Surgery fund for Sosina: a partial thyroidectomy in Addis Ababa

In June I was diagnosed with a torn ligament that needs reconstruction. My surgeon at Addis Ababa Community Hospital recommended a partial thyroidectomy, and I have been placed on the schedule for October. The hospital's financial office gave me a written estimate of $1,600, and after what my employer's plan will pay, I'm still $800 short. Doctors at Addis Ababa Community Hospital told me a torn ligament that needs reconstruction will get worse without a partial thyroidectomy. I work as a retail assistant, and I have saved what I can, but the estimate of $1,600 is far beyond what I've. Until the surgery I can't work full days, and my hours as a retail assistant have already been cut. Every week of waiting means more pain and a bigger risk. The recovery period is expected to take about 12 weeks. I'll not be able to work a full shift 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 $800 goes: • Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $390 • Physiotherapy sessions: $90 • Hospital stay (4 nights): $210 • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $60 • Post-operative medication: $50 I'll keep this page updated with receipts as things happen. - Sosina