Tiffany McGee

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1/25/06

Wow, it's been a while since I've written. Well, let me start by saying that I don't have to postpone the surgery process after all. You may be wondering why, since I just announced that I was pregnant. Well - on 1/5/06 I went in for a regular 12 week ultrasound and the Doctors told me that the baby had a severe malformation/hernia ion of the internal organs called "Pentalogy of Cantrell." There are only 90 reported cases of Pentalogy of Cantrell. The main reason is because most women miscarry prior to finding out. I was told that the malformation was so severe that there was nothing anyone could do to save the baby. That I was walking life support and that I could hemmarroge at anytime and loose both my baby and myself. So we were given too options: terminate or terminate. Nice choices, huh? So, after 2 doctors (I wanted confirmation damnit) ultrasounds, and due to the herniation, mainly the herniation of the heart (it was the furthest from the point where it belongs), we lost our baby on 1/18/06.

So today is one week. This has been one of the roughest times of my entire life. My heart is completely broken. We tried and tried for this baby for a year and a half. When we found out we finally got pregnant, wow, the joy that poured over us. But early on I knew something was wrong. Every time I tried to get happy, I was pulled back into reality by a feeling that things were not right. Not like a crazy feeling, like something in my heart said "Don't get too excited this time." My poor Hubband, I told him that something wasn't right. And I prayed that I was wrong. Our first Ultrasound went great (mind you the baby was the size of a piece of rice). And then the second Ultrasound, that was the one that blew me away. You never think that you will have to go through something as rough as this. but it happens..... I thank God every day for my little boy, if it was not for Josh and Mike (hubby) I would have lost my marbles a while ago. I don't think the pain will go away anytime soon.

So back to planning everything out. Back to getting Tests - I have my PCP appointment this Friday - hope she orders the tests I need. I'm going to let her know everything that I need and hope she is as supportive as she was.

I guess that is it for now. I'll update more as news becomes available. Thanks for reading.

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1/29/06

Let’s see - Contacted Dr. Simons' Office on Wednesday. I have to contact the special insurance person (left a msg Friday) to see if they can reactivate my file. Basically, if they reactivate my file, I don't have to go through the 3 hour group consult for the 3rd time. So I left a msg and now I have to wait.....

Gotta love the Hubband - He said that he'd sit through it one more time if I agree that it would be the last time. hehehe

Decided, since I was going to the regular PCP Dr on Friday I'd take in the pre-op testing list that is like forever long and requires most of my blood supply (JK). PCP said she'd set me up with the pre-op testing that she can do. This leaves me to set up the Psych. Consult and the One-on-One with Dr. Simon.

So things are moving - Just need the phone call back from Cathy - The special insurance lady. Because I really don't want to re-do the testing.

Went to the Zoo on Saturday - Josh's first time at the Phx Zoo. I walked the whole 2.5 miles (up hill & down hill in various locations of the Zoo). Mind you we did stop A LOT to see animals. So I didn't get winded much. It was our first family outing since we lost Taylor. nuff said.

Tiff

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2/1/06

Two updates in a week! WOOHOO!

Just got off the phone with the Insurance Specialist at Dr. Newhoff/Simons office. She informed me that I will have to have surgery with Dr. Newhoff - which means that it will be an open RNY instead of a Lap RNY. So I'm more nervous now then previously. I also found out that the office did not know that my file was closed. Hmmm

So now I get to schedule my appointment with Dr. Newhoff, attend a few more classes, and see what happens next. Yeah!

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2/6/06

Good Morning OH!

I scheduled my One-on-One Consult today with Dr. Newhoff. That will be on March 7th. The day after my mom has her hysterectomy. So that week will be BUSY! My poor mom, this year has been rough on her. She's very tough though.

I also scheduled my Psych Consult. The Psychologist is Kris Cooper. I've seen her before with the gestation diabetes. Funny huh.

My hubband has been hanging around the sight to get more information about the surgery. He's so sweet. I love him so much! I'm so glad that he is supportive (like a good jock strap). His only worry is that if something happens to me, what will become of him and Josh. I keep telling him that he is tough and will manage without me bossing him around. *GRIN* I don't really boss him around, I gentle nudge.

