I’ve been suffering from various debilitating medical conditions for the past 14 years, which are unresponsive to treatment but could be easily cured with a subtotal/supracervical hysterectomy. I’ve been scouring the internet for information, but was dealt another harsh blow today: I found that the cost of a hysterectomy is between ,000-30,000, with about ,000 of that being the cost of the actual procedure (the rest is doctor’s & hospital fees, etc). I have no insurance, and cannot be insured because of my pre-existing condition. Every doctor I’ve tried to speak to has downright refused to help me, entirely on the basis that a hysterectomy would render me unable to have children (ironically, my medical condition has most likely made me infertile anyway) I have insisted that I do NOT want children and never have, so I fail to see the basis for their refusal. This is blatantly sexist… men are given vasectomies upon requests! I could walk into that same office & ask for enormous breast implants or have my stomach stapled or have my entire intestinal tract bypassed, all in the name of nothing more than vanity. Why are they denying me a procedure that would actually improve the quality of my life? They have taken it upon themselves to decide that my quality of life is “good enough,” and that I should just “learn to live with it.” Trying to live with this condition has caused me to struggle with deep depression and even question the point of living (the doctor’s solution? Take a happy pill). When I found out that a hysterectomy would cure me, I felt the first ray of hope in over a decade. But now, after the endless parade of doctor denials and the absolutely devastating sticker-shock, I’m at my wit’s end. I can’t stand the thought of living this way for the rest of my life… if you could even call it “living.” Does anyone out there know of any specialty or charity hospitals, or maybe even something — some foundation or helpful organization– I didn’t know existed?
I cannot travel out-of-country. I can’t really travel anywhere; I am unable to drive & thus dependent on family to take me to the doctor — an inconvenience made even more difficult by the fact that my family is also against me having a hysterectomy. They would never be willing to help me travel long distances to do something they’ disapprove of.
I am sure these seem like easy questions, but since I dont know the answers, I will start with them:
I don’t know what state you live in, but in my state, even if you have a preexisiting condition, you just have to wait a certain amout of time and THEN you are fully covered for those things. If that is the case in your state, perhaps that could be an idea. I know waiting longer seems horrid, but a year is better than 20k
Also, can you qualify for medicare or disability? Do both of those have a waiting period if you have already looked into it?
have you found a doctor that would do it only to be met with the cost issue?
Perhaps it is time to take legal action…find a doctor that you would like to do the surgery and have a lawyer draft up some legal documentation that you agree you are terminating your rights to childbearing and you in no way will go after the doctor for performing this surgery, etc.
I dont’ know the specifics of your medical condition, but there has to be a pretty strong reason your family doesn’t want you to have the hysterectomy. maybe if you were able to get them convinced of why it would be good for you, they would then put their effort into helping you find a doctor to do the surgery?
I am only 29, and I have found a doctor who is willing to do my hysterectomy after knowign that I have no children and have only sufferered for 4, not 14 years. Perhaps it is the city you live in? nearby cities? Unfortunately I don’t know of any foundations that do surgeries like that. Check into research hospitals, perhaps you can find a “deal” on a resident overseen surgery or something. Sorry i couldn’t be more help. Good luck on your journey. If you want to discuss things more, please feel free to contact me through my profile