Both boys are now off for the next 2 weeks at camp! I thought I would feel more elated..excited...free....and here I am sitting at home missing them already...Its very quiet, I have the stereo on in the background.
The laundry is going, the dishes are done and its just me.
****SIGH**** Now what do I do? :) Only 2 weeks to figure it out....
Until next time....
~Kasey~
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
What a Small World.....
I work for a fortune 500 company that employs 2200 plus people in my area. A friend of mine recently divorced started dating a christian man who treats her very well.
She text message me today asking:
Do you know John Smith? (names have been changed to save the innocent or protect the guilty)
I replied, "I don't know John Smith but I know of him. Starting Monday he will be in my department under my manager."
Come to find out this person I will be working with is the best friend of her new boy friend. Amazing how things come full circle. I am not looking at 6 degrees of separation I have had it down to 2-3 degrees of separation. It is pretty amazing the more people you know the smaller the world becomes.
I will be saying hello to "John Smith" on Monday. It will be interesting.
Its amazing how close you are to people who know people you know. What a web we weave and how it intertwines.
Until next time....
~Kasey~
She text message me today asking:
Do you know John Smith? (names have been changed to save the innocent or protect the guilty)
I replied, "I don't know John Smith but I know of him. Starting Monday he will be in my department under my manager."
Come to find out this person I will be working with is the best friend of her new boy friend. Amazing how things come full circle. I am not looking at 6 degrees of separation I have had it down to 2-3 degrees of separation. It is pretty amazing the more people you know the smaller the world becomes.
I will be saying hello to "John Smith" on Monday. It will be interesting.
Its amazing how close you are to people who know people you know. What a web we weave and how it intertwines.
Until next time....
~Kasey~
Procrastination....
It must be a genetic trait. I procrastinate on many things. Kirby does too...but when push come to shove he is ready on time and fully prepared.
We are preparing both Kirby and Monkey Dude Jr and Wolfman for Camp....
My schedule looks something like this...
July 26-Aug 1 Kirby at Camp
Aug 1-Aug 6 Kirby with Dad
Aug 6-9 Kirby Home
July 26-Aug 8 Monkey Dude Jr at Camp
Aug 8 Monkey Dude Jr Home
Aug 9-16 Monkey Dude Jr at his Grandparents
Aug 9-16 Kirby and Wolfman on a 50 mile Kayaking trip.
Aside from Wolman's days off I will have the house to myself for almost 3 weeks. No kids...What will I do with myself? I have no idea.
I will find something....I am so excited the boys come back from camp all excited to be home and they are both realizing that school starts 3 weeks after everyone comes home...
They are starting to wonder where their summer has gone...They have been so busy...
Mom's summer relaxation is about to begin for at least 3 weeks. :)
Its been good so far....We will see what the next week holds.
Until next time....
~Kasey~
We are preparing both Kirby and Monkey Dude Jr and Wolfman for Camp....
My schedule looks something like this...
July 26-Aug 1 Kirby at Camp
Aug 1-Aug 6 Kirby with Dad
Aug 6-9 Kirby Home
July 26-Aug 8 Monkey Dude Jr at Camp
Aug 8 Monkey Dude Jr Home
Aug 9-16 Monkey Dude Jr at his Grandparents
Aug 9-16 Kirby and Wolfman on a 50 mile Kayaking trip.
Aside from Wolman's days off I will have the house to myself for almost 3 weeks. No kids...What will I do with myself? I have no idea.
I will find something....I am so excited the boys come back from camp all excited to be home and they are both realizing that school starts 3 weeks after everyone comes home...
They are starting to wonder where their summer has gone...They have been so busy...
Mom's summer relaxation is about to begin for at least 3 weeks. :)
Its been good so far....We will see what the next week holds.
Until next time....
~Kasey~
Monday, July 20, 2009
Angry, Crazy and then to add insult to injury.....
I was called in today to have to fire someone on my team. I am not even the manager but had to play acting manager today.....
I had to bring them in, fire them, clean out their work space and escort them with security out the door...To add insult to injury I now have to do her job too!
I am so angry there aren't even words.
I couldnt keep any food down today except water...
The car behind me on my lunch break rear ended me and I went through the security gate...so now he has to pay for that....but no damage to my car.....
Went to a meeting and when I arrived I found out that I was only a week too early....to walk back to my car talking to my exhusband to have a car come around the corner in the parking garage and side swiped me.....I have a huge bruise up my right hip, and a scratch/more so a huge welt up my side by my ribs. I was very lucky had I not stepped back sooner it could have been worse but I was on the phone too and not paying attention. Luckily I was already at the hospital and all is well....nothing broken.