Well that’s about it. Just impatiently waiting.... Still haven't even applied for Insurance approval... Have to accomplish all this stuff before I can apply for approval.... so this could take some time....

I hope not.... but still....

Take Care!

Tiff

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2/9/06

No real update. Tried to call the nutritionalist/dietician to set up an appoint, but she hasn't returned my call. As it stands I've got to complete the following list of items for BCBS of NC prior to my request to have surgery is submitted.

1) Medical Records documenting Co-Morbidities if BMI is btw 35 - 40. (I requested this material to be sent on 2/6)

2.) Medical Records for the last 4 of past 5 years documenting weight and dates of service. (I requested this material to be sent on 2/6)

3.) Thyroid Function Test (TSH) - Completed 2/3

4.) One-on-One consult with Surgeon - Scheduled for 3/7 ** UPDATE - RESCHEDULED FOR 3/22/06

5.) Nutritional Consult - I've called the lady twice thus far - no return call.... *sigh* ** UPDATE C/W

6.) Psych Consult with MMPI - Scheduled for 2/20 **UPDATE C/W

7.) Medical work up - Chest X-ray - Self Pay not done yet

- Upper GI Series - Self Pay not done yet

- Pre-op Labs - C/W on 2/3

- Urinalysis - C/W on 2/3 (that's how I found

out about the UTI infection)

- ECG - C/W on 2/3

(all testing can be done post authorization, but I started a little

early just for the extra effort.)

8.) Anesthesia clearance (can be done post authorization)

Enjoy!

Tiff

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2/11/06

Yeah the nutritionalist called back! Unfortunately I was taking a nap with Josh. So that means I have to call back on Monday. No biggies, at least she called back!

It's been a good weekend. Did my normal cleaning routine. Mike even cleaned up the back yard. *YEAH* Watched Mr. and Mrs. Smith last night. Angelina Jolie is HOT HOT HOT. I'm a chic and I think she's HOT! And of course the darling Brad Pitt was hott too.

Good Movie, I recommend it.

Well off to SAMs club. Have a great weekend.

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2/13/06

One day until Valentine's Day!

Good News - The Nutritionalist called and we've got an appointment set up. YEAH!!! 2/24 is going to be a busy day. Heck that whole week is going to be busy!!!

Bad News - Called Dr. Newhoff's office to see if the medical records from my PCP's office have arrived.... They can't seem to find my file. I had to go over the whole file closed due to pregnancy, file reopened due to miscarriage story AGAIN. So now I'm waiting to see if they find my file.....

*sigh* I hope they fine it....

Have a great day!

Tiff

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2/15/06

Good Day All -

Dr. Newhoff's office has found my file which is a plus. I dunno where it was located, just that they found. They are setting me up for per-op labs with the Bariatric Clinic. Kinda a jump start on the testing required. *I know I've had some testing but the Dr. has ordered some other test because of the liver issue and the gas issue*

I had a great Valentine's Day. Mike gave me the perfume I adore so much (Victoria Secrets Love Spell and Amber Romance). I made him stuffed shells, decorated his car with cling-on hearts (like the conversation hearts), gave him a love bug hug, and a few other things. No nookie. Since we lost the baby, we've kinda decided that we would wait to have nookie until after the surgery.

For the past week I've had the worst gas pain. Hurts so bad that I've actually been doubled over several times. Walking around makes things somewhat better. GasX isn't really helping. *sigh* I REALLY hope that this isn't a problem that can keep me from having surgery.

Oh yeah, Dr. Newhoff's office called to reschedule my appointment on 3/7 so I'll have to call and get that fixed tomorrow....Please no set backs. I don't want to wimp out!!!

Take Care. Tiff

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2/17/06

O.k. so Dr. Newhoff's office has rescheduled the Dr.'s One-on-One consults for 3/22/06. This definitely puts surgery off until at least the middle of April if BCBS plays the game right and approves me quickly.

I know I seem to be concerned about the time frame. See in June my brother-in-law graduates from High School and we are flying to NY to be there for the graduation. Which means we have to get on an airplane (did I mention I hate to fly and I work for a place that fixes commercial airliners) which also means I have to sit in an uncomfortable seat with a seatbelt that BARELY fits. So I'm hoping to have this surgery and give myself some healing time and weight loss time so things fit better.

