Back from 4 hrs in ER - 9 days post op - had chest pain - possible PE????

 I am a self-pay patient for the sleeve surgery.  I have insurance but it excluded bariatric surgery.  Today I was speaking to the PA at my surgeon's office - mentioned that I had some chest discomfort - me -thinking it was reflux but obviously the PA thought it could be a PE.  I was not having any breathlessness or racing heart but she insisted that I go to ER in my hometown since my surgeon is 1 1/2 hrs away.  I told her I was pretty sure it was not a PE (I'm giving myself Lovonox shots as they require) but she said since I mentioned chest pain and I had already had a cardiac work up - that a blood clot was a possibility.  Well after the conversation - I guess she convinced me that I should go to the ER.  I resisted because I'm thinking my insurance will not pay since my sleeve was not covered and there was no way I could not tell the ER what was going on.

Anyway - I had blood work and then a CT scan - they called my surgeon - good results but then he tells them to hook me up to fluids.  I was on schedule with my fluids (I sipped the whole time in ER) so I was bummed.  Got home and gained 4 lbs.  

Just bummed - might cost me $5000 if insurance rejects the claim (and I'mnot rich by any means) and I gained water weight.  I know it will go away but so far this journey has been a tough one (if you have followed my breast bx, surgery cancelled, blood pressure issues you know) and the weight melting off has been the reward.  

Just hoping the rest of the journey is a little smoother.  I know one thing - it must be easier if your surgeon is in the same town as you are and if your insurance covers the sleeve then you don't worry about going to ER if necessary.  Gosh I hope I don't have to again.

Thanks for reading - guess I am just whinning - I did learn that I won't mention chest pain any more unless I plan on going to ER.

Paula

 Im just guessing, but Id assume "chest pains, possible PE" would be something your insurance should cover since it's not directly related to the bariatric surgery....If you were being treated for a leak or actual problem with the VSG, i could see that being denied. 

I had to go for fluids this past tuesday and I gained 5 lbs. Don't worry after you use the restroom a couple times it's gone or atleast mine was

Whine away. $5k is difficult to swallow . Hopefully it will be covered. Most important is that you did not risk your health over money. The five will leave and take more with it!

I am so glad you're okay.  I hope your insurance covers it!  I am like you, I would be stressed too.  The weight gain is temporary, you should be okay in a few days.