My mom however, freaked and I am glad she was there....I sooooo love my mommy!
There are some positives about today if I try to look at them....
1. I didn't lose my job.
2. I am alive and breathing
3. I was early for something...not late :)
4. I have good friends (Thank you for listening to me whine today)
I am trying to see the positive in today but I think I am going to sleep it off...and wake up happier tomorrow!!
Until next time.....
~Kasey~
I had to bring them in, fire them, clean out their work space and escort them with security out the door...To add insult to injury I now have to do her job too!
I am so angry there aren't even words.
I couldnt keep any food down today except water...
The car behind me on my lunch break rear ended me and I went through the security gate...so now he has to pay for that....but no damage to my car.....
Went to a meeting and when I arrived I found out that I was only a week too early....to walk back to my car talking to my exhusband to have a car come around the corner in the parking garage and side swiped me.....I have a huge bruise up my right hip, and a scratch/more so a huge welt up my side by my ribs. I was very lucky had I not stepped back sooner it could have been worse but I was on the phone too and not paying attention. Luckily I was already at the hospital and all is well....nothing broken.
My mom however, freaked and I am glad she was there....I sooooo love my mommy!
There are some positives about today if I try to look at them....
1. I didn't lose my job.
2. I am alive and breathing
3. I was early for something...not late :)
4. I have good friends (Thank you for listening to me whine today)
I am trying to see the positive in today but I think I am going to sleep it off...and wake up happier tomorrow!!
Until next time.....
~Kasey~
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Happy Birthday My Friend!
So I now hear 40 is over the hill. I know I am well on my way to that time too...Its right around the corner in fact.
I was at Intimidators birthday party today with his family. I felt right at home, it was very similar to my family get togethers.
I was at Intimidators birthday party today with his family. I felt right at home, it was very similar to my family get togethers.
Happy Birthday
Intimidator!!
40 is just a number :)
Until next time.....
~Kasey~
Intimidator!!
40 is just a number :)
Until next time.....
~Kasey~
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Update....Copied from My Journey Blog....
Weigh Ins!!
March 31, 2009 306 pounds - 1st surgical visit
May 28, 2009 296 pounds - Gall Bladder Surgery
June 11, 2009 292 pounds - Lap Band Surgery
June 30, 2009 279 pounds - 1st surgical follow up
July 18, 2009 270 Pounds - At home weigh in.
July 24, 2009 Next follow up appointment.
Woohoo!! Total of 36 pounds down!
Until next time...
~Kasey~
May 28, 2009 296 pounds - Gall Bladder Surgery
June 11, 2009 292 pounds - Lap Band Surgery
June 30, 2009 279 pounds - 1st surgical follow up
July 18, 2009 270 Pounds - At home weigh in.
July 24, 2009 Next follow up appointment.
Woohoo!! Total of 36 pounds down!
Until next time...
~Kasey~
So Many Things Have Happened....Let Me Tell You....
May 14th I called the surgical clinic to follow up on my letter to the insurance company to ensure they had received it for approval....On May 21st I followed up with the insurance company for the approval for surgery....
In the process I followed up with my HR Department at work and looked into Short Term Disability benefits for surgery. My manager showed me this....Apparently for short term disability you get up to 4 weeks off paid your first year if you have to be out for medical reasons. I filed the claim and then with the insurance company I found out that I got approved!! I was so excited I could hardly contain myself!!
I immediately called the nurse at the surgical clinic to let her know! Here I was on the brink of having the pain I had been experiencing for weeks gone and to start the journey into my new life!! The nurse told me she would call me back before the end of the day...Every time my phone rang at work I jumped in hopes it would be her.....by noon the next day she hadn't called so I called back to be informed that she would not be back until the following Wednesday, I was told I should be in surgery on Thursday.
I asked to speak to the Surgeons Physicians Assistant....to be told I was not on the schedule for surgery for May 28th and they didn't have the insurance approval. Not to mention that the surgeon would NOT do a gall bladder removal and the lap band surgery at the same time.....
We had been down this road a month before......What the hell!! So I finally told her that I wasn't keeping any food down now and I was supposed to wait another 2 weeks since the surgeon was going to be out of the office the next Thursday (he only does surgeries on Thursdays in the hospital).
They called me on Wednesday and I was in for surgery on Thursday...Luckily my manager understood and told me she didn't want me back to work before the next week was over. They had me in for emergency gall bladder surgery, which later I found out I had 3 gall stones and the gall bladder was "swollen" to a breaking point.
