Support Lindsey's Double Knee Replacement Surgery Recovery

Title: Help Support Lindsey’s Knee Surgery Recovery

Hi everyone,

I’m writing on behalf of my amazing friend, neighbor, and bandmate, Lindsey. She’s been dealing with severe knee problems for years, and she’s now scheduled for two major surgeries—a partial knee replacement on each knee, plus meniscus repair. These surgeries are scheduled for January 29 and February 26, 2025.

Anyone who knows Lindsey knows how hard-working and independent she is. She’s never had to ask for help like this before. In all the years I’ve known her, she’s always been there for me, her family, and her friends. But right now, she needs our support to get through this challenging time.

If you’re able to contribute, no matter how big or small, it would mean the world to her (and to me). Every little bit helps ease the burden so she can focus on her recovery. And if you can’t donate, sharing this fundraiser with others is just as valuable. Here are the details of her story through her own words. We love you, Lindsey!

-Tarra Theissen

Hello to all,

I am here today starting this fundraiser to assist me with medical bills, rent and living expenses that I need help with while I am unable to work, due to injuries I have with both of my knees. I will be having two separate surgeries on January 29th and on February 26th, 2025. I have mostly been out of work since October and have spent the majority of my savings on medical bills and living expenses. I will have to resort to taking out cash loans to pay my rent and bills so, anything and everything helps right now. Following my surgeries it will take approximately 8 weeks until I am back to normal and able to start working. After surgery, I will be doing physical therapy 4 days a week during the day so, finding an employer with remote work has been very difficult due to my physical recovery. I would be extremely grateful to anyone who donates no matter how big or small.

Many of you have asked "How did this happen?"

There is no short answer because I didn't just slip and fall one day. I have had ongoing problems for a long time and multiple things have been making it worse over the years. These past few years it has gotten progressively worse and due to limping on my right knee, my left knee has also developed major problems. In early Oct 2024 I reached a point where my knees swelled up so bad that I could hardly walk at all, and I was in severe pain just trying to get 1 block from my house. I had to quit my waitressing job and cease almost all of my real estate activities. From there it took a full month to see my knee doctor. Once I saw him, we discussed that I was ready for surgery, and he recommended 2 full knee replacements. It's not ideal but I have been in so much pain for so long that I have no fear of getting surgery and I was ready to go asap. Then this particular doctor proceeded to offer me another dose of cortisone shots which I accepted even though I wasn't due to have them again for another 4 weeks. He told me it was fine since I was in so much pain. What he failed to mention is that once I got the cortisone shots, I was not eligible to get surgery for 90 days since the shots put you at an extremely high risk for developing an infection. It wasn't until I visited a different surgeon that I found out this info and I have been out of work and hardly able to walk since then. It was bad enough that I needed 2 surgeries, but to have to wait 3 months until I could even begin to have them treated has been extremely stressful physically, mentally and financially.

What's the prognosis?

I was hesitant to put this fundraiser up until I had all the details and was able to explain what was wrong with me and what needs to be done to fix it. My insurance changed 3 times during this process so it has been a roller coaster of medical denials and long waiting lists to get in to see surgeons that I could find positive reviews on. In the past 3 months I have visited with 5 different surgeons and luckily, I have found one that I feel confident in and who I feel has the expertise to handle my situation (and who takes my insurance). Dr. Deshmukh with NY Langone will be performing 2 surgeries on my knees.

I have multiple tears to the meniscus in both of my knees. I also no longer have cartilage on the inner portion of my knees meaning I have bone on bone pain. I will be having two surgeries, one knee at a time, a month apart. On both knees I am having a partial knee replacement as well as meniscus surgery to correct the tears. The right knee replacement is scheduled for January 29th and my left knee will be done on February 26th. Each surgery is a 6-week recovery at best. I am taking a leap of faith by only waiting a month until having surgery #2 but I'm really hopeful that if I do good with the physical therapy that I will be able to get through it.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Anything you can do to help would be appreciated.

Love,

Lindsey Ann