Julie Nolan
Pre-Op Appt Made...
May 12, 2008
Wow, it's been a couple of weeks since my last update. I've been in a real frump lately because I've been waiting by the phone (LITERALLY) for Cheryl at Dr. Pohl's office to call me with the go-ahead from Dr. P to have my pre-op appointment.
I called Cheryl, AGAIN, today. Originally, she wanted to put me in June 9th!!! I reminded her of John's unit being deployed and him needing to be there for them/with the upper echelon in Florida. His unit is already deployed and he's left behind because of his Graves Disease.
She carefully researched and found a cancellation for this Thursday, May 15th at 7:45 AM!!!
However, John can't go because he is taking his Iodine (I-131) radiation does tomorrow and can't be within 3 feet of anyone for four days. This sucks but it needs to be done so he can do the traveling he needs to do for his soldiers.
John will be able to get the first two weeks of June for leave so he can be here for my surgery!!!!!! As long as my surgery date is June 3rd or 4th. He
will be here for me/with me. And hopefully, his Graves Disease symptoms will start residing and he'll be feeling much better.
I never thought I would say this but...I'm actually grateful he is in Special Operations. He's gone so much, so often. But because he is in Spec Ops, there's that chance he'll be able to be home with me instead of in a foriegn country worrying about me.
I love him so very much! We are celebrating our 7th wedding anniversary Wednesday the 14th. I can't even kiss him because of the radiation. But I'm grateful, still, for any moment I can be with him (even if it IS three feet away). I'm more in love with him today than I was eight 1/2 years ago when we met!
Document submitted to Tricare-wrong SS#
Apr 29, 2008
Okay, I got online with MyTricare.com (HNFS.net) to see if my authorization was in yet. NOTHING.
I called Doc's office. Cheryl said she faxed the paperwork to Tricare on April 24th.
I called Tricare Case Management. Their 'system' was down and saw that nothing was accept into the system yet. But was given a different fax number for Cheryl to fax the documents to.
Cheryl faxed the documents....again.
I got back online with hnfs.net and had a live chat. Still, nothing received.
Waited a couple hours, called Tricare AGAIN. Come to find out....the paperwork that was submitted to Tricare with MY SS# instead of John's SS#!
So, Dr. Pohl's office will be receiving a letter stating that I am not eligible!
HOWEVER, Stephen Wyllie (the Tricare guy I have been speaking to all day) HAPPENS to be the Administrative Assistant to the Nurse (Gail Pardy-Leff) who is responsible for approving my authorization! He changed the SS# to John's and told me that he will talk to Gail Pardy-Leff first his tomorrow morning and he will CALL ME PERSONALLY!
So, I called Dr. Pohl's office and left a message for Cheryl about the SS# problem and about the letter she will be receiving saying I'm not eligible and to DISREGARD it!
Whew, all that said, I will ask Stephen to fax the results of the pre-approval directly to Dr. P's office (I'm praying for tomorrow).
That's my mello-drama for the day!
Chelle's Jr. Prom!
Apr 27, 2008
Michelle had her Jr. Prom Friday. We did the traditional pictures in the back yard. I'm so proud of my beautiful daughter! My heart is swollen with the love I have for her!
I hated having my pic taken with her. I'm so fat and disgusting! John says I'm not and that I'm beautiful. I certainly don't feel that way though. I'm so uncomfortable in my own skin. I know the 'real' me is hiding in there somewhere and she's SCREAMING 
to get out!
I feel so claustraphobic in my own body. Like I'm imprisoned somewhere inside! The pain is soooo getting old!
I can't wait until my surgery. No wonder my body is betraying me! I have betrayed it too.
Chelle said that next year I'll be much healthier when we have pics done for her Sr. Prom. And you know what? She's right. No cane, no leaning forward from the pain, no more sleep apnea, no more high cholesterol, no more spine surgery, no more GERD, no more , no more , no more!!!
