Bills & expensesMedical & healthCritical
Gallbladder removal for Lucy: covering what insurance won't
A scheduled gallbladder removal in October is out of reach without help covering $8,650 of the cost.
🇺🇸 Los Angeles, California, United States1,856 views
In July I was diagnosed with a cleft palate needing repair. My surgeon at Los Angeles Orthopedic Institute recommended gallbladder removal, and I have been placed on the schedule for October. The hospital's financial office gave me a written estimate of $14,500, and after what my insurance will pay, I'm still $8,650 short.
Doctors at Los Angeles Orthopedic Institute told me a cleft palate needing repair will get worse without gallbladder removal. I work as a school bus driver, and I have saved what I can, but the estimate of $14,500 is far beyond what I've.
Until the surgery I can't work full days, and my hours as a school bus driver have already been cut. Every week of waiting means more pain and a bigger risk.
Rehabilitation is expected to take about 8 weeks. I'll not be able to drive during that time, so this has become a financial emergency as well as a medical one.
The money goes straight to the treatment bills, and I'll share the invoices as they're paid so you can see exactly what your gift did.
Where the $8,650 goes:
• Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $4,350
• Hospital stay (5 nights): $2,550
• Pre-operative tests and imaging: $610
• Post-operative medication: $310
• Physiotherapy sessions: $510
• Travel and lodging for the family: $320
I'll pay this kindness forward the moment I'm able to.
- Lucy
- due date
- 2026-11-20
- bill type
- Hospital invoice
Updates from Lucy
Good news. Because of your gifts ($1,128 in total) the first invoice got paid this week. Still a way to go but it feels less lonely.
We're at 6% thanks to 17 of you. the first invoice got paid this week. More news soon.
We're at 4% thanks to 9 of you. the first invoice got paid this week. More news soon.
- Daniel Patrick Armah 🇬🇭 · $20
- Sophia Sarah Peters 🇩🇪 · $10
- Ghada Taghreed Jaber 🇸🇦 · $15
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“From my family to yours. Hope the November deadline works out. - Zaporizhzhia”
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“Take care of yourselves. Thought of Lucy all day after reading this. - Nagpur”
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Wishing Lucy a smooth procedure and a full recovery. We're a small family in Los Angeles but we're thinking of you. Take care.
Rooting for you, Lucy. Get well soon. I'm in construction myself and wanted you to know we're cheering for you. All the best
Take care, Lucy. Gave what I could, wish it was more. I have a 9 year old who wants to send good wishes too.
Sending strength, Lucy. Gave what I could, wish it was more. I have a 9 year old who wants to send good wishes too. Blessings.
Wishing you peace. Get well soon. Don't give up. Greetings from Lagos
You're not alone, Lucy. Wishing Lucy a smooth procedure and a full recovery. This is the second need I've supported on here and the first that made me cry. Thinking of Los Angeles.
Take care, Lucy. Wishing Lucy a smooth procedure and a full recovery.
Hang in there, Lucy. Hope the doctors have good news. Please keep us posted. All the best.
Sending good thoughts, Lucy. Gave what I could, wish it was more. Don't lose heart. A few weeks ago I was in a hole too and it changed faster than I expected. Thinking of Los Angeles.
Sending love, Lucy. Wishing Lucy a smooth procedure and a full recovery. Love from Santarém.