O.k. going for now. Gonna go watch "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" with the Guys.

Good night, Good Luck, and God Bless to all!

Tiff

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2/20/06

Today was the Psych Exam - The Psychologist is someone I've seen before. She had the report with her approval for surgery when I tried this before in 2002 (before josh). We went over that report and discussed the changes. I got to take that loverly MMPI-2 AGAIN - 370 questions. I asked her to discuss the findings with me so I knew what we were looking at....

2 things she said I'm having a bit of a time digesting. Not that she is wrong, just that it was my little secret and I was trying to keep it hidden. She said that I'm always happy and cheerful to cover up all the hurt (well yeah, I've been hurt ALOT in my life). She also said that I was slightly depressed - (well yeah, it's only been 1 month and 2 days since I lost my unborn baby). (BTW no sarcasm intended, She is a GREAT person to talk with and completely honest and was on target regarding me) But I thought I was doing a great job being happy to cover it up. She said I should probably seek treatment for the coving up of my feelings which will help with the depression. So maybe that is something I should do. I told her how anxious (freaked out) I was about dying - not the death part because I'm not afraid to die (well a little but I hope I'll get to be in heaven - I hope) - the leaving Mike and Josh. I'm VERY anxious about leaving Josh without a mom and leaving Mike without a wife. So she thinks I should talk to my Dr. to see if we can calm my fears. I’m not sure how that will help, but I'm going to try. With that said, I've got to quit saying things like "When I'm gone . . . . (fill in the blank)".

Well, Mike is ready for bed.... And I must turn the computer off or he'll won't be able to sleep. Good Night All.... Please say a prayer for all of us who haven't made it to the loser side that we make it safely and complication free please. Thanks

Take Care

Tiff

My inches (as of 2/20/06)

Bust 51"

Waist 53"

Hips 56"

Thighs R 28.5 "

L 29"

Arms R 17.5"

L 17.5"

I'm a triangle...... I have never taken my measurements before....

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2/21/06

Pictures (I hope I did this right)

I had my beloved take these on 2/11. He is such a sweetie. So this is me.

UPDATE: (Pictures Previous at this location have been moved to the bottom of the page) =)

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2/22/06

It is now 1 week and 3 days since I have had a diet coke. It is also now 3 days since I stopped drinking 1 hour prior/after and with meals. You never now what you’re missing until it's gone... Let me tell you. We still buy diet coke for all the guys (Mike & my brother in law), and poor Mike has asked me every single night "Do you want an Ice Tea?" Then I kinda look at him funny and he says "Oh." =( Poor baby, he was trying to help... I didn't growl at him. Just gave him a funny look and a kiss on the cheek. He'll catch on.

I'm having trouble drinking a lot of water. I know I'm not post op yet, but I'm trying to train myself. Today I've only have 1 liter of water and 1/2 an ice tea (thus far). I still feel very dehydrated. Why I wonder how you get all the liquids when your post-op. Hopefully soon I'll be able to get it all right.

Talked to the Dr's office today. The insurance person W has been working my file for a while now. She just resent the request for the pre-op labs to the Bariatric Ctr in Phx. So I should be getting a call to set up a day to do the Endoscope and Ab Ultrasound. Please tell me that I can sleep for the Endoscope procedure. I've got a serious gag reflux issue. She also hasn't received all of my medical records. So I had to call the OB/Gyn office to get those records (that is the office that discovered my Diabetes) mailed to the Dr.'s office.

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2/21/06

Pictures (I hope I did this right)

I had my beloved take these on 2/11. He is such a sweetie. So this is me.

UPDATE: (Pictures Previous at this location have been moved to the bottom of the page) =)

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2/22/06

It is now 1 week and 3 days since I have had a diet coke. It is also now 3 days since I stopped drinking 1 hour prior/after and with meals. You never now what your missing until it's gone... Let me tell you. We still buy diet coke for all the guys (Mike & my brother in law), and poor Mike has asked me every single night "Do you want an Ice Tea?" Then I kinda look at him funny and he says "Oh." =( Poor baby, he was trying to help... I didn't growl at him. Just gave him a funny look and a kiss on the cheek. He'll catch on.