I've posted all michelle's prom pics on my myspace. Enjoy!
Tricare in progress....
Apr 24, 2008
Finally! I called my pulmonologist and she faxed a letter over to Dr. P's office saying she feels that although I have sleep apnea and trouble with the CPAP machine, she is confident that I am 'fit' enough for surgery!!!!
Cheryl received EVERYTHING she needs now and was making the first call to Tricare yesterday.
She will call me as soon as approval is received by Tricare and set up my second appt and my surgery date for ASAP so John can be there!
It just can't happen soon enough!
I can't wait until the RW meeting tonight! Laura (LB) and I are going to stop in to see Lissa before the meeting. She had her surgery yesterday and I can't stop thinking about her. I've thought of calling her room but I don't want to disturb her if she has a moment to sleep. I am SOOOO looking forward to seeing her and giving her a big huge hug!!! I'm so proud of her!
Later!
Cheryl received EVERYTHING she needs now and was making the first call to Tricare yesterday.
She will call me as soon as approval is received by Tricare and set up my second appt and my surgery date for ASAP so John can be there!
It just can't happen soon enough!
I can't wait until the RW meeting tonight! Laura (LB) and I are going to stop in to see Lissa before the meeting. She had her surgery yesterday and I can't stop thinking about her. I've thought of calling her room but I don't want to disturb her if she has a moment to sleep. I am SOOOO looking forward to seeing her and giving her a big huge hug!!! I'm so proud of her!
Later!
Almost there...and impatiently frustrated!
Apr 22, 2008
Okay, I call Dr. P's office to make sure they received all the information they needed from all the testing I've had done. Cheryl tells me I have to have a letter from my PCP saying I'm 'healthy' enough to have surgery!
So, I call the appt line and they tell me I can't get in to see her until May 5th!!! I mean, I already spoke with her and her nurse about this letter situation and her nurse said that my doc would not have referred me for this surgery if she didn't feel I was healthy enough to have it. However, my surgeon does not feel that way. So, I guess, the insurance may not feel that way either.
Well, the mighty me figured out a way to get into see a different PCP at Newport YESTERDAY! HA!!! I saw Dr. Fantes. She was awesome. She even faxed the 'okay' letter by the end of the day yesterday!
I called Cheryl today to confirm receipt of the endoscopy report and the PCP letter. She said she received them and would call Tricare and start the authorization process. I was So Happy!!!
Then Cheryl called back to tell me she hadn't received a letter from my Pulmonologist giving me the okay from the Sleep Apnea stand-point.
Cheryl had called Dr. Sharkey's office for the letter from her and found that Dr. Sharkey needs to see me one more time because I'm having problems with the CPAP machine.
I don't see Dr. Sharkey again until May 7th!!!!
So much for having my surgery in MAY! I'm so frustrated!
I'm just feeling like I just can't take it anymore! I am in pain every single day because of the arthritis in my hips and knees. The cervical and lumbar disk disease is so painful that I can't get comfortable whether I'm standing or sitting. My ankles and feet are throbbing. I don't know if they're worse when I go to bed or when I get up in the morning! And the damn sleep apnea!!! That freakin' CPAP machine! I wish I could just have ONE GOOD NIGHT OF SLEEP!!!
I know the surgery will help with all this! ALL OF IT! It just can't come soon enough!
So, I call the appt line and they tell me I can't get in to see her until May 5th!!! I mean, I already spoke with her and her nurse about this letter situation and her nurse said that my doc would not have referred me for this surgery if she didn't feel I was healthy enough to have it. However, my surgeon does not feel that way. So, I guess, the insurance may not feel that way either.
Well, the mighty me figured out a way to get into see a different PCP at Newport YESTERDAY! HA!!! I saw Dr. Fantes. She was awesome. She even faxed the 'okay' letter by the end of the day yesterday!
