I’m not Melania Trump…I am quoting from a Beatle’s song. As much as I hate to, being quite self-sufficient, I have come to a juncture in my life where I need to ask for a bit of help from those I know for my health and maybe from some I don’t even know. I figure if 500 people contributed $10 I could get close to my goal. I hate to ask, but am grateful for those who choose to give to help me out. I try to give to others as well as we are all in this together to help one another.
My story is as follows. I was born with flat feet and was told by many along the way that I likely might have foot issues later on. It came true. I never had good shoes or arch support. So by my 40’s I had issues and began wearing orthodics. No more cute shoes or high heels! I can’t even go barefoot or wear flip flops.
Then I had heel spurs in my 50’s. A local podiatrist was able to do a new procedure in office with 1 day recovery that fixed those. My insurance didn’t cover that and I had to pay that bill but it was very helpful and a quick recovery!
Over the past few months I have been having more and more foot pain, especially if I am on my feet for longer stretches. After vacationing in NYC and walking about 20 miles in pain, I decided to go back to the same podiatrist. He basically said the same thing after reviewing my x-rays from 8 years ago; the top bone that fits on the bottom bone is collapsing to the side and causing the pain and foot pronation (partial talotarsal dislocation).
He is able to do a procedure (HyProCure) now in-office to place a titanium stent in between the bones to hold them in place. It is minimally invasive with 2-3 days recovery and then about a month of physical therapy or less. Unfortunately, my insurance company (and I have a pretty decent group plan) still considers it to be investigative (10 years old at least) and will NOT cover it or even apply it toward my deductible!
The alternative is to continue living in pain using my orthodics, or other doctors could do another type of reconstructive surgery which requires hospitalization and more recovery time. I am fearful of that knowing how some people have not had good results. The stent can be removed and as an adult it should last the rest of my life. There really is no other alternative health option as it is a structural issue and causing misalignment which can cause me to have knee and hip problems as well. Bottom line it will cost me a lot out of pocket…about $3400 per foot. One is done at a time with 4-6 weeks at least in between due to recovery and driving.
So, I am now trying to raise about $5000 to help cover the costs for this procedure. I have a Go Fund Me site, so if you wish to contribute a bit, you can do so there. I will also take cash or checks (if you know me personally).
My go fund me page : Fund my Feet: https://www.gofundme.com/2e5aktng
If you have flat feet, have pronated feet, or pain, you might be a candidate for this procedure as well and there is more information online about it a hyprocure.info. It makes a difference in the quality of your life…the ability to walk, work out, dance, play, do housework, etc.
Thank you for listening and if you contribute, a big hug too!