Uninsured, Depressed, and 3 Weeks In
Yeah, so here is the story. I got it in my head that maybe I could try skate boarding again. Skating a half pipe is actually a rather benign activity, so long as you aren’t trying to do any tricks. I was simply thinking that it might be a better and more fun way to stay in shape, rather than the usual gym fare. If you fall on a half pipe, you fall on soft ply wood and only a foot or two, so no big deal. I remember my wife telling me that I better get insurance first. Ha! Insurance in the US is more than my mortgage. That’s neither here nor there, because I choose to go skating anyhow. I had no idea that my 34 year old body wouldn’t be able to handle the simple exertion of pushing the board for speed.
With my left foot on the board, I pushed off with my right foot and felt as if someone just hit me in the back of the leg. I didn’t really hear a “pop”, but that may be because I heard my skateboard crashing against the back of my ankle. I immediately suspected that something bad had happened! I could hear my wife yelling at me in my mind… ugh.
I limped off the skate park, embarrassed and ashamed of my poor physical condition. For the record, I’m 6” and 215lbs. Male, obviously, as demonstrated in my sheer stupidity.
So… Here is where my story may or may not become unique. I’ve been reading the AchillesBlog for answers to my dilemma, but can’t seem to find any bloggers who are in my situation. Evidently there is a surplus of thousands of dollars in all the bloggers’ pockets, because they all seemed to have opted for surgery and quickly at that.
I do not have insurance! I am not rich! Further, I’m in the process of purchasing a home for my wife and son, so I cannot, at present, make any large purchases or withdrawals from my meager account - the underwriters are watching my every move. For those who say I should have had insurance, know that I make 27k per year and insurance is practically half of that. Sure, I’d have insurance, but I’d be a bit skinny from lack of nutrition, as I’d have no extra money for food, and then the insurance carriers would drop me for being malnourished. Insurance in the US is for the rich, plain and simple (or people with government jobs).
Ut oh, sorry about the politics. Please let me continue.
So, I have not yet been to the doctor and it has now been 2.5 weeks. Without a doubt, I have an Achilles Tendon Rupture. I can feel the gap above my heel and I had my wife do the Thompson’s Test, which proved positive – no planar flexion! I’m scared to death, now, because the Achilles is so vital. I’m an active 30’s male.
I’ve researched the issue and see that either surgery or non-operative casting/boot are my options… but is non-operative really an option after 3 weeks of attempted walking? Won’t they have to re-cut the healing that has already begun? I’ve been walking around on it… stretching it out. At this point, I fear that if I try non-operative, then my Achilles will not have any tension and I will be crippled.
My other fear is that I will HAVE to get surgery. From my research, it appears that surgery will cost me (for just the surgery) about 5-8 thousand dollars of which I do not have. What is to become of me? What happens to those other people, who like me, cannot afford the surgery and did not get non-operative casting within the first 48 hours?
I’d also like to know if any has opted for financing through a hospital. Do hospitals offer financing?
Please, friends, I’d like your suggestions. Has anyone else been in a similar situation? I’m tired of reading post after post of people who had surgery within the first week or people who saw a doctor in the first few hours, because that is not my particular situation. I’m sure there must be others, like me, who walked around for a few weeks before realizing the seriousness of the situation. Please respond if you are one of those people.
Thanks.
I’ll keep you posted.
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(third week overall). the important thing is to have regular checks via ultrasound to make sure that the ends of your tendon adapt properly.
Hello,
I had a complete rupture last August. I had surgery the same day as my injury. Best to get into see an Orthopedic Surgeon ASAP! Try emergency room first. They will direct you to one. There was one on site when I had my injury. Chances are you will definatly need surgery.
As for insurance. You might try applying for some financial help from the state you live in. Do some research.
End of this month will be 8 months POST OP. I was in a cast for 6 weeks, walking boot for 2. Then back in shoes while attending therapy. All is well.
Good Luck to you
Glen
lpfristensky: Almost 19 years ago I found myself in a situation where I NEEDED good medical care and I was 4 weeks short of having my husband’s insurance cover me. I found that doctors and hospitals have 2 separate list of charges. One for those with insurance and one for those without. We got almost $20,000 in charges reduced to $7,500 because we asked about their uninsured direct pay policies. We then went on a payment plan. (Yes, hospitals do have payment plans) It was absolutely amazing how much these great doctors and a really nice hospital was willing to work with us. Also if there is a medical school near you, they also will take patients at a greatly reduced cost. Sounds scary but it actually isn’t. I know many who have gone that route at a medical school near me and their care was superb.
Beyond that, it sounds like you are going to have to go with the conservative method to fix your Achilles. It is a VERY successful way to treat this injury. Sometimes there are complications that make it not work but that also happens with the surgery route too.
It is what it is. I am sure it will work out. By the way, I don’t know where you are located but if you have Kaiser Permanente near you, you could check out some of the plans they have. My elderly mom has VERY LITTLE money and they gave her a pretty decent plan for around $100 a month. I know it will be more to insure a family but it’s worth a shot.
I’m very sorry to hear about your situation. I am in a similiar one myself. Yeah I have insurance but I cannot work so I don’t have any income coming in to pay the bills. Plus PT is twice a week at a $15 copay per visit.
Try to not let the injury destroy your head, but you must see a ortho immediately. You’re to young to not get your leg properly fixed.
Good luck