I called Cheryl today to confirm receipt of the endoscopy report and the PCP letter. She said she received them and would call Tricare and start the authorization process. I was So Happy!!!
Then Cheryl called back to tell me she hadn't received a letter from my Pulmonologist giving me the okay from the Sleep Apnea stand-point.
Cheryl had called Dr. Sharkey's office for the letter from her and found that Dr. Sharkey needs to see me one more time because I'm having problems with the CPAP machine.
I don't see Dr. Sharkey again until May 7th!!!!
So much for having my surgery in MAY! I'm so frustrated!
I'm just feeling like I just can't take it anymore! I am in pain every single day because of the arthritis in my hips and knees. The cervical and lumbar disk disease is so painful that I can't get comfortable whether I'm standing or sitting. My ankles and feet are throbbing. I don't know if they're worse when I go to bed or when I get up in the morning! And the damn sleep apnea!!! That freakin' CPAP machine! I wish I could just have ONE GOOD NIGHT OF SLEEP!!!
I know the surgery will help with all this! ALL OF IT! It just can't come soon enough!
C-PAP Machine @ Home...
Apr 12, 2008
Last night was my first night using the C-PAP machine at home. I received the REMstarPro (M Series). I'm happy to announce that I use the SMALL nasal pillows. Tee Hee Hee.
It took me almost two hours to get the thing adjusted comfortably and so it wasn't blowing air into my eyes!
I woke this morning with a feeling of NO sleep, imbedded stripes across my face (bed face) and a soar nasal opening!!! Yuck!
I felt like the nasal part was going to push my nose into my face but it was the only way to get the thing to stop blowin' in my face was to tighten it!
All-in-all though? I was rather comfortable using it last night and I think I'll get used to it within a week or so.
John's in FL until the 19th. I wish he was home. I really miss him when he's away.
Tonight Chelle and I are going to EP Lanes to play with Laura, Angela, Sara and many of my other OH Buds!!!
I LOVE IT !!!!!!!!!
It took me almost two hours to get the thing adjusted comfortably and so it wasn't blowing air into my eyes!
I woke this morning with a feeling of NO sleep, imbedded stripes across my face (bed face) and a soar nasal opening!!! Yuck!
I felt like the nasal part was going to push my nose into my face but it was the only way to get the thing to stop blowin' in my face was to tighten it!
All-in-all though? I was rather comfortable using it last night and I think I'll get used to it within a week or so.
John's in FL until the 19th. I wish he was home. I really miss him when he's away.
Tonight Chelle and I are going to EP Lanes to play with Laura, Angela, Sara and many of my other OH Buds!!!
I LOVE IT !!!!!!!!!
Endoscopy and John's Grave's Disease...
Apr 11, 2008
Two days ago, Wednesday, I had the endoscopy. It was so easy! So far, RW hospital staff has been very friendly and very professional. The Gastroenterologist even told me jokes to help ease my mind before the procedure. After, he told me everything was normal and no viruses. The results were faxed directly to Dr. Pohl's office before I even left the hospital! Cool, huh? First thing Monday morning I will be calling Dr. Pohl's office to see if they are working on sending a packet to my insurance company and to let them know that I will help in any way I can.
Also, Wednesday, John found out he definitely has Grave's Disease. This is, most likely, the reason for John's A-Fib. Obviously, we are both upset by this. Although we are grateful it's not actually his heart that's the problem, this still isn't a good diagnosis. The up side, though, is that he can live without his thyroid. He Can't live without his heart. (I know, duh, right?) His Internist has put in a referral for him to see an Endocrinologist. The Endo doc will most likely radiate his thyroid until it's, basically, gone. Then John will be on thyroid meds the rest of his life. The Internist said that he would probably be better off just having his thyroid removed since the radiation isn't always permanent.?. I am in the process of researching as much as possible about this subject. I want to make sure we are both as knowledgable as possible when we walk into the Endocrinologist's office.
I'll update more as things progress.
