Sorry if this has already been covered. I've talked to a couple guys who paid with student loans, and a couple who got lucky and their insurance paid for it. I know the best way is to just save the money, but unless you got a decent job where saving is possible, it's tough! I need a new job, but am pretty comfortable where I'm at. My manager knows all about my situation and is VERY understanding. Which makes the whole work environment a lot more comfortable. But with what I'm making, I got enough to pay my rent, and get food with what's left over...I want to go to school, but for EMT or something along those lines, not sure how the whole student loan thing works.
So how did you guys pay for it?

i haven't gotten it yet, but i'm using my savings... my "rainy day" fund.

I've had the money set aside for it for over two years now. Once upon a time, back when I wasn't a bum and made real good money. So it just sits in the bank waiting.

Don't know anything about student loans or insurance coverage but I've heard of guys doing fundraisers - putting on drag shows and what not.

I saved up the money for it.  I lived at home at that time so didnt got to pay for rent & stuff.

I pulled the money out of my savings account for the doctor. I used a credit card for the surgery center. I have to admit that it's THE BEST MONEY I'VE  EVER SPENT!!!  IT TOTALLY CHANGED MY LIFE! Camden

The NHS is going to be hopefully paying for my surgery however if it takes to long then I will take out a loan to pay for it.

I used a combination of saved money and leftover student loan funds.

I'll be cashing in my U.S. Savings Bond.  Sort of scary to give up my only investment, but it'll be worth it.  Since the poor economy situation in the U.S. has hit me and my spouse hard this year, my savings bond $$ might be on borrowed time.  My therapist is aware of this, though, so he might expedite my chest surgery referral.

I payed for half of it through savings, and the other half I borrowed from various family members (who were thankfully more than willing).