Update on Joanne

Well, the surgery is over and she is on the healing path. But not without troubles. The location of the seroma was very close to the bowel, but not unvolved with it. The seroma itself had become hard, almost like leather. The tissue surrounding it was fairly clear, and whatever necessary was removed so there was all good, clean, healthy tissue left. It was the size of a large lemon. Now for the bad news. The crater that is open is almost 3" long, 1.5" wide and 1.75" deep. Most of you could put your fist into it. She is going to be going on a wound vac to help promote healing. The unit costs $ 132 per day, and will need it for about 3 months. Her indurance covers $1500 dollars, about 13 days total. They are trying to negotiate with the company to accept the $1500 for the total usage, regardless of the length of time. The hospital uses this company regurally, and the home care department is well involved also (the department Joanne works for). Joanne is also contacting the regional sales rep to see if she can get involved at another lever to get the same results. Joanne could stay at the hospital for the entire length of time, have the wound vac, and the insurance cover costs 100%. Don't you think the hospital would find it financially responsible to have a $1250+ room available by paying $132/day? They are estimating that recovery time MAY BE 3-4 ADDITIONAL months!!! Time is dependant upon her nutritional status more than anything other than the machine and the upkeep of the wound. I think she is going to start eating MUCH BETTER! She has requested the nutritionist at the hospital to come visit her today, and we are looking into the insurance policy will cover a naturopath (sp) for additional advise. We are hoping that she will not have to come home on IV Antibiotics along with everything else. Will have to wait to see what the report is. With a RNY bypass, the area of our intestines which absorb antibiotics is bypassed and even almost 3 years out her body sill has not adapted. She has a dual picc line installed because her veins are sooooooooooooo bad. The Dr refuses to remove this set unless she is back in work. She cannot have a conventional iv set due to her very poor veins due to years of diabeties. I am beginning to understand a new level of depression. Sometimes things suck REAL BAD!!!! In spite of everything, the sun still rose this morning. Peter

Peter...I do not know Joanne, and therefore do not know exactly what is going on with her, but I do want to give you a word of encouragement. After my c-section, my wound reopened. It was a fairly large opening and it was about 5 inches deep. After 5 weeks of a visiting nurse twice daily, the nurse recommended this wound vac. They estimated another 6-7 weeks with the wound vac (as opposed to 6 months without it). This vacuum was a miracle. Within 2 weeks my incision had closed completely. It truly was amazing how every day it just got smaller and smaller. I hope you have some luck with the insurance...sometimes these companies will drip over a dollar to pick up a dime. Best of luck. Jess

Peter, I am so to hear about your troubles. You're right, sometimes things do suck! I just wanted to let you know I will pray for you and your wife. I hope things get better for you soon. Anne

Hi Peter, I am sorry to hear about your wife's surgery. I was looking for you last Monday at support group meeting but no luck. I hope that insurance company have big heart to pay this per day. Tell your wife I will keep her in my prayers to keep recovery quickly before X-mas time. Keep us posted about her. Kathy K

Hi Peter! I too don't recall info on Joanne, but I can sympathize with troubles. When I had RNY, I ended up back in the hospital a week later with a leak & had to have a second surgery to correct it. My wound became contaminated and it had to be opened up. The open portion was about 4" long and 3-4" deep. It took 3 months for the wound to completely heal, but after 2 months it was a lot easier to get around. I know my veins were destroyed during the 11 days I was in the hospital the 2nd time around. It's hard to get around that ... I'm a "bad veins" gal too. I hope that things get better very soon. Plesae let us know how she's doing so we can be saying our prayers/sending our best wishes. Things do get better!! I can attest to that. Let me know if I can do anything to help. Best, Kathy F.

Peter, I am glad they got the seroma and that it wasn't affecting her bowel. I hope the insurance will work with you and the hospital in getting that wound vac covered for her. I also hope that she gets the antibiotics without too much discomfort and be on her way to recovery very soon. terri