Hi, my name is Riley and little over a month ago I underwent two major hip surgeries to treat congenital hip dysplasia. This is a condition that I was born with but only recently had it started presenting issues. It made everyday movements challenging and would cause my hip to grind and click anytime I walked. It got to the point where even standing for long periods of time would result in my hip joint locking up and causing me pain.
After consulting with my doctors, we came to the conclusion that the best way to treat my condition would be surgical intervention. This would allow me to have the best chance at avoiding needing a total hip replacement as well as prevent me from getting various forms of arthritis. The first surgery I received was a hip arthroscopy, which allowed the doctors to treat the internal damage that had been a result of my femur grinding against my hip joint socket. The second surgery I received was a Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO). This procedure was far more invasive and where the doctors had broken my hip joint socket (acetabulum) in multiple places. They then used 6 screws to reposition the joint in order to provide more coverage to my femur.
All this is to say that recovery has been the most intense and challenging obstacles that I have had to face. The journey is still not over and I continue to work each day for a healthy recovery. I am currently working in PT and relearning how to walk. This has brought on a heavy wave of physical, emotional, and financial challenges.
Before my surgeries, I enrolled in short-term disability coverage through my employer so I’d be able to support myself while out of work. Despite following the proper steps and providing medical documentation, my insurance has been fighting to not provide me with coverage. I’m in the process of appealing, but in the meantime, I’ve been left without any income during a period where I’m unable to work.
I’m asking for support to help cover essential expenses like rent, utilities, food, and medical bills so I can focus on healing and getting back on my feet without the constant weight of financial uncertainty.
Thank you for taking the time to read, share, or support in any way you can. Your kindness and encouragement mean more than I can express. I truly would not be asking for help if I didn’t feel like I need it.
