Just when you think you are on the way.... someone kicks you in the teeth....

You know, I should have just died four years ago. These stupid human pet tricks the government and the insurance companies make us jump through are so that we will give up and die before they have to pay out one red cent. Thinking I would be placed on medicare and tenncare as my backup I was excited because that is what my disability advocate told me but today I was told that I will have to be on just tenncare for 24 months or 24 disability checks before I get medicare. That means two more years of waiting for my surgery. Either way. I don't have a doctor now that can attest to my former weight loss attempts, or my diet history. I will have to start all over once again. yes I am on my own private pity party... I will just hole up again..... sorry to have posted this but I felt the need to vent... and I know you all understand. Tina

Why can't you have your former doctor send all of your prior history to a new doctor? I realize with Tenncare you have to go to the doctors they send you to but they can still get your past medical history from your former doctor. Don't give up. I have heard of too many people on Tenncare having this surgery for you to give up. Come on folks. Some of you out there know what Tina needs to do to get Tenncare to cover her surgery. Let's hear from you!

I haven't been able to go to the doctor for well over a full year due to my husaband leaving me with no money. I haven't been to a doctor in over a year and that is what is going to mess this up for me... I really shouldn't have posted this... I am just having a pity party..... thanks for your help... Tina

Tina We've all had a pity party too. Thjere are ups and downs... sometimes life just sucks! I hope you are able to get on Tncare so you can get the surgery. Good luck and keep us informed. Please don't think you shouldn't have told us. We are here and though we may not have answers, we do have ears to listen. We can say some prayers too.

Tina, I have a friend on just TennCare and she was just approved for her surgery so why can you not try and get it through TennCare? Is there a specific reason why you need both? And why would you have to start over...even if you are not with one doctor, all of your medical records together should attest to your weight loss efforts and while I can't speak for all surgeons, I know my clinic works with doctors who will act as your PCP in reviewing your efforts and recommending surgery if appropriate. (I gathered records from more than 5 different doctors) Please don't give up!!!

Tina, I too am on disability, but had my surgery before I was approved for disability. If you did'nt get your disability on the first try and had to appeal, your 24 month wait day may have started when you first filed and not when you received you first check. You may want to check into that. Darlene Hughes

darlene, Well, considering my disability will retro back to 2004 I am hoping that is the case. I am not going to get my hopes up right now though. I seem to get my cart before my horse too often and get disappointed. I appreciate everyone's comments! thanks a bunch.... today is a new day..let us hope I keep a good frame of mind... Tina

hi tina, I live in algood, I am in my 3rd month of my pre-op diet. Just wanted to let you know that there is a support group that meets the 2nd Wed. of the month @ CRMC at 5:30pm. I've missed the last 2 times but it sure can be a great help to talk to others who have or are going through the same things. pm me, if you want to and i'll give you my phone # & we can talk or plan to meet up at the meeting next Wed. Susan O'

Hi Tina, I know this reply is late but I have some good news. Your medicare will start 24 months after your date of disablity not when you filed or were awarded benefits. So if you are found to have been disabled from 2004 you should be eligible for medicare now or very soon. Good luck with getting your Social Security approved. -Maria

Well the girl at the SSI office told me I would have to wait for 24 checks. So that is what got me. Since I would have been retroed back to 2004. So I should have gotten way more than 24 checks if they go back that far... oh well I will just have to wait until I get all the information back... you never know what is going to happen from one day to the next with our government.... Hope you all have a teriffic day! Tina