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

Deirdre was diagnosed with a hernia that has become strangulated in September. The surgeon at Cork University Hospital recommended knee replacement surgery, and She is scheduled for December. The hospital's financial office gave us a written estimate of $11,500, and after what the government subsidy will pay we're still $5,700 short. my mother has been in and out of Cork University Hospital since September. The doctors say a hernia that has become strangulated will get worse without knee replacement surgery. We have emptied our savings and borrowed from relatives, but the estimate of $11,500 is more than we can find. While we wait, Deirdre struggles with daily life and can't lift anything heavy. Her family has taken turns caring for her, and I've cut my own work hours to be there. Recovery is expected to take about 5 weeks. During that time Deirdre won't be able to lift anything heavy, so the costs keep growing. I'll pay the hospital and pharmacy directly and post every receipt in the updates section. Where the $5,700 goes: • Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $2,350 • Hospital stay (3 nights): $1,800 • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $380 • Post-operative medication: $240 • Physiotherapy sessions: $700 • Travel and lodging for the family: $230 I'll keep this page updated with receipts as things happen. - Eamon