Joanne K.
6/28/06
Jun 27, 2006
I haven't posted in some time. Thank God my daughter's check-up at M.D. Anderson went fine. The growth is benign. They plan to remove it on our next visit.
My approval was finally changed to my new surgeon and I have a surgery date of July 21. I am looking forward to moving toward having a healthier life. Today I began a low calorie eating plan. (I'm not going to say diet as that seems to doom it to failure! LOL) I am watching my carb intake and overall eating healthier. 3 days before surgery I will start a clear liquid diet. Most of Dr. Sieloff's patients don't have to do this, but inorder to have the best chance at having the surgery done laparoscopically, he wants me to do this in additon to a bowl prep.
Oh well, maybe not pleasant, but it is worth it.
I ordered a bunch of sample of protein powder today so that I'll have them when I come home from the hospital. So many people have told me that if I like them before surgery, I may not after, so I figured that I won't try them until after! I am starting to get excited! Healthier lifestyle here I come!!
My approval was finally changed to my new surgeon and I have a surgery date of July 21. I am looking forward to moving toward having a healthier life. Today I began a low calorie eating plan. (I'm not going to say diet as that seems to doom it to failure! LOL) I am watching my carb intake and overall eating healthier. 3 days before surgery I will start a clear liquid diet. Most of Dr. Sieloff's patients don't have to do this, but inorder to have the best chance at having the surgery done laparoscopically, he wants me to do this in additon to a bowl prep.
Oh well, maybe not pleasant, but it is worth it.
I ordered a bunch of sample of protein powder today so that I'll have them when I come home from the hospital. So many people have told me that if I like them before surgery, I may not after, so I figured that I won't try them until after! I am starting to get excited! Healthier lifestyle here I come!!
6/12/06
Jun 11, 2006
It has been some time since I have updated. Well, I went to Gainesville to meet the doctor there. I felt like I needed to do this so that I would options and would better be able to make an informed decision. He basically told me that my original surgeon got cold feet because of my scar tissue. He was honest with me and said of course that he would try to do it laparoscopically, but that there were concerns due to the scar tissue. Basically he told me the same thing that Dr. Sieloff told me. After weighing my options and the surgeons, I have decided that Dr. Sieloff is the best fit for me. Not only because he is here in town, but because I felt comfortable with his staff and really felt as if they cared. I appreciated his calm soft spoken mannerisms and feel good making this decision. Now I have to wait for the insurance to switch over the provider and hopefully then I can set a date. It should be out of review by the end of this week.
Of course on another note, I am taking my daughter out to Houston for her check-up at M.D. Anderson this week. God willing everything will be fine. It is never dull, it seems that almost everytime we go for her check-ups something funky is going on. Of course this time is no different. They are running extra test and I pray that she is still in remission.
Of course on another note, I am taking my daughter out to Houston for her check-up at M.D. Anderson this week. God willing everything will be fine. It is never dull, it seems that almost everytime we go for her check-ups something funky is going on. Of course this time is no different. They are running extra test and I pray that she is still in remission.
5/17/06
May 16, 2006
Well, I didn't have surgery on the 16th. I am really struggling right now.
As I had posted on Saturday, my surgeon called me at home on Saturday and decided to cancel my surgery due to scar tissue. He said he had been trying to get information and felt that I would be better off at a major medical center. My surgery was scheduled for May 16, so he basically called 3 days before to cancel.
Intellectually I'm glad that he chose not to do it if he felt that unsure of
himself. But, it sucks that he waited until the 11th hour to do so.
Okay, he knew about the scar tissue since he had previously operated on me to fix my hernia at the site that is causing him concern. On top of which on the first day that I saw him to discuss WLS, (3 months ago) he said it would probably have to be done open due to the scar tissue. Then changed his mind after re-examining me and said he thought it could be done laparoscopically. We discussed this and I was willing to accept the risk of it having to be done open. I had so much faith
and trust in him, now I feel very confused and don't trust my own judgment.