Before the surgery the surgeon came in and personally apologized for the mix up and confusion. They don't get many patients with multiple surgical requirements at one time so I "fell through the cracks" so to speak....
So the morning of May 28th comes...I can't eat or drink....not a problem...My surgery isn't until 2pm. We had scheduling issues, Wolfman had to appear in court for a ticket because he didn't have the insurance card in the truck one night when he was pulled over for a head light being out. Wolfman had to drop me off at the hospital at 11am; just as we were pulling in the hospital called. They had a few cancellations and could I come in earlier? I laughed and said yes, I was just getting out of the truck at the hospital I would be right up.
I was in pre-surgery at 11:30 waiting....I was nervous and alone. Surgery always bothered me since my first heart procedure. About an hour in a familiar face appeared around the curtain! Wolfman had gone into the courthouse explained what was going on....they dismissed his ticket and he headed back to the hospital. What a guy!! And here I thought I was going to be alone....He surely did not let me down.
The surgeon came in....explained what was going to happen....then the anasthesiologist came in....he told me they were going to give me something to like them more than I really should....after surgery I figured out why he said it.
They then pushed me towards the operating room, I remember going thru the doors down a hall around the corner, another corner then the doors opening and then I was waking up in recovery. I was told by the nurse that usually people don't last to the second set of doors. I woke up with incision pain but no pain from where the gall bladder had been....Finally the pain was gone....
I was able to go home within the hour. By 4pm that day I was grocery shopping and headed home. I was told that after 2 days I could eat anything I wanted....and all the recovery information.....
However, there was a catch......there was an issue during surgery that they could not repair due to I was already coming out of the good drug stupor. They had an issue with 2 of the incisions and it was creating a hernia. Over the next week I would figure out how bad it truly was. But they could not operate again due to I had just come out of surgery....They scheduled me for surgery again on June 11, 2009 for the lap band and the hernia repair due to that was the soonest the surgeon would be back in for surgery again, plus he did not want to put me under again for at least 2 weeks to give my body some time to heal from the gall bladder surgery.
I was not upset (until later) with the complications. The surgeon had relieved the pain I had been experiencing since March. I was happy.....
On June 11th I was the first person scheduled for surgery that day....I was excited the beginning of my journey was about to begin. I had researched and found that I thought I was prepared for the six weeks of bandster hell. I will get to that a little more later....Its a tough six weeks (I am currently at week 5 as of today).
I was at the hospital at 6;30am and scheduled for surgery at 8:30 am. My surgeon was assisting on another surgery and ended up in that surgery until 11:30am. My only thought was that if that was me I would want him taking his time for me too...so I was not worried about it....He came out to talk to me and I asked him if he wanted to take a few more minutes for a cup of coffee just so he was more alert during my surgery....He laughed and said, "No I am good...he seemed excited for me....Let's go get your new life started." I was shocked he remembered that comment. It was a comment I made 2 years ago when I had met him for the first time in a support group meeting.
When I came out of surgery.....Holy Hell!!! The pain was so bad when I was waking up.....The nurse looked at me and asked what the level of pain was....I looked at him and had tears running down my face and told him it was over 10...Even in child birth I did not experience pain like that....It was so severe when they asked me to sit up I could not....As time went on I was able to sit up....
Come to find out the surgeon used 2 of the same incisions he had used for my gall bladder surgery and had 4 other incisions too...The majority of the pain came from the band itself being wrapped around my stomach. It took 2-3 hrs this time in recovery and then I was headed home.
Home Day1:
Not being alone...I had a rotation of people in and out to "babysit" me so that if there were any complications I had help. All was good...
Day 2: Can't sleep on my side or stomach leaving sleeping on my back....I don't sleep on my back at all....Trust me you learn to do this very quickly.
I still had friends coming by about every 2 hours to keep an eye on me so nothing would happen. I have wonderful friends!
Day3: Things were better...I wasn't able to do much...and in alot of pain.....
Day 4: Extreme pain....new pain that was not there the day before.....
Day 5: Called the surgical clinic due to extreme pain -- Had an appointment to go in in 2 days..(Tuesday).
Day 7: Appointment time-
The surgeon came in and asked why I was in for a visit so soon after surgery....We talked for a bit and he pin pointed the pain and asked me if I had been taking the pain medication I went home with. I explained I could not take it due to that it made me loopy around the kids and that wasn't safe for them.
He chuckled and said, "We are going to mix you an over the counter cocktail. The pain you are experiencing is normal. Keep in mind in the last 2 weeks you have had 3 major surgeries. Your body is trying to heal."
