Knee replacement surgery for Alexandra: covering what insurance won't

In October I was diagnosed with a torn ligament that needs reconstruction. My surgeon at Nottingham University Hospital recommended knee replacement surgery, and I have been placed on the schedule for January. The hospital's financial office gave me a written estimate of $11,000, and after what our health plan will pay, I'm still $6,600 short. Doctors at Nottingham University Hospital told me a torn ligament that needs reconstruction will get worse without knee replacement surgery. I work as a restaurant cook, and I have saved what I can, but the estimate of $11,000 is far beyond what I've. Until the surgery I can't work full days, and my hours as a restaurant cook 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 lift anything heavy during that time, so this has become a financial emergency as well as a medical one. I'll pay the hospital and pharmacy directly and post every receipt in the updates section. Where the $6,600 goes: • Hospital stay (4 nights): $2,750 • Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $2,350 • Physiotherapy sessions: $680 • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $410 • Post-operative medication: $410 Every share and every dollar helps. - Alexandra