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Surgery fund for Shireen: spinal decompression surgery in Johannesburg

After a herniated spinal disc, Shireen was cleared for spinal decompression surgery, but the bill is more than we can manage.

🇿🇦 Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa1,562 views
Shireen P. Padayachee
Email verified
Johannesburg
In August I was diagnosed with a herniated spinal disc. My surgeon at Johannesburg Orthopedic Institute recommended spinal decompression surgery, and I have been placed on the schedule for October. The hospital's financial office gave me a written estimate of $430, and after what my insurance will pay, I'm still $300 short. Doctors at Johannesburg Orthopedic Institute told me a herniated spinal disc will get worse without spinal decompression surgery. I work as a care assistant, and I have saved what I can, but the estimate of $430 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. The recovery period is expected to take about 10 weeks. I'll not be able to drive 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 $300 goes: • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $145 • Travel and lodging for the family: $60 • Post-operative medication: $95 Thanks for being kind about this. - Shireen
due date
2026-11-16
bill type
Hospital invoice
#surgery#hospital-bills#recovery#medical

Updates from Shireen

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  • Walter H. Banks 🇺🇸 · $10

Reviews

1.5(4 reviews)

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  • Fani Siti Prasetyo🇮🇩Verified donor
    Great help in a difficult time

    The support I received was beyond what I expected. Not only did they help with the immediate need, but they also provided guidance for long-term solutions. I'm forever grateful.

  • Basil Miller🇯🇲Verified donor
    Very responsive and caring

    I was struggling and didn't know where to turn. This person stepped in without hesitation and provided exactly what I needed. Their compassion and expertise made all the difference in my life.

  • Paloma E. Duarte🇦🇷Verified donor
    Delivered on promises

    Couldn't have asked for better support. They listened carefully, understood my situation deeply, and provided thoughtful advice that actually worked. Thank you so much.

  • Keith N. Miller🇬🇧Verified helper
    Changed my perspective

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

Questions & comments

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  • Marisol M. QuinteroQuestion

    Is there a list of costs somewhere? Just curious how it adds up for Shireen

    • Shireen P. PadayacheeOwnerAnswer

      The list at the bottom is the whole picture. pre-operative tests and imaging is the biggest at $145. Ask me anything else.

  • Kelly Eliane Campos

    Thinking of you. I hope things turn around soon. I went through something like this 12 years ago and strangers helped me out. God bless

    • Remedios R. Andrada

      Hang in there, Shireen. It takes guts to ask. Well done.

      • Manee Darunee Nakpong

        Sending love, Shireen. Hope you get there. Take care.

        • Komal A. Oberoi

          keep going, Shireen. I work in healthcare and wanted you to know people are on your side. Love from Kandy

          • Akoth Naliaka Odhiambo

            Sending strength. Hope this works out for you. Thinking of Johannesburg

            • David C. Martinez

              Wishing you peace, Shireen. I've been in a tough spot myself and it does get easier. Don't be hard on yourself for asking!

              • Ella F. Nichols

                Thinking of you, Shireen. Hope you get there. I told my book club about it and three of them are giving too. All the best.

                • Christian Maximilian Beck

                  Good luck, Shireen. Shared this with my family. My neighbor had a similar thing happen so this one hit home. God bless.

                  • Siri Kerstin PålssonID verified

                    so sorry you're going through this, Shireen. Hope the doctors have good news

                    • Shireen K. Lombard

                      Hope things get better soon, Shireen. Everyone deserves a bit of help sometimes. Take care.

                      • Sophia P. Aguilar

                        Hope the doctors have good news. I went through something like this 8 years ago and strangers helped me out. Take care.

                        • Njoroge Bakari

                          Good luck, Shireen. Wishing Shireen a smooth procedure and a full recovery. I hope November is when things finally get easier. God bless

                          • Lan Zhen Han

                            Take care, Shireen. Shared it with a few friends. This is the second need I've supported on here and the first that made me cry

                            • Jorge H. Muñoz

                              Rooting for you. It takes guts to ask. Well done. I'm in public service myself and wanted you to know we're cheering for you. Greetings from Busan

                              $10 raised of $300

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