I'm having trouble drinking a lot of water. I know I'm not post op yet, but I'm trying to train myself. Today I've only have 1 liter of water and 1/2 an ice tea (thus far). I still feel very dehydrated. Why I wonder how you get all the liquids when your post-op. Hopefully soon I'll be able to get it all right.

Talked to the Dr's office today. The insurance person W has been working my file for a while now. She just resent the request for the pre-op labs to the Bariatric Ctr in Phx. So I should be getting a call to set up a day to do the Endoscope and Ab Ultrasound. Please tell me that I can sleep for the Endoscope procedure. I've got a serious gag reflux issue. She also hasn't received all of my medical records. So I had to call the OB/Gyn office to get those records (that is the office that discovered my Diabetes) mailed to the Dr.'s office.

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2/24/06 (Part 1)

Today is my Nutritionist appointment. I'm not sure why I'm nervous about going to this appointment, but I am. This is simple right? I've been living the diabetic’s diet for SO LONG that I'm just use to being on a diet. I'm on very low carbs low calories high proteins, and it's been that way for about a year or more. So the nutritionist appointment should be nothing to worry about. I guess I'll find out soon. Then I also get to find out when I have to do the endoscopey to check for erosion of the esophagus (?sp) and the ultrasound for ulcers. I'd better not have anything wrong.

Still haven't sent anything to the insurance company. And the Dr.s office won't until I've completed the one-on-one with the Dr. So with that said.... Why isn't March 22nd hurrying up? I just want to get this approval thing under way so I can get better.

Now with the whining aside . . . . No guarantees that I won't whine anymore, so in advance I'm sorry.

Here is my list of goals to achieve after surgery:

(these are subject to change on a whim)

1.) Getting rid of my diabetes DONE!!!

2.) Flying on an Airplane comfortably DONE! I fly again in April to visit my in-laws

3.) Keeping up with my Munchkin – I don’t think I’ll ever get this done.

4.) Fun Sex with the hubby - Hmmm

5.) Keeping up with my Nephews – I don’t think I’ll ever get this done.

6.) Walking the stairs at work (3 flights no elevator) without feeling like I’m going to pass out – DONE!!

7.) Being able to wear the X's & O's bracelet I've always wanted

8.) Being able to wear an ankle bracelet

9.) Getting my Tongue pierced (I know I can do this now, but I'd like to wait)

10.) Getting a little tattoo with Josh's name and Bday, and Taylor's Name and b/d Date (another thing I can do now, but will wait on)

11.) Walking more than a mile fast without being out of breathe – I Walk a mile and a half in 29 minutes!

12.) HEALTHY - to finally be healthy

13.) To no longer be considered Morbidly Obese, Obese, or Overweight

14.) To have Mike pick me up and carry me over the threshold (I'm a hopeless romantic - Mike is not) and to get a piggyback ride.

15.) To be able to wear a dress and not think my legs are tree stumps

16.) All of us to fit on the Queen size bed without Mike being pushed off (Josh tends to sleep sideways - when he crawls in with us)

17.) To See Josh graduate from Preschool, Kindergarten, 8th Grade, HS, and College (and possibly graduate school) - Josh starts Pre-School ************************************************************

18.) To have more children (two isn't enough - And Taylor is in heaven so Josh will need someone here)

19.) To grow old and wise with my Hubby

20.) There isn't a 20 that I can think of. I just like even numbers...

With all said - I must take a shower now. Have a great Day. I'll update more after my appointment.

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Part Duex

So I accomplished my Nutritionist Appointment today. One more step completed. I still need to get the Endoscopy done. I was able to make an appointment for a doctor in the office next to the Bariatric Ctr, so that worked out well (Apt 3/8).

The Nutritionist was SOOO nice. She actually was more informative then the Diabetes Dietician that I'd been seeing. Wow, the things I learned about what I was eating from the Diabetic Diet that were full of FAT and hidden CALORIES (That I was told should be part of my Diabetic Diet that I've been on for like a year or so now).