He sent me home with a heavenly mixture of over the counter meds mixture and things changed quite a bit....I did take the good pills at night so I could sleep good with no pain then sleeping on my back would not be so bad.
We had our life challenges too with all of this....My surgery was on June 11th and we had to move on June 20th. What timing!
Week 2 I was moved from a clear liquid diet to a soup diet only...Not clear soups only but other soups with no chunks....I was not always hungry but had to get in my protein in daily.
Week 3: I was moved to soft mush foods mixed with soup....and this continued to week 4...
Week 3 was tough..It was a learning time to find out how much I could eat without over doing it. Learning how much I could eat before I was over full and in pain was the challenge. This has been a challenge since but gets easier over the course of time as you learn what you can and can't do, what you can and can't eat. Have to drink the water, sip, sip, sip....chew, chew, chew.
Week 4: I was moved to soft foods....This was a huge challenge...the confusing thing is how does your body know what is or is not going to stay down. I found out what productive burping is during this week. One food you could eat one day you might not be able to keep down the next. You don't want to take a sip of water if you feel like something is stuck. What is funny if the bite is too big, your body lets you know....If my body isn't going to keep it down I have very clear signs. Again...the water....sip, sip, sip.....chew, chew, chew.....
Week 5: I have been moved to almost all foods depending on if I could hold it down or not....I have spent 2 days not keeping anything down. My body did not want anything no matter how hungry I was. I sipped water and relaxed.
I am headed into week 6...I am headed for my first fill this next week due to I can eat some stuff but not others....I found the perfect filling meal! I was able to eat 2 boiled eggs and a nectarine. I was so full....and it was so satisfying....It was the most perfect thing in the past weeks. I can't explain it.
I was asked by someone the other day if I regretted my decision. I would say yes, but I am not through my recooperation fully. I have dropped over 20 pounds since my day of surgery and things are getting better each day. I still have trouble overall as I redefine my relationship with food.
So far my journey has been positive. It has been frought with challenges along the way. I don't believe I am alone in this, I know many others have experienced the same thing.
One day at a time...One step at a time. ..
Until next time.....
~Kasey~
In the process I followed up with my HR Department at work and looked into Short Term Disability benefits for surgery. My manager showed me this....Apparently for short term disability you get up to 4 weeks off paid your first year if you have to be out for medical reasons. I filed the claim and then with the insurance company I found out that I got approved!! I was so excited I could hardly contain myself!!
I immediately called the nurse at the surgical clinic to let her know! Here I was on the brink of having the pain I had been experiencing for weeks gone and to start the journey into my new life!! The nurse told me she would call me back before the end of the day...Every time my phone rang at work I jumped in hopes it would be her.....by noon the next day she hadn't called so I called back to be informed that she would not be back until the following Wednesday, I was told I should be in surgery on Thursday.
I asked to speak to the Surgeons Physicians Assistant....to be told I was not on the schedule for surgery for May 28th and they didn't have the insurance approval. Not to mention that the surgeon would NOT do a gall bladder removal and the lap band surgery at the same time.....
We had been down this road a month before......What the hell!! So I finally told her that I wasn't keeping any food down now and I was supposed to wait another 2 weeks since the surgeon was going to be out of the office the next Thursday (he only does surgeries on Thursdays in the hospital).
They called me on Wednesday and I was in for surgery on Thursday...Luckily my manager understood and told me she didn't want me back to work before the next week was over. They had me in for emergency gall bladder surgery, which later I found out I had 3 gall stones and the gall bladder was "swollen" to a breaking point.
Before the surgery the surgeon came in and personally apologized for the mix up and confusion. They don't get many patients with multiple surgical requirements at one time so I "fell through the cracks" so to speak....
So the morning of May 28th comes...I can't eat or drink....not a problem...My surgery isn't until 2pm. We had scheduling issues, Wolfman had to appear in court for a ticket because he didn't have the insurance card in the truck one night when he was pulled over for a head light being out. Wolfman had to drop me off at the hospital at 11am; just as we were pulling in the hospital called. They had a few cancellations and could I come in earlier? I laughed and said yes, I was just getting out of the truck at the hospital I would be right up.
I was in pre-surgery at 11:30 waiting....I was nervous and alone. Surgery always bothered me since my first heart procedure. About an hour in a familiar face appeared around the curtain! Wolfman had gone into the courthouse explained what was going on....they dismissed his ticket and he headed back to the hospital. What a guy!! And here I thought I was going to be alone....He surely did not let me down.