He told me he would personally call me after he spoke with the doctor that he wanted to refer me. His receptionist called me to tell me to call this person at the new doctor's office. When I called, they thought I was calling to come see him about having lesions removed. I said "NO, it is for gastric bypass." She said, well I don't handle that I really should have you talk to someone else. Not off to a good start. I called back to my original surgeon's office and told the receptionist of the miscommunication and asked her to please have Dr. B call me because he said he would, and I would like to know what was discussed etc, with this new doctor. Unfortunately he has never called me back. This makes me very sad. I feel like I was just dumped on someone else.
The kicker in all of this is that this new doc can't see me until June 9th which may not seem like a long time, but it certainly feels like a long time since I was supposed to have surgery on May 16, and the earliest that surgery could be done is in mid to late July.
For the past 2 weeks I have worked 10-11 hour days to get everything organized at work and not leave lose ends. I physically don't think I can do this again.
I am exhausted both physically and mentally. Not wanting to wait for 3 plus weeks to get a second opinion, I have met with another surgeon here in town and he was very compassionate and after examining me, he said that he thought 25-50% chance that it could be done laparoscopically. He said he would try to do it laparoscopically and if after 1-1½ hours he wasn't making progress, then would convert to open. The one reason I didn't go to him originally was because of my previous relationship with Dr. B. I figured I had a good rapport with him and he is good, so why go elsewhere.
Here is the not trusting my judgment part. I don't know if I should go out of town, to a teaching hospital, which doesn't thrill me, or use the other surgeon here in town. I am probably driving my husband crazy since I keep vacillating on which way to go. The idea of going to a teaching hospital where you have to deal with the resident, the head resident, the fellow and your surgeon is more than I think I can tolerate right now. I have been there, done that with teaching hospitals.
When I had the surgery that caused the hernia in the first place it was at a teaching hospital. I actually had 6 surgeries within 4 months there and each time I would ask my surgeon for a scorecard so I knew the pecking order of the interns and residents. I don't think I have the tolerance to deal with that. But, is it the better place for me? I am so CONFUSED, and FRUSTATED!!!!! I don't have any patience left at all.
As I had posted on Saturday, my surgeon called me at home on Saturday and decided to cancel my surgery due to scar tissue. He said he had been trying to get information and felt that I would be better off at a major medical center. My surgery was scheduled for May 16, so he basically called 3 days before to cancel.
Intellectually I'm glad that he chose not to do it if he felt that unsure of
himself. But, it sucks that he waited until the 11th hour to do so.
Okay, he knew about the scar tissue since he had previously operated on me to fix my hernia at the site that is causing him concern. On top of which on the first day that I saw him to discuss WLS, (3 months ago) he said it would probably have to be done open due to the scar tissue. Then changed his mind after re-examining me and said he thought it could be done laparoscopically. We discussed this and I was willing to accept the risk of it having to be done open. I had so much faith
and trust in him, now I feel very confused and don't trust my own judgment.
He told me he would personally call me after he spoke with the doctor that he wanted to refer me. His receptionist called me to tell me to call this person at the new doctor's office. When I called, they thought I was calling to come see him about having lesions removed. I said "NO, it is for gastric bypass." She said, well I don't handle that I really should have you talk to someone else. Not off to a good start. I called back to my original surgeon's office and told the receptionist of the miscommunication and asked her to please have Dr. B call me because he said he would, and I would like to know what was discussed etc, with this new doctor. Unfortunately he has never called me back. This makes me very sad. I feel like I was just dumped on someone else.
The kicker in all of this is that this new doc can't see me until June 9th which may not seem like a long time, but it certainly feels like a long time since I was supposed to have surgery on May 16, and the earliest that surgery could be done is in mid to late July.
For the past 2 weeks I have worked 10-11 hour days to get everything organized at work and not leave lose ends. I physically don't think I can do this again.
