My decision re: Gary

Yes, I'm aware of that. That's why I prefaced it with a disclaimer.

I apologize, B.T., I shouldn't have jumped down your throat like that. It is somewhat of a hot-button topic for me.

Not a problem. It's a touchy thing for a lot of people. But sometimes the obvious isnt the answer, so I tossed it out there in case it might help. I grew up the daughter of a minister, and became pagan in college, so religious debates are a part of my life. (Oddly enough, my dad is fine with my choice - it's his parisheners who aren't certain about me)

Not to worry -- your post doesn't make me angry. I have a loose set of spiritual beliefs and practices, and I've thought about them in relation to my situation. But the truth is, I don't think God is putting obstacles in my way -- I think bureaucrats and companies -- i.e., people -- are! (It's similar to the much more dire historical question many asked of the Holocaust: "Where was God?" -- to which someone [Eli Wiesel, perhaps?] replied, "Where was *man*?"). God's not standing in my way; he's not trying to test me or teach me a lesson (or at least, I don't think he is): if anything, he's in my corner, lending me strength and hoping things turn out well for me. If they don't, that's not God's responsibility -- that's the result of decisions made by human beings and any number of other factors. The other thing is (this getting more and more off topic), in more recent years, I've turned away from petition ("Please, God, let my appeal be granted") to trying to tune in more on my wants and needs against a greater context. Sure, I want and need the DS for the sake of my own health, and God knows that ... but *I* need to remember that there are a lot of folks out there who are in even greater need than I, and in my meditative, more inward times, I'd rather focus on them and keep things in context as much as possible. For whatever reason, it helps me then to be as proactive as possible on my own behalf and to reach out to others. There's that old chestnut "God helps those who help themselves." I have more resources than some (I'm not talking financially) ... maybe I'm meant to use them. I don't think that exactly answered your question, BT, but I appreciate your thoughts and support. Alison * * * * Quest for DS officially began 2/28/05 Currently appealing insurance denials to CA's Dept. of Managed Health Care * * * * Insurance: Health Net HMO

May not have answered it exactly, but it does tell me your thoughts in that direction. And I'm glad that you understood my question in the spirit in which it was intended, and in that way, I believe you answered it fully.

Hey Alison- I am sorry this is happening to you. It seems to be out of the ordinary for Gary as well. I think you should submit your material to the board no matter what. Sometimes small offices have a tough time holding it together when something happens. The move my docs office just made about did them in. I can only offer words of encouragement. Kim

Dear Alison, It sounds like you have the claim much more together than his office does! You are so articulate and organised I cannot imagine a disinterested lawyer could possibly put your case better than you! I am all for taking the power back yourself and fighting it, if not successful you could most likely look at retaining an atty at a later date. Incompetance drives me crazy and to pay someone to be incompetant on your behalf must have you ready to pull your hair out! I am sorry you are having such a hard time gettng to this surgery. There was no question of my insurance paying for it so I did not have to go that painful route, I knew from the get-go that I would have to be self pay. If you decide to go that route I would be very happy to give you any info re: the Belgium team you may desire. I suggested that they "register" with this site but the practice manager came back and said that as surgeons must pay to be on this site, they could not register as the Belgians would consider this "advertising" and it is strictly prohibited. In the meantime YOU GO GIRL! Suzanne

There used to be laws (hypocratic?) here against medical advertising. I think it was a much better world then. I know when I was in nursing school, part of our oath was that we would not lend our name or likeness to any advertising. Jeanie, Old Fart

I tried calling Gary today also and got an answering machine. Since my situation is not as time critical as yours I am going to give him a little more time to get it together but I have to admit, I too am frustrated. Laura

Alison: Sorry to hear your experience with Gary has turned out to be much like mine. At this stage, I don't feel I received the services I paid for, either. I would never recommend him to anyone. Kix