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog! I hope it helps you & others in some way. I've learned a lot from reading other people's blogs.
Happy Friday!
Also, Wednesday, John found out he definitely has Grave's Disease. This is, most likely, the reason for John's A-Fib. Obviously, we are both upset by this. Although we are grateful it's not actually his heart that's the problem, this still isn't a good diagnosis. The up side, though, is that he can live without his thyroid. He Can't live without his heart. (I know, duh, right?) His Internist has put in a referral for him to see an Endocrinologist. The Endo doc will most likely radiate his thyroid until it's, basically, gone. Then John will be on thyroid meds the rest of his life. The Internist said that he would probably be better off just having his thyroid removed since the radiation isn't always permanent.?. I am in the process of researching as much as possible about this subject. I want to make sure we are both as knowledgable as possible when we walk into the Endocrinologist's office.
I'll update more as things progress.
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog! I hope it helps you & others in some way. I've learned a lot from reading other people's blogs.
Happy Friday!
Endoscopy Appt Made ..... Ortho Follow-Up
Apr 07, 2008
I made the appointment for my Endoscopy today. It will be Wednesday, April 9th at 12 noon.
After Dr. Pohl receives the pathology report from them, the office will submit all paperwork to Tricare for approval of my surgery. As soon as they receive approval, they will call me for my second visit with Dr. Pohl. At which time, we will schedule the surgery. Now the waiting really begins. The waiting hasn't been so bad so far because I've been so busy knocking out all the pre-req appts. You KNOW I'll be calling the insurance company each and every day starting next Friday to see if they received everything they need. I don't think I've ever needed or wanted anything so badly in my life.
I saw my Orthopedic Surgeon today. My knees are pretty crappy. Basically, besides the arthritis, one of the bumps at the bottom of each femur is flat instead of rounded. Causing the cartilage to wear and the pain to be more intense. He said the surgery is my best tool to helping my knees from getting worse. If necessary, he can write a letter of medical necessity to Tricare like my Neurosurgeon did.
The ankle.....looks okay. Apparently, the xrays show I had a previous avulsion that I didn't know about that healed wrong. Leaving me more prone to bad sprains. Which, is what I have now. I can apply pressure as the pain allows and I will see the physical therapist as soon as Tricare approves the referral.
John saw his Cardiologist for a follow-up too. We had noticed on a previous blood work report that John's TSH was waaaayyyy below normal. His PCM sent him for a full blood thyroid testing. His levels of ALL his thyroid levels are way off the charts! His doc thinks he has Graves Disease....which, most likely, is causing his A-Fib! He will now see an Endocrinologist to get treatment for his thyroid. HOPEFULLY, it'll become under control and his A-Fib will become normal as well.
I'll update ASAP!
After Dr. Pohl receives the pathology report from them, the office will submit all paperwork to Tricare for approval of my surgery. As soon as they receive approval, they will call me for my second visit with Dr. Pohl. At which time, we will schedule the surgery. Now the waiting really begins. The waiting hasn't been so bad so far because I've been so busy knocking out all the pre-req appts. You KNOW I'll be calling the insurance company each and every day starting next Friday to see if they received everything they need. I don't think I've ever needed or wanted anything so badly in my life.
I saw my Orthopedic Surgeon today. My knees are pretty crappy. Basically, besides the arthritis, one of the bumps at the bottom of each femur is flat instead of rounded. Causing the cartilage to wear and the pain to be more intense. He said the surgery is my best tool to helping my knees from getting worse. If necessary, he can write a letter of medical necessity to Tricare like my Neurosurgeon did.
The ankle.....looks okay. Apparently, the xrays show I had a previous avulsion that I didn't know about that healed wrong. Leaving me more prone to bad sprains. Which, is what I have now. I can apply pressure as the pain allows and I will see the physical therapist as soon as Tricare approves the referral.