The surgeon came in....explained what was going to happen....then the anasthesiologist came in....he told me they were going to give me something to like them more than I really should....after surgery I figured out why he said it.
They then pushed me towards the operating room, I remember going thru the doors down a hall around the corner, another corner then the doors opening and then I was waking up in recovery. I was told by the nurse that usually people don't last to the second set of doors. I woke up with incision pain but no pain from where the gall bladder had been....Finally the pain was gone....
I was able to go home within the hour. By 4pm that day I was grocery shopping and headed home. I was told that after 2 days I could eat anything I wanted....and all the recovery information.....
However, there was a catch......there was an issue during surgery that they could not repair due to I was already coming out of the good drug stupor. They had an issue with 2 of the incisions and it was creating a hernia. Over the next week I would figure out how bad it truly was. But they could not operate again due to I had just come out of surgery....They scheduled me for surgery again on June 11, 2009 for the lap band and the hernia repair due to that was the soonest the surgeon would be back in for surgery again, plus he did not want to put me under again for at least 2 weeks to give my body some time to heal from the gall bladder surgery.
I was not upset (until later) with the complications. The surgeon had relieved the pain I had been experiencing since March. I was happy.....
On June 11th I was the first person scheduled for surgery that day....I was excited the beginning of my journey was about to begin. I had researched and found that I thought I was prepared for the six weeks of bandster hell. I will get to that a little more later....Its a tough six weeks (I am currently at week 5 as of today).
I was at the hospital at 6;30am and scheduled for surgery at 8:30 am. My surgeon was assisting on another surgery and ended up in that surgery until 11:30am. My only thought was that if that was me I would want him taking his time for me too...so I was not worried about it....He came out to talk to me and I asked him if he wanted to take a few more minutes for a cup of coffee just so he was more alert during my surgery....He laughed and said, "No I am good...he seemed excited for me....Let's go get your new life started." I was shocked he remembered that comment. It was a comment I made 2 years ago when I had met him for the first time in a support group meeting.
When I came out of surgery.....Holy Hell!!! The pain was so bad when I was waking up.....The nurse looked at me and asked what the level of pain was....I looked at him and had tears running down my face and told him it was over 10...Even in child birth I did not experience pain like that....It was so severe when they asked me to sit up I could not....As time went on I was able to sit up....
Come to find out the surgeon used 2 of the same incisions he had used for my gall bladder surgery and had 4 other incisions too...The majority of the pain came from the band itself being wrapped around my stomach. It took 2-3 hrs this time in recovery and then I was headed home.
Home Day1:
Not being alone...I had a rotation of people in and out to "babysit" me so that if there were any complications I had help. All was good...
Day 2: Can't sleep on my side or stomach leaving sleeping on my back....I don't sleep on my back at all....Trust me you learn to do this very quickly.
I still had friends coming by about every 2 hours to keep an eye on me so nothing would happen. I have wonderful friends!
Day3: Things were better...I wasn't able to do much...and in alot of pain.....
Day 4: Extreme pain....new pain that was not there the day before.....
Day 5: Called the surgical clinic due to extreme pain -- Had an appointment to go in in 2 days..(Tuesday).
Day 7: Appointment time-
The surgeon came in and asked why I was in for a visit so soon after surgery....We talked for a bit and he pin pointed the pain and asked me if I had been taking the pain medication I went home with. I explained I could not take it due to that it made me loopy around the kids and that wasn't safe for them.
He chuckled and said, "We are going to mix you an over the counter cocktail. The pain you are experiencing is normal. Keep in mind in the last 2 weeks you have had 3 major surgeries. Your body is trying to heal."
He sent me home with a heavenly mixture of over the counter meds mixture and things changed quite a bit....I did take the good pills at night so I could sleep good with no pain then sleeping on my back would not be so bad.
We had our life challenges too with all of this....My surgery was on June 11th and we had to move on June 20th. What timing!
Week 2 I was moved from a clear liquid diet to a soup diet only...Not clear soups only but other soups with no chunks....I was not always hungry but had to get in my protein in daily.
Week 3: I was moved to soft mush foods mixed with soup....and this continued to week 4...
Week 3 was tough..It was a learning time to find out how much I could eat without over doing it. Learning how much I could eat before I was over full and in pain was the challenge. This has been a challenge since but gets easier over the course of time as you learn what you can and can't do, what you can and can't eat. Have to drink the water, sip, sip, sip....chew, chew, chew.