I am exhausted both physically and mentally. Not wanting to wait for 3 plus weeks to get a second opinion, I have met with another surgeon here in town and he was very compassionate and after examining me, he said that he thought 25-50% chance that it could be done laparoscopically. He said he would try to do it laparoscopically and if after 1-1½ hours he wasn't making progress, then would convert to open. The one reason I didn't go to him originally was because of my previous relationship with Dr. B. I figured I had a good rapport with him and he is good, so why go elsewhere.
Here is the not trusting my judgment part. I don't know if I should go out of town, to a teaching hospital, which doesn't thrill me, or use the other surgeon here in town. I am probably driving my husband crazy since I keep vacillating on which way to go. The idea of going to a teaching hospital where you have to deal with the resident, the head resident, the fellow and your surgeon is more than I think I can tolerate right now. I have been there, done that with teaching hospitals.
When I had the surgery that caused the hernia in the first place it was at a teaching hospital. I actually had 6 surgeries within 4 months there and each time I would ask my surgeon for a scorecard so I knew the pecking order of the interns and residents. I don't think I have the tolerance to deal with that. But, is it the better place for me? I am so CONFUSED, and FRUSTATED!!!!! I don't have any patience left at all.
5/11/06
May 10, 2006
Last night I finally told my mom about the surgery. Her first response was NO, definitely not! Okay, I'm 51, and she is telling me I can't do something. It was actually very cute! I calmed her down and told her that I already had a surgery date. In the end she told me that if this would make me happy, then she is happy. All in all it went much better than I anticipated. Very glad that is behind me now! This evening I had the wonderful pleasure of talking to my angel, Stalker Val. It was so great talking to her. I'm very lucky to have her as my angel!! :-)
5/8/06
May 07, 2006
I'm getting a little batty since I only have 4 days left of work before I take
off for my surgery. Monday I have pre-op at the hospital, an ppointment with the nut. and the surgeon. I have been working like a fiend and trying to get everything done. I have filed, cleaned and organized my office so it won't be overwhelming when I come back. It is almost as if I am nesting!! And of course this week is so busy with meetings and deadlines that I would be going crazy under normal circumstances.
On another note, Saturday we drove up to Atlanta to visit our daughter. She didn't know anything about me having RNY. She was very supportive. Last week when I told my son he was so sweet he told me all he cared about was my health and safety. I guess I shouldn't be surprised because they are both really terrific kids. I haven't told my mom yet. I need to do that this week, sooner than later. I am dreading telling her. More than likely she won't understand and it will be confrontational. If it turns out otherwise, I'll be pleasantly surprised.
Basically I decided not to tell folks about the surgery as I didn't feel the
need to explain or discuss it. However, I felt I needed to tell my immediate family.
off for my surgery. Monday I have pre-op at the hospital, an ppointment with the nut. and the surgeon. I have been working like a fiend and trying to get everything done. I have filed, cleaned and organized my office so it won't be overwhelming when I come back. It is almost as if I am nesting!! And of course this week is so busy with meetings and deadlines that I would be going crazy under normal circumstances.
On another note, Saturday we drove up to Atlanta to visit our daughter. She didn't know anything about me having RNY. She was very supportive. Last week when I told my son he was so sweet he told me all he cared about was my health and safety. I guess I shouldn't be surprised because they are both really terrific kids. I haven't told my mom yet. I need to do that this week, sooner than later. I am dreading telling her. More than likely she won't understand and it will be confrontational. If it turns out otherwise, I'll be pleasantly surprised.
Basically I decided not to tell folks about the surgery as I didn't feel the
need to explain or discuss it. However, I felt I needed to tell my immediate family.
5/2/06
May 01, 2006
Val agreed to be my angel. I am so thrilled. She is truly the most loving, caring, and inspiring individuals. Wow, I am very blessed.
