Request Denied

It seems my request to change Tenncare plans has been denied, on the basis that PHP is no longer accepting new members. I am disappointed but not over ly upset as this does not mean that I can't have surgery, just that I will have to do it farther from home. There is one more Tenncare plan that I can try but I'm wondering if this is God's way of saying I should go with the original plan and have the surgery in Johnson City. Not sure if I will attempt to change to the other plan or not. Just weighing my options. Any advice would be appreciated. Blessings, Karen

Hey Karen!! Iknow that traveling may be an issue but it sounds like this is GODs plan for you. I am planning on going to Johnson City for my surgery as well. It takes me about an hour to get there but I do not mind. I had my daughter there in 1998 via c-section and the whole hospital experience was wonderful. Very professional and courtious staff and I am sure that you will be well taken care of. Who is your surgeon if I may ask? I have my first consultation with Dr. Michael Hodge on July 9, 2008. Hope this helps. Best wishes, Becky

Thanks. I am a little further away. It is a 2 to 2 1/2 hour drive from here. It will mean more expense as my husband will have to take off more time from work and it could be a problem if I get home and then have complications. My pcp is working on getting me a consult with Dr. Hodge. I was just hoping it would work out for me to have surgery in Knoxville, close to home. I've heard good things about Dr. Hodge, so that isn't the problem. I don't drive anymore and it will be difficult getting to appointments there. I guess I just like for things to be easy. Blessings, Karen

Karen, Just go with it.  You really don't see the Dr that much after the first little while.  You can still come to our support group meetings!!  Hope to see you there! Hugs, Jenspen

Thanks, Jen. I'm trying to resign myself to it. Blessings, Karen

    Hey Karen. Its me Becky again. I understand your concerns. I do not drive either and I am totally dependent on my husband to take me places. I was planning on asking to have as much of the pre op appointments (psych, nut, etc ) as I can be done on the same day. Stay positive and try not to think about complications. The hospital has a Ronald McDonald house right next door. (I spent 13 nights there when my daughter was in NICU) and I am sure your husband would be able to stay there while you are in the hosp for your surgery. Keep your chin up and let us know what you decide to do.

My husband take me every where too and one of my concerns it that he will miss too much work. We just bought a new house in Dec. and are struggling to make ends meet. We had some unexpected expenses. Plus, he is a computer tech and he is always on call in case problems arise at work. If I insist, Tenncare will have to provide me with transportation to appointments when I can't get a ride. I bet they will love that. Blessings, Karen

I had my surgery at Vanderbilt even though I live in North Alabama. It's a 2 hour drive, but I wanted Dr. Richards to do my surgery.  Since I lived so far away, they were real good about scheduling things on the same date whenever possible. Also, I used a local Doc for my psych evaluation. It really hasn't been bad traveling there and back - gives me and my Babydoll some time to talk without our grandkids or daughter around. There's a reason for the denial, just like there was a reason for me being pulled off the operating table the first time!!  Go with it!!

Thanks for the advice Bob. I appreciate it. I don't really mind going that far for myself but for the problems it will cause my husband to miss so much work. When I decided to try for Knoxville, I was hoping to make it easier on him and on our finances. Money is tight right now as we just bought a new house and have more expenses than we planned for. My husband isn't complaining but I know it will be hard for him to be away from work to be with me the whole time. Anyway, I will do whatever is necessary to have the surgery. Blessings, Karen

Karen, I am so sorry it didn't work out for you to go to Knoxville.  I had to travel 4 1/2 hours for my surgery.  I did press some family members in to helping take me back and forth for a couple of the post op visits so my hubby wouldn't have to take off so much.  He took off 2 weeks during the surgery to be with me, get me home, and take care of me immediately post op.  But, we intentionally scheduled it during the Christmas holidays so he could use 4 of his holidays.  Perhaps you can get a family member to help you out.  With the last name you have...I imagine half the county is related to you!  LOL! Marilyn