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Not a Surprise: Man Who Tried Doing His Own Hernia Surgery Doesn't Have Insurance
The wife of a Glendale man who tried unsuccessfully to perform his own hernia removal operation with a butter knife says their lack of insurance is at the root of their troubles, according to the Glendale News-Press.
Last week, Maria Demestihas told reporters that while her husband, Nicholas, 63, was hospitalized at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center, she was begging doctors at the facility to do the surgery to take out the football-sized hernia that is sticking out of his stomach.
Mrs. Demstihas says that money is the issue, and Nicholas does not qualify for medicare. Moreover, she says the hernia exacerbates her husband's schizophrenia.
His past "unstable behavior" halted an Alhambra clinic from performing the operation previously. While being cared for at County last week following his botched self-surgery, doctors treated his injuries, but not the hernia itself.
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Nicholas Demestihas' self-surgery attempt last week is not the first time he's tried to handle his hernia himself. Since the hernia appeared six years ago he has "driven a nail into the growth, has tried to shave it off with a razor and punches it." Mrs. Demestihas says she fears if the hernia isn't removed now, he will continue to try to tackle it himself.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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