I'm totally new to this so bear with me.
I'm one of those statistics you hear about on the news made real. I had health insurance just last year and I will have health insurance again in September but as of now I am uninsured. Lo and behold, I get a debilitating injury in the one gap year that I am uninsured.
What Did You Do?
Completely Ruptured Achilles Tendon (Right).
Long story short – plyometrics; specifically, from doing high-rep box jumps while participating in WOD 12.3 of the CrossFit Games Open Qualifiers (2012).
Now just mentioning those 2 syllables either brings confusion or causes an inadvertent gut reaction to defend the exercise regimen. I completely understand both sides since I've been doing it for around 3-4 months (known about it for 6 months or more) but still remember the days when I was skeptical of exercise/training as a competitive sport.
I'm not here to criticize or defend the protocol. I just want to want to be back on my two feet again!
The Issue:
It's been nearly 3 weeks since my acute injury and I haven't taken care of it yet. Why? I was told initially that it was a sprain. After seeing an orthopedic surgeon 2 days ago and describing classic textbook symptoms of feeling a sharp pain in the back of my heel/calf during the injury and then having a positive test for the Thompson test, the doc said—without a doubt and without an MRI—that it is indeed a completely ruptured achilles tendon that requires immediate surgery.
So I don't have time to apply for Indigent Health Services at Collin County Health Dept. (though I'm still going to give it a shot on Monday), which takes a minimum of 2 weeks. I don't know if I would qualify for that in any case as there are many, who are probably much worse off than me waiting in line.
Why Do You Deserve My Hard-Earned Money?!
I'm only 26 and I can't foresee a life ahead of me without sport or intense activity. Try and think back to a time you've been down and out and wanted some support. If I don't get the surgery, I'm told a re-rupture of the achilles is a constant and apparent threat.
I believe Karma is real. What comes around goes around.
When I'm a head honcho, calling the shots I won't forget ya, brotha/sista!
The Breakdown (Give me the Dadgum Numbers! How Do I Know You Won't Pocket This Yourself?!):
The surgeon is taking a measly $667.60. The anesthesiologist is pocketing approximately $300. The lion's share of the total amount comes down to the hospital fees (originally $9300 with a 30% discount) $6,550. So around $7,500 total. I will know an exact amount on Monday when the receptionist tells me the anesthesiologist fees.
I'm one of those statistics you hear about on the news made real. I had health insurance just last year and I will have health insurance again in September but as of now I am uninsured. Lo and behold, I get a debilitating injury in the one gap year that I am uninsured.
What Did You Do?
Completely Ruptured Achilles Tendon (Right).
Long story short – plyometrics; specifically, from doing high-rep box jumps while participating in WOD 12.3 of the CrossFit Games Open Qualifiers (2012).
Now just mentioning those 2 syllables either brings confusion or causes an inadvertent gut reaction to defend the exercise regimen. I completely understand both sides since I've been doing it for around 3-4 months (known about it for 6 months or more) but still remember the days when I was skeptical of exercise/training as a competitive sport.
I'm not here to criticize or defend the protocol. I just want to want to be back on my two feet again!
 |
| 4 Days After Acute Injury |
It's been nearly 3 weeks since my acute injury and I haven't taken care of it yet. Why? I was told initially that it was a sprain. After seeing an orthopedic surgeon 2 days ago and describing classic textbook symptoms of feeling a sharp pain in the back of my heel/calf during the injury and then having a positive test for the Thompson test, the doc said—without a doubt and without an MRI—that it is indeed a completely ruptured achilles tendon that requires immediate surgery.
So I don't have time to apply for Indigent Health Services at Collin County Health Dept. (though I'm still going to give it a shot on Monday), which takes a minimum of 2 weeks. I don't know if I would qualify for that in any case as there are many, who are probably much worse off than me waiting in line.
Why Do You Deserve My Hard-Earned Money?!
I'm only 26 and I can't foresee a life ahead of me without sport or intense activity. Try and think back to a time you've been down and out and wanted some support. If I don't get the surgery, I'm told a re-rupture of the achilles is a constant and apparent threat.
I believe Karma is real. What comes around goes around.
When I'm a head honcho, calling the shots I won't forget ya, brotha/sista!
The Breakdown (Give me the Dadgum Numbers! How Do I Know You Won't Pocket This Yourself?!):
On the off chance that this fundraising event is wildly successful and it went over the cost of the surgery, then I will gladly pay each of you back in CASH, in person! I will even upload a photo of the surgery receipt on this website when it's all said and done. I'm all for transparency and frankness.
The orthopedic surgeon will be John T. Wey, M.D. from L & W Orthopaedic Associates and he had a fellowship trained in foot and ankle surgery, which is why I would like to have the surgery done at this place (Methodist Richardson Medical Center).
I have yet to schedule the surgery as my father would like me to explore more affordable options but I would like to get this done hopefully as soon as next week. I will post an update with more details as I get them.
Why Don't You Get Help From Official Charities or Companies? I'm Poor, Yo!
I've tried. I reached out to some Catholic Charities and are waiting for their response. I think a measly achilles tendon surgery isn't even a blip on their radar. They want the sad leukemia child with the shiny, bald head. All I can do is hobble around and look pathetic (or in my book, totally badass with my pimp limp). No one would even bat an eye.
Oh yeah and a good friend of mine told me it would be great if I could get CrossFit HQ to provide a substantial donation or pledge to match the amount that is raised from this fundraising effort, especially since there have been a large number of identical injuries related to the Open WODs both last year and this, involving high-rep box jumps and I believe I could raise awareness in preventing future recurrences. (If you are interested in this, you can read a (controversial) article by Beast Modal Domains here. I won't delve into that here. Beware, it's a hilarious article but it's got some language.)
I would hope that CrossFit HQ would want to make a strong effort to show they want to prevent future injuries in the sport and to shed the negative media attention surrounding the controversy over its safety.
I am planning on writing a letter seeking assistance from HQ but if anyone has any connections with HQ that would be of great help.
For those who would like to contact CrossFit HQ:
CrossFit Inc
1250 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.
Suite 200
Washington, DC 20036
202-449-8533
CrossFit HQ Doesn't Give Two Sh*ts About Your Injury!
I don't want this to seem limited to CrossFit though. Any other foundations, charities, or even companies that may be interested. I'm all ears!
OK STFU Already! How Can I Help?!
See that "DONATE" button at the top right? 0_0 ---------------------->
*Click* on that and you can donate any amount you want to a PayPal account. No one will know how much you donated, so don't be shy. No one will judge. Any amount is a worthy contribution. St. Peter at the pearly gates will cross out that little menial sin you committed last week for your generosity.
(FYI: PayPal deducts $0.30 + 2.8% for every transaction that is made for their service.)
Go To Hell! Everyone Needs "Assistance" in This Economy! Where's My Charity?
If you don't want to help and think I'm an ingrate, that's fine. Just know that angels will cry and doves will fall from the sky in mourning.
J/k. Jesus and I still love you. =)
Was There Something I Didn't Address? Have More Questions?
Shoot them in the comments below or send an e-mail.
