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Spinal decompression surgery for Roman: covering what insurance won't

Roman needs spinal decompression surgery at Chattanooga University Hospital and the family is $1,800 short of the hospital's estimate.

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Roman H. Watson
Email verifiedPhoto verified
Chattanooga
In May I was diagnosed with a torn ligament that needs reconstruction. My surgeon at Chattanooga University Hospital recommended spinal decompression surgery, and I have been placed on the schedule for August. The hospital's financial office gave me a written estimate of $2,400, and after what our health plan will pay, I'm still $1,800 short. Doctors at Chattanooga University Hospital told me a torn ligament that needs reconstruction will get worse without spinal decompression surgery. I work as a care assistant, and I have saved what I can, but the estimate of $2,400 is far beyond what I've. Until the surgery I can't work full days, and my hours as a care assistant have already been cut. Every week of waiting means more pain and a bigger risk. Rehabilitation is expected to take about 10 weeks. I'll not be able to stand for more than ten minutes 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 $1,800 goes: • Physiotherapy sessions: $770 • Post-operative medication: $390 • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $640 Thanks for reading all this. - Roman
due date
2026-07-04
bill type
Hospital invoice
#surgery#hospital-bills#recovery#medical

Updates from Roman

  1. Update from Chattanooga: we've started the first stage. We're at 26% of the goal. Thank you for believing in us.

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    “Good luck. Thought of Roman all day after reading this. - Karachi”

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Reviews

3.0(5 reviews)

Only people who gave to this need, or whose offer to help was accepted, can review it.

  • Aleena Sana Tarar🇵🇰Verified helper
    Professional and kind

    This helper is honest and transparent about what they can do. They didn't overpromise, but they did deliver excellent results. I would definitely trust them again.

  • Enrique J. Cruz🇪🇸Verified donor
    Great help in a difficult time

    This helper is honest and transparent about what they can do. They didn't overpromise, but they did deliver excellent results. I would definitely trust them again.

  • Lipi Tahmina Ahmed🇧🇩Verified helper
    Would recommend to anyone

    I had a complex problem and this person helped me navigate it step by step. Their expertise combined with their kindness made all the difference.

  • Mason R. Pena🇬🇧Verified helper
    Professional and kind

    I was nervous about reaching out, but this person made me feel comfortable and supported from the very first interaction. Their help was invaluable.

  • Palesa J. Mahlangu🇿🇦Verified helper
    Really cared about my situation

    I was going through a tough time and this person's support was invaluable. They didn't judge, just helped. That kind of genuine compassion is rare these days.

Questions & comments

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  • Kauri G. Salesa

    Best of luck, Roman. I hope things turn around soon. Thinking of Chattanooga.

    • Emil Emil Björklund

      best of luck. Look after yourselves too, caregivers need rest. I'm in logistics myself and wanted you to know we're cheering for you. Greetings from Rochester.

      • Rahayu Novi Kartika

        Take care, Roman. Your post was clear and honest. I have a 10 year old who wants to send good wishes too. God bless.

        • Adeline E. Parker

          Hope the treatment goes smoothly and recovery is quick. My brother had a similar thing happen so this one hit home. Love from Houston.

          • Taylor S. Jackson

            This could happen to any of us. We're a small family in Faisalabad but we're thinking of you. All the best.

            • Parker F. Navarro

              Best of luck, Roman. Your post was clear and honest. All the best.

              • Diego MirandaPhoto verified

                Hope things get better soon. Shared it with a few friends. Sent it to 35 people at work. God bless!

                • Margaret Neema TembaPhoto verified

                  You're not alone, Roman. I hope things turn around soon. Greetings from Vadodara.

                  $1,406.50 raised of $1,800

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