LauraP705

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We all know what happens when we assume...................but again, I was fooled.  I mentioned that I was doing a sleep study ----- found out that I don't have sleep apnea, but did have a couple of instances where my oxygen level dropped.  I'm supposed to see the pulmonologist again to discuss other treatments.  The real surprise was the cardiac clearance.  I FAILED the stress test!  WHAT????  Yeah, so he said it could be (1) a blocked artery, (2) fatty tissue, or (3) large breasts.  Since I had 2 & 3, not to worry, right?  Almost!  The artery was not blocked so I didn't have to have a stint, but the artery is larger than normal and there's nothing that can be done about that.  He prescribed Imdur, which has been giving me a massive headache.  The good news is that he fully supports me having the surgery.  He wrote my clearance on a prescription pad at the hospital after the procedure --- I'm afraid I'll need a bit more than that.  The disappointing thing was that even though they PROMISED good drugs, I didn't get any --- didn't need any really, but kept thinking "When am I going to la-la land?"  Almost there ---- need to wrap up this diet thing and all will be good!

As of now, things are still moving along, but not as fast as I'd like.  I saw the pulmonologist who was very nice and accommodating (even though he gave me the name of a diet book he recommended), but didn't know exactly what he needed to go as far as giving me a clearance -- where there particular tests he needed to run?  I "assumed" he would know and we know what happens then.  Anyway, he said for me to find out and he would do whatever he needed to.  He did order a sleep study for this Thursday night --- joy.

I saw the cardiologist last week who scheduled a stress test.  I thought I'd go over during my lunch hour, walk on the treadmill for a few minutes, and that would be the end of that.  WRONG!  It wasn't so bad, but it took forever!  I see him again this Tuesday for the results.

After the sleep study and the cardiologist, I'm going to write my PCP letter of support and see if I can get him to sign it when I see him on the 20th.  Then, all will be done except the 6-month diet program.  I'll still lack a couple of months of that.  Sure wish they'd cave a little!

March was very productive!  I had my Upper GI done which only showed a slight motility problem with my esophagus--- but I think I already knew that since I have some problems swallowing my meds each day and I almost always end up with the hiccups when I start to eat.  My weight loss program continues but just like the past 20 years, my body is fighting it with everything it's got.  I've lost about 15 pounds in 2 1/2 months but most of it was lost in the first month (typical again!).  I had my psych eval on Thursday and much to my children's surprise --- I'm not crazy after all!!  Well, at least not enough to keep me from having the surgery.  I have my appt with the pulmonologist on Monday.  Then all I lack is the cardiac clearance and finishing up the 6 month program unless I can talk BCBS into waiving a month or so.  So far, so good and I'm starting to get excited!

Finally made that visit to the PCP.  He wasn't overly helpful at first.  Started telling how all the pre-op tests were going to cost me.  Funny thing, with my health history, I think most of them should have been ordered as a normal course of treatment!  He finally came around and began to see the same thing.  The drew blood, got my xray, and scheduled my Upper GI.  Looked like things were finally getting done.

I had contacted my Insurance provider regardint the "6 month medically supervised diet".  They had told me that Weight Watchers and LA Weight Loss would qualify as long as medically supervised.  Piece of cake?  not really.  I joined Weight Watchers in January and have made copies of my weekly weight loss for my PCP to sign off on................not so fast!  My PCP tells me (and my insurance did not!) that there's a specific form that has to be completed and signed in order for it to qualify.  Well, that sets me back at least a month.

Then, the nurse calls me with the news that my blood work did not come back so good.  For the second time in 3 months, my liver enzymes were out of whack.  So now I will have an ultrasound to see if there's a bigger problem.

I have a narrow window this summer to have this surgery where I can have someone with me.  Being a single mom, with no family except my elderly parents who can no longer travel, and with my son away at college, I don't have a lot of options.  I'm 5 hours from Dr. Smith, so it's not like it's a walk in the park to get there.  I have a sister-in-law that's a school teacher that can help, IF I can get in that window between the end of one school year and the start of another.

I guess I'll move ahead with all my pre-op tests and evaluations and pray this will all work out.  It's taken awhile for me to assert myself and go after this, and let's face it --- at 51, it's not like I have a lot of years left to enjoy a slim, healthy body!