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Would you like to help Joan get to India for life-changing surgery?

Tim
on 22 Oct 2025

Tim asks

Thanks Anneke,

Why doesn't she get it done here in NZ for free through the public health system? That procedure is done weekly across most hospitals in NZ and the implants used here will have FDA approval.

Anneke

Hi there, that's a good question, Tim. Having consulted with a surgeon in Auckland, mum was told that surgery would cost around $85,000 and he could only give a 50% chance of success. Coupled with that, the surgeon has said that her recovery would take around 6 months and for much of that time she could be bedridden. ACC has refused to cover it. The surgeon in Mumbai has given her a much more hopeful prognosis, and others who have had this surgery have been on their feet within 48 hours.

Thanks again for your interest.

Kind regards

Anneke

Anneke Cahill
Tim
on 22 Oct 2025

Tim asks

Hi, what is the actual surgery she is getting?

Anneke

Hi there Tim,

Thanks for your interest! The surgery is Lumbar Decompression and Fusion with Implants.

Kind regards

Anneke

Anneke Cahill

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