Bills & expensesMedical & healthUrgent
Gallbladder removal for Mark: covering what insurance won't
A scheduled gallbladder removal in November is out of reach without help covering $1,650 of the cost.
🇿🇦 South Africa1,500 views
In September I was diagnosed with a herniated spinal disc. My surgeon at Mthatha Regional Medical Center recommended gallbladder removal, and I have been placed on the schedule for November. The hospital's financial office gave me a written estimate of $2,200, and after what my employer's plan will pay, I'm still $1,650 short.
Doctors at Mthatha Regional Medical Center told me a herniated spinal disc will get worse without gallbladder removal. I work as a farm laborer, and I have saved what I can, but the estimate of $2,200 is far beyond what I've.
Until the surgery I can't work full days, and my hours as a farm laborer have already been cut. Every week of waiting means more pain and a bigger risk.
The recovery period is expected to take about 6 weeks. I'll not be able to work a full shift 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 $1,650 goes:
• Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $650
• Hospital stay (4 nights): $470
• Pre-operative tests and imaging: $185
• Post-operative medication: $70
• Physiotherapy sessions: $200
• Travel and lodging for the family: $75
With deep gratitude,
Mark
- due date
- 2026-11-09
- bill type
- Hospital invoice
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“Thought of Mark all day after reading this. - Pune”
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“Good luck. Thought of Mark all day after reading this. - Casablanca”
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“Stay strong. Thought of Mark all day after reading this.”
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Sending good thoughts. Looking forward to the next update. I have a 14 year old who wants to send good wishes too. Love from Rohini.
hope things get better soon, Mark. Your post was clear and honest. We had a similar scare last year, I know what it feels like. Thinking of Mthatha.
Keep going, Mark. Looking forward to the next update. I told my book club about it and three of them are giving too.