WTH was the Dietician thinking advising me to put into my diet. I'm not that knowledgeable about what the contents are in food (ie protein, carbs, etc.). I read all the books, look thing up before I add them into my diet, however I needed some help getting a diet in place. This is why I went to a dietician to get help and make a diet that was easy to follow and easy to keep up with. I've rearranged my eating to suit this diet only to find out that the snack items I'm suppose to eat 3x's a day were full of fats and hidden calories. I feel like a complete idiot! AHHHHAHHH

So now I've got to rethink a lot of my diet. Kind a like Back to the Drawing board. Sorry for complaining. I’m just unbelievably annoyed.

O.k. on a more positive note, Josh has discovered that I'm not a complete nut as a mom. He woke up from nap today and was hysterical about my Nephew Tyler (no idea why, just kept sobbing "Ty *sob**hiccup**sob* Ty *sob**hiccup**sob*"). So we lay back down and I just consoled him until he was no longer hysterically sobbing. Then he wanted to lay on the floor with the shashas (doggies). So we did that and snuggled some more so he would feel better...Then the tickle bug attack happened (don't know where they come from *grin* they just show up for the attack) and we both collasped into giggles. He laughs (I kid you not) like the Tickle Me Elmo doll.

Have a great day!

Tiff

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2/25/06

Today was GREAAAT! We went to the Touch-A-Truck event out at the local Community College. SOOO many pics of Josh & Mike. As soon as I get the disk back from Walgreens I'll post a pic or two. Josh had a blast, we had to pull him down from the Front End loader screaming. Poor munchkin. Drank a crap load of water. Still chugging, too. I must be dehydrated.

No news on my journey. Still the same . . . . Finished the Nutritional consult and am awaiting the Gastroenterologist appointment for the Endoscopy. I'm hoping to get this all done prior to my Dr. appt on 3/22. So far things are looking o.k. Wish me luck! Oh yeah, We measured me yesterday to see how tall I was. I've thought for years that I was 5'10". Honestly, the last time I was measured I was 5'10". Oh No. I'm like 5'8" or 5'9". We have to guestimate but definitely not 5'10". So that means my BMI is much higher. Oh well....

It's bed time. And I think we are all ready, Mike is exhausted and getting a little grumpy. So with that said, it's time to say BYE! Good night!

Take Care

Tiff =)

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3/5/06

There really is much to update. Saturday I went to my first Support meeting. Wow! DJ was amazing with the information she was able to give. Thanks MUCHES AND MUCHES DJ for the Protein trial. And where did you get that little cup? I so could use those after surgery.

Waiting and waiting for the one-on-one consult to come. And praying that I get a fairly quick surgery date.

I've had to adjust my height and weight too. I have always believed I was 5'10" but have been proved WRONG! I am actually 5'8" and 5'9" if I wear shoes. So my BMI is higher.... *sigh* I am losing some weight too. I guess that using the nutritionist pointers have helped some. Yeah!

That's it. I'll update more when I know more....

Take Care!

Tiff

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3/7/06

Quicky update - My mom had her hysterectomy yesterday. I hope the nurses that work at that hospital will not be working at Good Sam when I go in for surgery. We had to constantly growl about getting my mom her pain meds. Then they forgot her. Needless to say, we had to gripe and complain a lot until she was taken care of.

We get to take her home (hopefully to my house) on Wednesday (tomorrow). So she can get some real sleep and feel somewhat better.

I hope everyone is doing great. Take Care!

Tiff

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3/12/06

Hey There! Just waiting.... Had the Gastroenterologist Apt on Wednesday (OMGoodness he was GORGEOUS), too bad he gets to see me at my worst. I will be having a loverly Endoscopy on 3/30/06. I'm not really looking forward to this, but I get to sleep which is a blessing.

Had the Abdominal ultrasound on Friday. things didn't go as planned, but it is another step down. Next is the One-on-One consult! YEAH! Almost there.

Take Care everyone!

Tiff

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3.19.06

Not too much to update. My one-on-one is on Wednesday and I'm getting excited. I am being a bit impatient.

On Friday I went to visit Veronica at the Hospital. She looked great. I hope she has a speedy recovery. I am going to have to find a way to contact her once she gets home.

Yesterday WE did the Run Wild walk at the Phoenix Zoo. Wow how fun was that. We walked the 3K (I know it's like 1.5 miles). Up hills, down hills, in the dirt, around the smellies. It was a blast.

