Surgery fund for Christopher: laparoscopic cyst removal in Manukau

In June I was diagnosed with a deviated septum causing chronic infections. My surgeon at Manukau Orthopedic Institute recommended laparoscopic cyst removal, and I have been placed on the schedule for August. The hospital's financial office gave me a written estimate of $6,250, and after what our health plan will pay, I'm still $4,350 short. Doctors at Manukau Orthopedic Institute told me a deviated septum causing chronic infections will get worse without laparoscopic cyst removal. I work as a taxi driver, and I have saved what I can, but the estimate of $6,250 is far beyond what I've. Until the surgery I can't work full days, and my hours as a taxi driver have already been cut. Every week of waiting means more pain and a bigger risk. Recovery is expected to take about 7 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. I'll pay the hospital and pharmacy directly and post every receipt in the updates section. Where the $4,350 goes: • Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $2,450 • Travel and lodging for the family: $250 • Hospital stay (3 nights): $1,300 • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $350 Thanks for reading all this. - Christopher