Hello World!
My name is Michael and I was born with something called Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita. However, the common term is just called, “Arthrogryposis”.
Arthrogryposis is a congenital muscle disease. It is something that one is born with, and affects the joints. Everyone that is born with Arthrogryposis affects them differently. In my case, I was born with Arthrogryposis in the lower extremities. I have bilateral dislocated hips; a fused left knee, with a hairpin gait, (which basically means my left leg does not bend); a right knee with about 35 degrees of flexion, (meaning I can only bend my right leg 35 degrees); and abnormal muscle development in both legs, (my leg muscles are very weak and never grew at the proper rate). Both my legs are incredibly thin with visible, non-muscle development.
Being born disabled, I’ve used crutches for the vast majority of my life. (Literally since I was 3 years old). Though I can walk short distances without my crutches, I truly depend on my crutches or my wheelchair to move around. I did get a wheelchair 2 years ago because I was blessed by some angels, and I continue to use my wheelchair more and more each passing day.
With that said, two years ago I also received an operation on my right ankle to help ease my pain. The cartilage between my Tibia & Fibula and my ankle had worn away. So every time I walked, it was just pure, bone on bone pain. But because it was such a major surgery that put me out of full commission for 6-7 months, I had to wait at least a full year until I received surgery on my other ankle.
Though it has been longer than a year, that time has finally come. I was already exasperated by the bone-on-bone pain 2 years ago, but having to go another 2 years on my left ankle without surgery, without any type of true medicine to ease the pain in that left ankle has been truly agonizing. Leaving me in tears at the end of many days.
Now, knowing that I was getting surgery again, I tried my best to be prepared. I don’t make a lot of money, so I saved what I could, when I could. And I continued to sell personal items as well to help offset what I thought my bills would approximately be.
Sadly, and embarrassingly, things aren’t equaling out. Two years ago, I was in the hospital for a week. I thought that was a long time. This time around, when you add up both hospital time and inpatient rehab, it came out to two full weeks; totally caught off guard. But this is because my left leg and ankle are also much weaker than my right. Also, my left leg doesn’t bend, which made inpatient rehab absolutely necessary because balance is so difficult for me. And the icing on the cake being my insurance changed a year ago, (not in a good way), making this more expensive than previously.
For anyone who knows me, knows that I don’t see myself as “different”. They know that I only have “needs” unless I truly need help. (Up and down stairs, trying to carry something, etc.,.) But otherwise, they treat me like everyone else. And that is why it pains me to ask the world for help again. Extremely embarrassing.
I really tried to save and predict how my surgery finances would play out (using numbers from 2 years ago). But being inpatient for 2 full weeks, and a different insurance policy, was not part of my algorithm. Therefore, this financial hardship from my left ankle surgery is just too overwhelming and an extreme financial burden. …Regrettably, I have nowhere else to turn but here.
I’m thinking of calling this “30 for 140”.
Meaning, if I can just find 140 people from around the world to donate just $30, I can reach my medical expenses goal/debt. If anyone reading this has the ability to donate, I would truly be eternally grateful. Obviously, the more the better since 140 people may be a stretch, but just $30 per person would truly make a difference.
PLEASE share, please pass on, and please help me.
I am so embarrassed to ask, and will humbly be honored in whatever way you can help. I truly mean that.
Thank you so much for considering, I really appreciate it.
Warmest Regards,
Michael
