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Life-changing hip surgery for Ange

  • FINAL final update!

      15 November 2021
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    This page closes in the next day or so (where’d THAT 6 months go?!) and I know I said the last update would be my final, but last week I got the news I was beginning to feel would never come, so thought I’d share and leave on a high instead..

    The good news: I have my surgery re-locked in!

    14th February 2022 is MY day – I get a romantic overnight stay in hospital for Valentines lol

    To be completely honest the last 12-18 months have been some of my most difficult ever, the strain of living with chronic pain & dysfunction has taken a hefty toll on all aspects of my health ..extra bad timing that this pandemic kicked off the same time which, the combination of both, has made life almost unbearable at times. My world has become very small and I’ve struggled more than I can even describe (without turning into a sobbing mess). I’m a little overwhelmed with the state of things right now & realise we all have our own struggles with it, but for my own wellbeing I’ve begun 'living simpler' & tuning out the noise (staying mostly away from social media is a major!), as it’s time to fill my own cup now. Call it necessary self-preservation.

    Surgery aside, I have a LOT of work to do to get back to the 'Awesome Ange' I know I am (I’m a lil' terrified at the prospect tbh), but I AM resilient and to now have this date locked in I’m one very tangible step closer to getting back to her, and for that I’m real happy... I’m going to be ok…

    So, from me, one last time, thank you. The response from you all, my loved ones and some complete strangers, when I needed it the most has left a lasting impression on me. It’s changed my course (for the better) and I’ll never forget it.

    Peace out whānau xx

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  • Final Update!

      19 October 2021
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    This page will close in a few weeks and as well, I wish to acknowledge there are FAR greater things going on in our world/s right now, so this will be the final update on my journey thus far :-)

    Alrighty so, early July I had a phone consultation with an amazing surgeon based in Auckland. He’s the Hip Arthroscopy GURU, he teaches it at AUT Millennium even and came highly recommended. He agreed that I’m still very much a candidate for this surgery (rather than a total hip replacement) and after a little wait I was put onto his surgical roster - then 3rd November was booked for surgery!

    I was ELATED – finally I was over the hump and had an actual END DATE (!!), something tangible to work towards and it felt absolutely amazing.

    That was early August, then mid-August Covid resurged! We all went into lockdown and due to Auckland’s extended stay at Level 3 (kia kaha AKL), my Nov 3rd date has now been wiped and with so much uncertainty about what’s next, a new date is yet to be given (likely next year). As you can imagine, this was not good news to receive! It threw me back into the same uncertain limbo I was in before and I must be honest, I fell into quite a deep, dark hole of despair.

    So it's safe to say I’ve not had the most fun the last 12 months and at times I've felt rather worn down as it’s felt like set back after set back.. BUT then I remind myself of the incredible acts of kindness that have been shown to me (through this page and beyond) and the adversity we’re ALL facing in life right now and it helps ward off any negative juju I feel myself taking on. I’m incredibly fortunate to have a very supportive husband & family, as well as my wider community (you included!), so life ain’t all bad, I just have to hang in there a little longer.

    So, although I’m still waiting & still dealing with daily pain and dysfunction, I’m further along the road than I ever was – my surgery WILL happen (eventually) - and it’s ALL DOWN TO YOU HERE! I wouldn’t have got anywhere without the kindness & support you have all shown me in such amazing ways.

    So again, and finally, I say thank you thank you thank you - my gratitude to each and every one of you will be everlasting.

    He taonga rongonui te aroha ki te tangata xxx

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  • One Step Closer!

      6 July 2021

    Just a quick update to say I'm still here!! And yet another incredibly grateful and heartfelt THANK YOU to every single one of you that's donated to my cause so far...

    I'm still waiting on a few things regarding this Hip Arthroscopy (SCOPE) surgery and will update you all as things actually start to happen, BUT....

    ..because of your kindness I've been able to afford the only health insurance (that I've found) policy that WILL cover pre-existing hip conditions (after 3 years continuous cover), and just moments ago have had confirmation that my policy is in place and my pre-existing condition/s will be covered from 1st July 2024!!!! I'm am STOKED!

    I had to take this cover out as I know that even if I get this SCOPE surgery now, I'm bound to have complications in the future, so as you can imagine it's really reassuring and comforting to know that my future is now secure!!

    Being Southern Cross's top tier health policy (UltraCare) it's costing approx $235 per month. I can at least downgrade the plan at the end of my 3 years, but I could NEVER have afforded this now without your help - I've said it before and I'll continue to say it, I am just so so sooooo grateful, from the bottom of my heart, to each and everyone of you.

