12-28-08 Still Waiting

Dec 28, 2008

There have been so many ups and downs since starting this WLS journey.  I breezed through the required nutrition classes and got my PCP to get all the information for the insurance company in record time.  I was ready to get the show on the road.  My usual "take the bull by the horns and get things done" way.  NOT SO FAST>>>>>>>>.  There was one little problem.  My stress test showed a blood flow problem and I had to be referred to a cardio Dr. for evaluation before I could be considered for surgery. 

In the middle of all this, my mother, who lives with us since having a stroke in 2006 was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.  My husband and I discussed this and we decided that I should go forward with my surgery and he would help me take care of mom.
 
I went to the Cardio Dr. and of course he wanted me to have a heart cath. before he could tell what the problem was.  Was I surprised when he told me I had a 95% blockage in my heart?   No, but I was scared to death.  I had to have a stint put in my heart prior to any WLS surgery.  I got it all done quickly so I could be released for surgery. I needed to get my surgery  before my mother got worse. 

I had my 1st appointment with Dr. Weaver on Oct. 3, 2008.   My surgery was scheduled for Dec 22ND.  It was looking like everything was starting to fall in place again.  I  explained to the Dr. the situation with my Mom and she  was able to get me scheduled before the end of the year which was when my insurance approval expired.   I was so happy.  I was going to be able to get things done prior to any problems with my Mom.  NOT SO FAST.>>>>>>>>>

On the way to the cancer Dr. with my Mom.  I got a call from the Dr"s office on my cell phone.   They were having to cancel my surgery and reschedule it for February.   I was speechless.  Apparently there had been a mix up in insurance certifications since the Dr. went into private practice and my insurance company  had to re certify her before I could have my surgery as an in network surgery.  I just pulled over on the side of the road, put my head in my hands and cried like a baby.  

In the weeks that passed I tried everything I could to get an exception made so that I could get my surgery sooner rather than later.    I have seen many folks that I had met in nutrition class have their surgeries.  I am happy for them but it was very painful for me to watch.  I found out quickly that in cases of WLS surgery scheduling and insurance company red tape we can become like numbers and not real people with issues that might require some TLC.  

My surgery has been rescheduled for Feb. 9Th.   My insurance is going to expire on Dec. 31st.  Now I will have to wait to see if my insurance company has changed any of their criteria that would stop me from getting an extension to have the surgery.  None of this is my fault, but if they have changed my insurance criteria I might be SOL (for those of you who don't know what that means PM me and I will fill you in).  Not to mention that no one has indicated that they were going to make adjustments to the cost or reimburse me for the new deductibles that will have to be paid after the end of the year. 

I have decided to take the high road.....There is actually nothing else I can do.  My mothers health is holding out so far.  I am taking this one day at a time. 

The moral of this story so far is ......Don't expect the expectable,  be prepared for a bumpy ride and don't expect anybody to take responsibility for any mess ups. 


I am sure that in hindsight a year or so from now,  this will be just a bad memory.   I am counting on being so proud of my new self and hoping that I can throw the insulin pump that I am wearing in the Mississippi River!   I just hope my mom will be able to see the new me. 

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