let a chance at a better life slip through my fingers again. Please consider helping if you are able. My family and I would be forever grateful.