5/1/06
Apr 30, 2006
I've got a date! My surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, May 16. I went to see Dr. Birkedal today and everything is all set. The cardiologist cleared me for surgery. I am very excited! Two weeks from tomorrow I'll get join the loser's bench. Carol, one of Dr. B's office staff was really sweet. She knew that I really wanted to know definitively when the surgery would be. She called the nut to set up my pre-op appointment for May 15 and said she would call me as soon as she reached the doctor that works with Dr. B in the OR to be certain that May 16 would work for his calendar. She called me on my cell within 2 minutes and let me know it is all set. YEAH! I feel like a kid, I am so xcited. (nervous, anxious, and did I say nervous too!)
4/26/06
Apr 25, 2006
Monday I had an appointment with the cardiologist. For some reason I thought okay, she'll do an ekg and give me clearance. Well, not quite! First thing she asks me is did anyone ever tell you that you have a heart murmur? I said NO and for that matter I just had my physical 3 weeks ago and everything was fine. She wanted me to do a stress test and an echocardiogram which thankfully were scheduled for
the next day. Since she knew that this was the only thing standing between me and a date she told her staff to schedule it asap. There was only one catch, since I tore a muscle in my right calf last summer (bowling) I have a hard time walking uphill which of course is necessary on the treadmill. She said, no problem, we'll do a chemical stress test. OMG, I'll not do that again, but at least it is over. I won't know the results for 2-3 days (or so they said), but at least it is over. I also found out that this is her standard procedure to do the stress
test and echo to give surgical clearance. That made me feel a little better. Hopefully on Monday when I see my surgeon I'll get a date!
the next day. Since she knew that this was the only thing standing between me and a date she told her staff to schedule it asap. There was only one catch, since I tore a muscle in my right calf last summer (bowling) I have a hard time walking uphill which of course is necessary on the treadmill. She said, no problem, we'll do a chemical stress test. OMG, I'll not do that again, but at least it is over. I won't know the results for 2-3 days (or so they said), but at least it is over. I also found out that this is her standard procedure to do the stress
test and echo to give surgical clearance. That made me feel a little better. Hopefully on Monday when I see my surgeon I'll get a date!
4/21/06
Apr 20, 2006
Holy cow, I called BCBS around 4:00 this afternoon to check on my status and the woman that I spoke kept saying I'm checking, and it felt like I waited forever and was getting really concerned, but as of today, I AM APPROVED! She said the letter should be in the mail to me and my surgeon today and my approval is good through 4/21/07. I must have asked her 3 or 4 time if she was sure. She said yes and gave me the approval/claim number! Needless to say I am very excited, nervous and scared! Monday I have the appointment with the cardiologist and I will call my surgeon's office and hopefully will have a date soon!
4/20/06
Apr 19, 2006
Tuesday I had my pre-op endoscopy. I was really afraid of this test. I guess the thought of something going down my throat really bothered me. Well, I told the dr. that I didn't want to know anything and thankfully, I didn't. Other than a sore throat it went fine. One step closer to having this surgery. Now if only I would hear from BCBS. I have one other doctor's appointment on Monday, 4/24 with the cardiologist for surgical clearance. Hopefully that will go well also.
Yesterday I called BCBS again to check and they still had no word but said that a supervisor would call over and check today and call me back. Well, of course I still haven't heard anything. I am going nuts waiting, and waiting and still waiting. Yes, I know, it really hasn't been that long, but they said it shouldn't take but 7-10 days and now it is, okay only 11 days since it went to review. (working days, and I'm sure they are only ones that count!) I'm so trying to patient!
Yesterday I called BCBS again to check and they still had no word but said that a supervisor would call over and check today and call me back. Well, of course I still haven't heard anything. I am going nuts waiting, and waiting and still waiting. Yes, I know, it really hasn't been that long, but they said it shouldn't take but 7-10 days and now it is, okay only 11 days since it went to review. (working days, and I'm sure they are only ones that count!) I'm so trying to patient!