    Hope you're all keeping well and WARM during this rather chilly weather we've been having ..until next time, hei konā

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  • Update!

      9 June 2021

    Hi again :-)

    I finally had an appointment (private) with my specialist last week. We chatted through my last MRI (Jan 2021) and the GREAT news is that he's thankfully not seeing osteoarthritis..

    There's still damage in the joint but he thinks that the Hip Arthroscopy surgery to fix the tear and the FAI (irregular bone shape) is well worth a try - so yay!!!

    As with any surgery, there's no solid guarantee that it will be successful. And if it turns out that my hip is too damaged (he won't know for sure until he's in there) then there's still a chance a Hip Replacement will be in order..

    BUT I have faith that this will be the goer and I'll certainly be doing everything in my power to ensure I recover and rehabilitate as best as I can!

    I haven't been given a specific quote yet, but the clinic estimates it's around $18,000, which is kinda what I had in my head. So I have a little further to go, but am closer than I've ever been and it's looking like 2021 is my year of surgery and, quite honestly, it can't come soon enough!

    This is without a doubt 100% down to every single one of you that has donated to my campaign. I honestly would be nowhere without your support, and for that I am so truly grateful...

    Nāku te rourou nāu te rourou ka ora ai te iwi - "With your basket and my basket the people will thrive"

    Til the next update - keep well, keep warm and keep smiling :-)

    Ange xx

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    • 10/06/2021 by Penny

      Hi Ange

      Delighted to hear your news. It sounds like you can have it done in Wellington or did you contact Matt Brick.

      Either way, you can download the rehab info on the OrthoSports website.

      I'll be interested to read your next update.

      All the best.

      Penny

    • 14/06/2021 by Ange Kalogeropoulos

      Hi Penny, yes I have been in touch with Matt Brick, I have a phone consult booked with him, but not until August! And I’ve thoroughly read the info on the Ortho Sports page already.. In fact, I posted the link to the very same page when I first published this page.. Great info in there, thanks ☺️

    • 21/06/2021 by Sharley

      Hi Ange,

      I am happy you have some good news for once. I am 60 and have severe osteoarthritis in my knee and have been told I am to young for a knee replacement by an senior physiotherapist at a joint clinic at the hospital. And having to go back every 6 months. Took me 3 years just to get an appointment at the joint clinic, let alone a specialist. You are so young and have a young family, you so deserve to get your surgery, I am sorry, but I am not in a position where I can donate. But I wish you all the best and hope you reach your goal. Take Care.

      Regards Sharley

  • You guys are amazing!!

      31 May 2021
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    Last Friday, after an article on my situation came out on Stuff online & the Dominion Post, this Givealittle page of mine ended up going absolutely crazy - I was completely overwhelmed, it brought me to tears (in a happy, joyful way!), and for a while there I actually didn't know what to do with myself!!

    The generosity and kindness you have all shown by your donations, no matter the size, have definitely helped give me the strength & courage I need to keep pushing forwards on this matter. I truly don't know how I can ever repay you - but please know that I am so deeply thankful and humbled by all of the support I never truly believed I would get..

    So, this coming Friday I have the first private appointment with my specialist, Fred Phillips, in Wellington. I'm hoping that at this apt I should learn more about what my best surgical option is and the subsequent costs.

    I have seen Fred once before privately at the beginning (3+ years ago) but as ACC would not come to my surgery party (it would have been such a FUN party too!) I then had to be referred publicly to see him within the CCDHB system. If only I'd known then what I know now, and how long this would drag on for, I might have thought about private funding sooner!!

    BUT I'm not one to dwell on the past.. This is my present, and I'm now in control of my future - thanks to each and everyone of YOU!

    I will post further updates as new information comes to light - but I really just needed to pass on my heartfelt thanks to everyone here for now. With you all, I can

    Nga mihi nui, Ange xx

    Link to my story on Stuff - PLEASE feel free to share it (or my Givealittle) far and wide: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/125260047/featherston-mother-resorts-to-crowdfunding-to-get-hip-operation?fbclid=IwAR17Xx9XmWVKyCHdymaYbiazFO_KxfjSi4nW7y1wZm70vaCOnvGlYMWme5I

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    • 31/05/2021 by Dominic Forsyth

      All the best. I have an ACC review in 2 weeks. Its tough and I hope and pray you get the funding through crowd funding xx