Week 4: I was moved to soft foods....This was a huge challenge...the confusing thing is how does your body know what is or is not going to stay down. I found out what productive burping is during this week. One food you could eat one day you might not be able to keep down the next. You don't want to take a sip of water if you feel like something is stuck. What is funny if the bite is too big, your body lets you know....If my body isn't going to keep it down I have very clear signs. Again...the water....sip, sip, sip.....chew, chew, chew.....
Week 5: I have been moved to almost all foods depending on if I could hold it down or not....I have spent 2 days not keeping anything down. My body did not want anything no matter how hungry I was. I sipped water and relaxed.
I am headed into week 6...I am headed for my first fill this next week due to I can eat some stuff but not others....I found the perfect filling meal! I was able to eat 2 boiled eggs and a nectarine. I was so full....and it was so satisfying....It was the most perfect thing in the past weeks. I can't explain it.
I was asked by someone the other day if I regretted my decision. I would say yes, but I am not through my recooperation fully. I have dropped over 20 pounds since my day of surgery and things are getting better each day. I still have trouble overall as I redefine my relationship with food.
So far my journey has been positive. It has been frought with challenges along the way. I don't believe I am alone in this, I know many others have experienced the same thing.
One day at a time...One step at a time. ..
Until next time.....
~Kasey~
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Right Hand....Left Hand....
So, I now have my psychological evaluation scheduled with an "in network" doctor. Things could not have gone easier, at least with that small portion. The Doctor I talked to, I will refer to him as Dr. Bill, was a very calm and peaceful man.
After having a nurse tell me from the surgical clinic that they had already submitted my preapproval letter, the other nurse told me, "No, the letter is sitting here on my desk." They won't submit it until they receive all the documentation. So I explained, "My frustration here in lies, that the communication stinks. You tell me no it happens like this and the other nurse tells me yes its already been done....Will the right hand please speak to the left and get on the same page!!" I know she didn't like that too much and as I continued to explain, "I am putting my life in your hands and if this is what you do when your not in surgery I would really hate to see what you do when you are.....I hope this is not indicative of what the surgeon does too? or I might have to reconsider my options." She really didn't know what to say. They have messed up with me...I know they are human but this is ridiculous.
After hanging up the phone with her I ran out to my follow up cardiologist visit to find out some good information but not good information. <> I dont remember the name but the term heart disease I remember very clearly. I am now on an Ace Inhibitor to protect my kidneys. It is absolutely amazing what happens to your organs if you have diabetes. Things clog up or shut down. The human heart in a normal person has what they call a 65% or better blood pumping capacity meaning your heart will fill up 65% or more before it beats a beat. Mine is at 55% which is very concerning. So on another medication to keep going.
After that appointment I got to take all the documentation one floor up to the surgical clinic. hand that over for the file and head to my regular doctor.
I have to be on cholesterol medication, another medication to lower blood sugar since the metformin isn't doing the full job and I am maxed out as far as dosage goes. And of course we know what that "stuff" causes. If you don't ask and I will post it.
So I have my cocktail of pills in the morning and another cocktail at bedtime.
Oh Lucky Me!! (NOT)
Until there is resolution to the weight issues I will continue to progress with health problems. I am so determined to get this under control and get off all the medications...except one that I will probably be on the rest of my life....but I can handle one pill a day....I can't handle the 12.
One day....One day....Waiting patiently for that too happen.
Until next time.....
~Kasey~
After having a nurse tell me from the surgical clinic that they had already submitted my preapproval letter, the other nurse told me, "No, the letter is sitting here on my desk." They won't submit it until they receive all the documentation. So I explained, "My frustration here in lies, that the communication stinks. You tell me no it happens like this and the other nurse tells me yes its already been done....Will the right hand please speak to the left and get on the same page!!" I know she didn't like that too much and as I continued to explain, "I am putting my life in your hands and if this is what you do when your not in surgery I would really hate to see what you do when you are.....I hope this is not indicative of what the surgeon does too? or I might have to reconsider my options." She really didn't know what to say. They have messed up with me...I know they are human but this is ridiculous.
After hanging up the phone with her I ran out to my follow up cardiologist visit to find out some good information but not good information. <
After that appointment I got to take all the documentation one floor up to the surgical clinic. hand that over for the file and head to my regular doctor.
I have to be on cholesterol medication, another medication to lower blood sugar since the metformin isn't doing the full job and I am maxed out as far as dosage goes. And of course we know what that "stuff" causes. If you don't ask and I will post it.
So I have my cocktail of pills in the morning and another cocktail at bedtime.
Oh Lucky Me!! (NOT)
Until there is resolution to the weight issues I will continue to progress with health problems. I am so determined to get this under control and get off all the medications...except one that I will probably be on the rest of my life....but I can handle one pill a day....I can't handle the 12.
