that's still cheap compared to what it would cost you elsewhere. if you can, leave yourself a little cash cushion so you can still make a few payments if you get laid off, but get a second job and give up beer for half a year if that'll take the debt down.
Absolutely. I went in for my consultation this past July and the total cost came to $6,400, which is, obviously, way less than what you were quoted. Now, before you look at that price and faint, there a few things to note:
1. That price is all inclusive. It includes the vests, the anaesthesiologist, facility use, PS fee, all pain medication, and all follow-up appointments.
2. This price also includes the PS fees for any secondary surgery that may need to be done. That means if the PS or I feel that the initial surgery did not do a complete job and there's room for improvement, all I'll need to pay for is the cost of the facility and the anaesthesiologist (about $1400 total).
3. The PS I have gone to is, from my research, one of the most talented and respected plastic surgeons in the tri-state area (Michigan, Ohio, Indiana). Although I am keeping my options open before finally committing to any one PS, I firmly believe that you get what you pay for and I am told that he is well worth the quoted price.
The price of $4300+ is about average, so I wouldn't really sweat it, if I were you. What you need to decide, though, is exactly how important this is to you. I completely understand your hesitation over using your $5000 for the surgery, instead of the credit card debt, but is the credit card debt really THAT important, when compared to the emotional and psychological aspect of not having the surgery done?
My personal situation is far more complex (or seems to be) than yours. I am 36 years old and the father of five children: 18, 14, 8, 8, and 5. My wife and I have a house, with two new vehicles, plus credit card debt that we, too, are in the process of eliminating. We're lucky, in the sense that we both have good jobs and are not really in any financial straits, but that's a lot of debt floating around.
Now, I examined the entire big picture and did consider putting off the surgery until the debts were paid off. However, it'll be at least TWO MORE YEARS before that happens, and with me already being 36, I don't feel like waiting any longer than necessary. The way I have it planned, I'll be able to have the surgery by November of next year by using $4,000 from our income tax refund, $1200 from our December profit sharing, and $1200 from our July profit sharing. That's all without touching our normal budget, so it should be doable.
One thing to keep in mind, though, is that even the best laid plans can come undone. Even though I have this all planned out, it's very possible that I may have no choice but to do exactly what I don't want and place the debts first, making the surgery second. That's a reality I have to consider, but, should it occur, is also one that I'm prepared to make the most of. My wife is starting a home-based business, so that'll bring in other income to help pay off our debts faster (we both want to be debt-free by the time we reach 40). In addition, I'll do whatever is necessary - getting a med loan, selling on eBay, getting an under-the-table second job, beg, borrow, steal - to get the money and make this happen.
Like I said, it all depends on how much you want it. It's more than a cliche, it's the truth: where there's a will, there's a way.
Topic: had my consultation today (Read 2723 times)
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