Surgery fund for Miles: palate reconstruction surgery in San Diego

In March I was diagnosed with gallstones with repeated infections. My surgeon at San Diego Regional Medical Center recommended palate reconstruction surgery, and I have been placed on the schedule for June. The hospital's financial office gave me a written estimate of $5,500, and after what our health plan will pay, I'm still $4,050 short. Doctors at San Diego Regional Medical Center told me gallstones with repeated infections will get worse without palate reconstruction surgery. I work as a call-centre agent, and I have saved what I can, but the estimate of $5,500 is far beyond what I've. Until the surgery I can't work full days, and my hours as a call-centre agent have already been cut. Every week of waiting means more pain and a bigger risk. The recovery period is expected to take about 3 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 $4,050 goes: • Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $3,000 • Post-operative medication: $210 • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $460 • Travel and lodging for the family: $380 I'll keep this page updated with receipts as things happen.