One day....One day....Waiting patiently for that too happen.
Until next time.....
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Rough Day...
Today overall has been a pretty rough day.
I was up at 5am to get hold of the "Behavioral Health" side of my insurance to get an approval code to have a psychological evaluation. I suppose if you can handle being treated as though you are someone calling in with an addiction to drugs or suicidal this would be necessary.
I would think they would have gotten it if I didn't have to talk to 3 different people in the process and explain to each one why I was calling. I would think that if someone is calling in regarding bariatric surgery and they are taking the steps to improve their life then you wouldn't have to ask them if they are having thoughts of suicide...I know they get those calls...but honestly...How many times do you need to ask if I am thinking of harming myself.
Anyway, I finally got the authorization code only to call the Dr.'s office to have them ask me what the units are for. After 45 minutes on the phone to get the code...now she wants to know what the units are for? Hell if I know...I was on the phone before the coffee was made. You didn't ask me that yesterday when we talked for 30 minutes....Mind you she is very blunt and gruff there was very little of someone who was personable...This is the Doctors wife so there is not much I can do....I have talked to the Doctor and I really did like him.
**Sigh**
Now I am thinking I am going to have to call them back to find out...Luckily she piped up and said, "I will call them and find out. Insurance is sticky, you probably want to leave it to someone who understands." I asked her then, "Are you purposely trying to upset me?" She said, "No." I told her, "You might want to be careful with your statements. I can probably tell you about insurance and what code numbers you need to use for this. I don't appreciate your assumptions that I don't know or understand. Maybe some people don't but I don't want to be lumped in with them." Within the hour I called her back to let her know what the units were for. She didn't have to make that phone call. I think we had a good understanding at that point.
One thing after another. I have been trying to reach the surgical clinic to see if they have sent the letter to my insurance for predetermination for surgery. There are 2 nurses who work with this surgeon, one of the nurses told me over the phone, "I sent your letter out the same day as your appointment." Then I am told by the second nurse, " Oh we don't send out that letter until you have had your psychological assessment appointment." Egads! Will the right hand please talk to the left?!?!?!?
So now I have to find out if they even sent my letter off. No one at this time can confirm.
The more stressed I get the more pain I am in. The gall bladder is acting up and I am tired. Its been a long day....You know how that goes...
Time for kids, homework, dinner, boy scouts and much more.....I am starting to wonder if this day is going to end. Good thing we don't have more than 24 hours in a day!
Until next time......
~Kasey~
I was up at 5am to get hold of the "Behavioral Health" side of my insurance to get an approval code to have a psychological evaluation. I suppose if you can handle being treated as though you are someone calling in with an addiction to drugs or suicidal this would be necessary.
I would think they would have gotten it if I didn't have to talk to 3 different people in the process and explain to each one why I was calling. I would think that if someone is calling in regarding bariatric surgery and they are taking the steps to improve their life then you wouldn't have to ask them if they are having thoughts of suicide...I know they get those calls...but honestly...How many times do you need to ask if I am thinking of harming myself.
Anyway, I finally got the authorization code only to call the Dr.'s office to have them ask me what the units are for. After 45 minutes on the phone to get the code...now she wants to know what the units are for? Hell if I know...I was on the phone before the coffee was made. You didn't ask me that yesterday when we talked for 30 minutes....Mind you she is very blunt and gruff there was very little of someone who was personable...This is the Doctors wife so there is not much I can do....I have talked to the Doctor and I really did like him.
**Sigh**
Now I am thinking I am going to have to call them back to find out...Luckily she piped up and said, "I will call them and find out. Insurance is sticky, you probably want to leave it to someone who understands." I asked her then, "Are you purposely trying to upset me?" She said, "No." I told her, "You might want to be careful with your statements. I can probably tell you about insurance and what code numbers you need to use for this. I don't appreciate your assumptions that I don't know or understand. Maybe some people don't but I don't want to be lumped in with them." Within the hour I called her back to let her know what the units were for. She didn't have to make that phone call. I think we had a good understanding at that point.
One thing after another. I have been trying to reach the surgical clinic to see if they have sent the letter to my insurance for predetermination for surgery. There are 2 nurses who work with this surgeon, one of the nurses told me over the phone, "I sent your letter out the same day as your appointment." Then I am told by the second nurse, " Oh we don't send out that letter until you have had your psychological assessment appointment." Egads! Will the right hand please talk to the left?!?!?!?
