Brain Injury

[WeLuvDiz]

I was diagnosed with encephalocele which means the fron of my skul has a hole in it and my brain is literally leaking out into my orbital cavity and is pushing on my left eye. I have been to so many doctors in the past few weeks for all types of tests and surgical pre tests that I've had to pay out of pocket because of no insurance and the Dr. put out of work 6 weeks ago so no income whatsoever coming in(my wife was laid off and can't find new employment)my land lord is all over me as well as electric co., car ins and payment, DD collage bill etc. I am going nuts and don't know what to do. I want to know if any of my fellow DISers or someone you know ever had this and how did you make out with the surgury and recovery. My doctor said I have about a 2-3 month recovery as long as everything goes well with the operation which is February 25. I have never been so scared in all my life, I have a wife and 2 children to take care of. Thanks for letting me vent, I just don't know what to do I go and hide when I think of everything because I just won't stop crying. Thanks for reading.
Mike

 

[NMAmy]

I have no insight or advice but wanted to tell you that I'm sorry you're going through this and I wish you a speedy recovery.

 

[holycow]

Mike HUGS TO YOU!

Prayers and good thoughts too.

Have you checked into Unemployment? Disablility?

I don't know where you are from but I'm sure they are some resources open to you. You're children are older. Have you talked to them about the situation?
Did you tell them you need help?

I wish you the best and pray the surgery is successful and you will have a full recovery.

 

[shortbun]

Talk to a social worker at the hospital and they will help you apply for financial assistance. Our friend(no insurance) got his ACL replacement surgery almost completely covered just recently, so there is money out there. It's possible. This is going to be a whole family effort for you and your family. I have no information on the procedure. Have you completely googled about it? Have your children do some research and share.

 

[disneyfan007]

As far as your daughters college, alot of the schools have special condition forms that can be filled out and maybe part of the tuition can be waived. Check with the financial aid dept about this.

 

[shortbun]

As far as your daughters college, alot of the schools have special condition forms that can be filled out and maybe part of the tuition can be waived. Check with the financial aid dept about this.

My neice's tuition was covered when both her parents were out of work for a year. I don't know the details but BIL said all he had to do was complete paperwork.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

As far as your college dd I would explain the situation to her in great detail, so she can go to financial aid and see what she can do.

 

[OceanAnnie]

I am so sorry for what you are going through! My thoughts and prayers are with you for a speedy and full recovery.

 

[Magic Mom]

 

[java]

It will all work out. I don't know how but it always does. Most important thing for you to be focused on right now is your health. I hope your surgery goes smoothly.

 

[abdmom]

Have you looked into Social Security Disability?

I agree with the posters who recommend that your daughter in college visit her financial aid office. It's great if a parent can pay for college, but sometimes it's not possible.

I wish you a speedy recovery.

 

[j's m]

 

[arminnie]

Not sure if this is the same thing, but my sister has "holes in her brain" and had had 4 sugeries for it.

The dura (lining of the brain) is eroding which creates holes where the spinal fluid just flows out.

The surgery is actually fairly simple - through the sinus cavities to make patches. She has lost 95% of her sense of smell, but is mentally very competent.

What has helped her enormously was losing 100 pounds. That reduced the spinal fluid pressure much like blood pressure can be reduced by weight losss.

Best wishes.

 

[tinkntraining]

No advice, just hugs.
Praying for you and your family and hoping that the surgery is successful and you find some information soon to helps put your mind at ease about the surgery and recovery.

 

[KirstenB]

Hey man

 

[minnie56]

So sad....
I hope there's someone here that can point you in the direction of some financial and moral support

 

[RUDisney]

My MIL had brain surgery last summer. She is a very old 76, if you KWIM, and she made it through everything extremely well. We were all astounded by how well she did. The only thing she has that remains is a loss of memory of the events of last July/August. The dr said that was normal. Her short term memory took a short while to recover, but we've told her that God grants us the ability to forget the things that we shouldn't remember.

As for your financial situation, PPs have given you good advice. Talk to the social worker in the hospital and to your DDs school for advice. Others have had success in getting help when they need it. You should, too.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Mike.

 

[disneybound2010]

No advice just lots of

 

[ead79]

Mike, I am so sorry you're going through this right now. My prayers are with you and your family. I will pray that the surgery is totally successful and the recovery is smooth and fast as well as for financial provision.

 

[Planogirl]

I know that you're very worried and rightfully so but it will all work out. Follow up on the suggestions others have made when it comes to finances and work on getting well.