Today it is raining and I'm at work. I knew when I saw the police barricades; I should have turned around to go home. I could have enjoyed the rain at home with J. He likes rain. When he sees clouds he says "Rain Rain". Too cute!

With that said, I guess I'll update more after my One-on-One with Dr. Newhoff on Wednesday. I think I've accomplished everything on the pre-approval list for my insurance. So let’s cross our fingers and hope that things go great and fast.

Good luck and God Bless to all of us that are pre-ops. God Bless all those Post-ops who endure all the questions from us pre-ops. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

Take Care!

Tiff

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3.22.06

Wow. Went to see Dr. Newhoff today. I've heard so much about him, some negative some positive. I found him to be very funny, upfront, very busy, and very knowledgeable. He kept my husband in stitches with his recounts of his children’s younger years. He also mentioned the depression issue. He thinks that I have it under control, but he also thinks that I should see someone. He'll still do the surgery, but he thinks I should see someone.

I asked him about the pre-op diet that he would like me to do and he said 5 days prior to surgery go on a low carb (VERY LOW CARB) low fat HIGH protein diet, mainly liquids. This is to assist in the reduction of inflammation of the liver and pancreas.

OMGoodness my PANCREAS is INFLAMED!!! He also said not to do the EGD and he gave me a script for the Upper GI. He said I seem like I'm in good health minus the diabetes and GERD. I forgot to tell him I'm taking previcid. Hmmm....I'll have to call Wendy and let her know.

With that said, I talked to Wendy and she said that it would be 30 days before I'd get a date and not to worry. She also said that they needed to wait for the lady who does the transcription of the One-On-One consults to come back before they will send my information to the Insurance Co. SOOOOooooo I guess I have to be patient even though I am SOOOOOO not wanting to be patient. Maybe I'll start seeing someone in regards to my depression... We'll see.

Oh yeah I lost a pound.

Have a good night and God Bless =)

Tiff

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3.30.06

I called the Dr's office today and talked to W. She said that they were sending my file to the insurance co today. I'm not sure if I can wait 30 days to here what is going on. Maybe I’ll call tomorrow... I must wait...

Just blue about a bunch of life stuff. But I don't want to whine... So with that I'm just going to say good night and God Bless all of us.

Take Care!

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3.31.06

Today we conquered the UPPER GI! It wasn't as bad as I thought/heard/perceived it to be. I got there at 8am, by 9am I'd stripped down to my skivvies’ and put on my loverly backless gown. By 910 I was in the X-Ray room (with bra on) for my pre-UG x-rays. When the nurse says - ummm you didn't take off your bra, which was amusing... So now bra-less I wait to start my UG process... I take my crystals - which is like taking crunched up aspirin with my little cup of water. Then I get the barium. It wasn't actually bad. I was worked up that it would worse tasting than MOM. Drink my barium, and hold in those burps. Get my loverly pictures made of my innards. And away we go!

After the Upper GI I decided to check on the status of my insurance package just to find out that it won't be sent until next week.... Ho hum. WHAT IS UP WITH THAT! I guess they are busy and I'm not on the top of the list.

On a good note, I didn't get laid off from work. And we have resolved the babysitting issue. Now to just get the darn burps out of the system.

Take Care!

Tiff

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4/7/06

Well, by now I thought I'd have some good news, but I do not. I was informed yesterday that my file has not been sent to my insurance company. I was also informed that it will not go until Monday maybe. So I wait. I don't feel like I'm being very patient. Since I'm not completely sure where the problem is, I'm just going to try to be patient.

I hope everyone has a great weekend. Take Care

Tiff

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4.12.06

O.k. I wasn't going to update until I got a date. But I was getting frustrated. So I called on Monday (4.10) and left a message to see if anything has happened. I was called back shortly after and told that the Transcriber has not completed my letter and that a message from me has been place in her box for call backs.

She didn't call at all on Tuesday. She didn't call on Wednesday morning. So being the Brat that I am, I called and let the Insurance lady (she's sweet too) know that I've not got my call back. Had to leave a message. No biggie, because she usually calls back quickly. Well I get a call back before noon saying that.... hold on to your britches . . . .

THE LETTER IS FINISHED AND THEY ARE SUBMITTING TO MY INSURANCE TOMORROW!