John saw his Cardiologist for a follow-up too. We had noticed on a previous blood work report that John's TSH was waaaayyyy below normal. His PCM sent him for a full blood thyroid testing. His levels of ALL his thyroid levels are way off the charts! His doc thinks he has Graves Disease....which, most likely, is causing his A-Fib! He will now see an Endocrinologist to get treatment for his thyroid. HOPEFULLY, it'll become under control and his A-Fib will become normal as well.
I'll update ASAP!
Fell down the stairs
Apr 06, 2008
I fell down the stairs to the basement two days ago. Mel & AJ were laying down for a nap. I got stupid. Didn't turn on the light, didn't use my cane & had a handful of towels. I was rushing to get downstairs to add them to the wash. I caught my left foot on the stair and went tumbling four or five stairs down.
I was is so much pain but AJ came out of his room and sat at the bottom of the stairs. I didn't want him to worry about Gramma so I buried my face into the towels, cried and smiled when I saw him. My DIL was scared that I had hurt my back. Instead, I hurt my left ankle (the foot with clonus) and my right knee.
I managed to crawl back up the stairs, through the livingroom and into the recliner. And stayed there. Mel got me some ice and Motrin. I felt fine. It's just my left ankle was killin' me!
John came home from work and tried to get me to go to the ER but I refused. Until yesterday. The pain was worse and throbbing and the bruising was sickly. So John took me yesteray. Three 1/2 hours later. We were home with knowing that it could be a fracture of the distal fibula and a pair of crutches. Woo Hoo!
I feel so humiliated! Chelle and Mel had to help me off the toilet. John helps me now. AND to top it all off, I ate something that doesn't agree with me today! So, I'm off and running to and from the bathroom. Thank God for my best friend, Renee, who lives in the house right next door, brought over a walker for me! What would I do without her?
I feel so claustrophobic in my body! I have pain EVERY frickin' WHERE! Now my shoulders hurt too! I'm so frustrated and angry with my body! It has betrayed me!!!!!!!!!!
I know the light is at the end of the tunnel. I KNOW this! But right now,,,I'm so exhausted tryin' to get there that I can't see straight! The pain I have is so immense. I think I do too well masking it sometimes. I don't want to be such a burden to my family anymore! If they only knew....REALLY knew what it feels like to be me.
I feel so badly for my family. Especially my wonderful, awesome husband. We have only been married for seven years. I keep telling him that he married a lemon. He just says he LOVES lemon. He's kind and tries to be understanding but sometimes I wish he could see me and my life through my eyes for just five minutes. You know?
Hopefully, tomorrow will be a better day. Renee says I can use the wheelchair they have so I don't have to walk all the way to the ortho area at Newport Naval.
If it weren't for my Faith, I don't know where I'd be. Again, Thank God!
Tired
Apr 03, 2008
I received my Sleep Study Results yesterday....
On average, I stop breathing every TWO minutes! Uuuugh!
My Oxygen levels dip below 50!
I only get around 45 minutes of REM sleep during 7 hours!
The number of times I arouse (almost awaken) 140 times in 7 hours!!!
So, needless to say, I have a CPAP machine coming next week.
My '#' is 10. She said that's a bit above average for someone with moderate sleep apnea.
I'm gonna see what everyone says on the forums about sleep apnea.
Ho Hum!
On average, I stop breathing every TWO minutes! Uuuugh!
My Oxygen levels dip below 50!
I only get around 45 minutes of REM sleep during 7 hours!
The number of times I arouse (almost awaken) 140 times in 7 hours!!!
So, needless to say, I have a CPAP machine coming next week.
My '#' is 10. She said that's a bit above average for someone with moderate sleep apnea.
I'm gonna see what everyone says on the forums about sleep apnea.
Ho Hum!
About Me
RI
Location
19.1
BMI
Surgery
06/04/2008
Surgery Date
Feb 06, 2008
Member Since
Before & After
rollover to see after photo
