bevsyarncrazy
Wow, where to begin? I have always been overweight. and kept dieting my way to higher and higher weights. Once I hit 30 years old my right hip started complaining every once in a while. Then my left hip started to join in. My ability to walk declined steadily over the next decade. About 2 years ago I was using a cane to get around, and still working. I had started sleeping sitting up in a chair because I was having difficulty getting into and out of bed. This led to my lower legs beginning to swell, then they began to weep occasionally. Then one day, when it was time to go home from work, I couldn't get up. I struggled for quite awhile before managing to get to my car. When I finally got home, I was unable to make it up the stairs to my apartment. It was almost an hour of one step at a time, then recover to get up those stairs. Once I was in my apartment, I was unable to leave again until a month later when my family came and moved me to my mothers home.
So, I lost my job, my ability to drive, my apartment and my health insurance. I was no longer independant. I was fortunate that I was quickly approved for disability and that between my savings and my family I could get by. Unfortunately, my benefit amount was slightly higher than the maximum earnings to qualify for mainecare (the state of Maines version of medicaid). That meant that I had a 2 year wait for medicare to kick in.
Now, I have received notice that as of May 1, 2009 I will be covered by medicare. I have been waiting for this time when I could make plans to get my life back! Now, I need to find out what my steps should be to get approved for this surgery and start on the road to my future. I am scared, anxious and excited, all at the same time.
Update Jan. 14, 2010:
I had RnY surgery on Nov. 16, 2009. It is the best thing I have ever done for myself. I lost 61 pounds prior to surgery and I have lost 34 pounds since surgery. I am still learning how to eat with my new pouch, but I can already feel the improvement in my health and physical abilities. I would do this all over again if I had too.
I am blogging my journey at: Beverly's Journey