O.k. So it's not that big of news, but it's a step in the right direction. I'm not at a stalled point. So with that said, I'm supposed to get a call from the Insurance lady to confirm submission to the Insurance. So we'll see what happens....

I guess this is a to be continued....

Tiff

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4/18/06

On hold On hold On hold....

At least the information is with the Insurance Agency and with the Pre-Authorization department.

I'm crossing my fingers that I do not get laid off before I am able to have my surgery.

Take Care and God Bless

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04/25/06

Yesterday I had my tooth removed so today I'm in a little discomforting pain. Actually I'm just achy. Feels like I got hit in the right side of my mouth. And this too shall pass.

O.k. I've been the biggest pest lately. I've phoned BCBS of NC EVERYDAY for the last week and 1/2. And the latest and greatest as of today is that the Medical Director has my file and is currently reviewing it. So I'm not supposed to call back until Thursday/Friday. Who are they kidding I'll be calling tomorrow.

Work wise I still currently have a job. But they had another "We will be laying off more personnel" meeting yesterday while I was gone. I've heard that a lot people will be gone as of the 5th of May. So we'll see where I am on the list. I've been talking to the HR Manage for a couple of days now and have all the information for Cobra insurance except the application (which I will not get until I actually get laid off). I'm still crossing my fingers not to get laid off until AFTER surgery (like 5 days out). I could do unemployment for 6 weeks while looking for jobs.

Take Care and God bless.

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4/26/06

Well, I just found out I've been denied after two appeals from my doctor’s office in one day. Heck when I called yesterday the Medical Director was still reviewing the case. Then I called today to find out it has been denied twice after appeals from my doctor's office. So now I get to make an appeal letter. I have NO CLUE what to write. So any help would be greatly appreciated.

Take Care and God Bless

Tiff

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4/28/06

Appeal letter is written. Received the denial of surgery letter via fax this morning. Faxed all my information BACK to the doctor's office. Now I have to wait until Wednesday for the doctor's people to send my corrected information/file back to the insurance personnel. So there is still hope.

Hope seems to be all I've got lately anyways.

My DH and I have an agreement that if I do not have a surgical date by May 1st, then we will start the process of trying to get pregnant again. Josh will be 3 this year and I don't want to wait too much longer between the kids. So with that said. I already know I will not have a surgical date by May 1st. And I can't make the poor man wait to much longer for goodies. We'll see what happens next. I'm ready for the ride....

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5/5/06

HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO!!!!!!

I hope today has been good for all!

No real update.... still waiting.

Take Care and God Bless!

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5/29/06

I didn't know it had been this long since I updated my profile. Well here is the latest and the greatest (not so great).

After I sent my appeal letter to the Dr.'s Office I received a phone call telling me that I needed to have a physical examination by the doctor. So the staff set up an appointment for me to be seen on the 8th of May (Monday). I attended the appointment and the Dr said he thought it was silly but completed the physical exam on me. He said I was a good candidate and that he would have M type up the notes and sends them to the insurance company with my appeal and the correct information.

Now that was 3 weeks ago today. I was told that by the 15th of May they would send my file to the insurance co. When I talked to the staff on the 18th of May, I was told that my file would send by Friday, the 22nd of May. I called again on May 23rd (just for good measures giving them an extra day) was informed that they still had not sent the paperwork. I was informed that they person who types the notes had not typed up my physical exam notes and was out of the office for personal reasons. So now I'm asking myself ho w hard it is to write a letter saying I'm o.k. and ready for surgery. But I digress, I will wait.... as patient as I can be....

Have I mentioned I'm not very patient....

So I called a left yet another message today. The office is closed today, but I called and left another message. I called Friday, but never received my return phone call....

I'm also having a hard time with thoughts. I need to stop thinking. I keep praying that everything goes complication free. I'm I insane? I don't think so, but I am anxious about that. I have a husband and child to take care of. Not that I'm any more special than anyone else... So I just keep praying that things go well. And that everything heals and that there are no complications.

Wow what a long post. Hope I didn't bore you. I hope to have better news soon. Good luck to you all.

Take Care

Tiff

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6/1/06

UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE

I contacted the Dr.'s office today to see if they had FINALLY sent my file back to the insurance agency. And you know what!!!! They said that they sent it on 5/30/06....