She Strengthens

The Hidden Costs of Injury

When I suffered a back injury in early July, I had no idea that it would impact my life in so many ways. Four months later, I’m still struggling to recover, and the financial burden is mounting.

A Life on Hold

My injury has forced me to give up the activities I love, including high-intensity kickboxing classes, weightlifting, and even basic yoga. It’s not just the physical pain that’s affecting me, but the emotional toll of feeling like I’ve lost a part of myself.

The Financial Fallout

While I’m grateful to have insurance that covers most of my medical expenses, there are many other costs associated with being injured that are often overlooked.

Medication and Supplements

To manage my pain, I’ve had to invest in a range of medications and supplements, including prescription anti-inflammatories, Naproxen, and natural remedies like Curcumin and Joint Ease. The total cost of these medications? A staggering $185.

Comfort and Convenience

To make my daily life more bearable, I’ve had to purchase comfort items like reusable cold compresses, back braces, and Bio-freeze. These may seem like small expenses, but they add up quickly. The total cost of these comfort items? $284.

Finding New Ways to Stay Active

As I navigate my new reality, I’ve had to find alternative ways to stay active. I joined the YMCA and invested in swimming gear, hoping to find a low-impact exercise that would help me heal. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite work out as planned. The total cost of this experiment? $274.

Getting Around

Finally, there’s the cost of transportation. When walking, standing, and sitting become painful, it’s justified to splurge on Uber rides. The total cost of these rides? $49.

The Total Cost of Injury

When you add up all of these expenses, the total cost of my back injury comes out to $792 in just four months. Subtracting the furniture costs covered by my work, my personal cost is $587. It’s a sobering reminder that medical treatment is just one part of being sick or injured – there are many other expenses that can quickly add up.

As I continue to navigate my recovery, I’m grateful for the financial safety net that has allowed me to pursue these treatments and comfort measures. But I know that not everyone is as fortunate, and it’s a stark reminder of the many hidden costs of injury.