So now I have to find out if they even sent my letter off. No one at this time can confirm.
The more stressed I get the more pain I am in. The gall bladder is acting up and I am tired. Its been a long day....You know how that goes...
Time for kids, homework, dinner, boy scouts and much more.....I am starting to wonder if this day is going to end. Good thing we don't have more than 24 hours in a day!
Until next time......
~Kasey~
Monday, May 11, 2009
Follow Up
I took today to make a few phone calls. Trying to get the final information on whether or not my insurance has approved my surgery.
I called the surgical center to find out that the person who handles that is out today. I know I will hear back from her tomorrow when she is back....but doesn't she know I am on pins and needles now? :) I feel like a kid the night before they are supposed to go to Disneyland! Anxious and excited....but the fear of being let down sticks in the back of my mind too.
I am still waiting for the psychologist to get back to me as well. Just one more thing it feels like in the long line of things. Not to mention all the other feelings going through me...the fear, excitement, anxiety, stress and sadness....not sure why....but I know I will figure it out soon enough.
I have started a daily exercise routing that I had before. I am walking about a mile a day...drinking almost a gallon of water a day and it doesn't seem like it's enough I am still thirsty. One day all of this will be under control or gone again. The diabetes is the worst. Watching the diet and making sure my daily water amounts are met. You know if I didn't know any better I would swear I slosh when I walk. :)
In the process of typing this post I have called a second Psychologist in the hopes I might receive a call back soon so I can schedule an appointment. Just a little impatient?....me?.....YES!! :)
Maybe sometime soon. I know I am close to getting to surgery and then the real tough part of things begins! The band is a tool not an easy way out. There is so much more to do with the band than without. I could get onto a soap box here but only if pressed :)
I know what I want, what my goals are....and where I am headed.
What I want...to see my boys graduate high school, college, get married have kids, be a part of my grandchild(ren) lives. If I were to continue down the path I am on....I won't have that opportunity.
My goal is to lose 120 pounds if not a few more and be healthy, be an active participant in life rather than an observer.
Where am I headed? To a new me!
Just the thought makes me smile.
Until next time....
~Kasey~
I called the surgical center to find out that the person who handles that is out today. I know I will hear back from her tomorrow when she is back....but doesn't she know I am on pins and needles now? :) I feel like a kid the night before they are supposed to go to Disneyland! Anxious and excited....but the fear of being let down sticks in the back of my mind too.
I am still waiting for the psychologist to get back to me as well. Just one more thing it feels like in the long line of things. Not to mention all the other feelings going through me...the fear, excitement, anxiety, stress and sadness....not sure why....but I know I will figure it out soon enough.
I have started a daily exercise routing that I had before. I am walking about a mile a day...drinking almost a gallon of water a day and it doesn't seem like it's enough I am still thirsty. One day all of this will be under control or gone again. The diabetes is the worst. Watching the diet and making sure my daily water amounts are met. You know if I didn't know any better I would swear I slosh when I walk. :)
In the process of typing this post I have called a second Psychologist in the hopes I might receive a call back soon so I can schedule an appointment. Just a little impatient?....me?.....YES!! :)
Maybe sometime soon. I know I am close to getting to surgery and then the real tough part of things begins! The band is a tool not an easy way out. There is so much more to do with the band than without. I could get onto a soap box here but only if pressed :)
I know what I want, what my goals are....and where I am headed.
What I want...to see my boys graduate high school, college, get married have kids, be a part of my grandchild(ren) lives. If I were to continue down the path I am on....I won't have that opportunity.
My goal is to lose 120 pounds if not a few more and be healthy, be an active participant in life rather than an observer.
Where am I headed? To a new me!
Just the thought makes me smile.
Until next time....
~Kasey~
Sunday, May 10, 2009
As of 05/08/09
As of today....this is where things are at....
I had already completed the nutritionist appointment and psychological evaluation. I have to do them again. The first nutritionist I found only works with one surgeon and won't release my records to the surgeon I have requested nor will she give me a copy....I will deal with that issue later. The psychologist I saw...who was fantastic, did not do a write up of our meetings since I was denied for surgery. He told me when I was ready to let him know and he would send it to the surgeon.
From then until now he had a stroke and is on disability. He can't do anything so I am out of luck. I have to go through the appointments again. These are only minor set backs in regards to the big picture.
My appointments for the nutritionist are scheduled for Wednesday May 13, 2009 and the sooner they get the information to the surgeon the sooner we can schedule surgery. The insurance company already asked for the tentative surgery date. Being that I need to have my gall bladder out and soon....That might expedite paperwork to the surgeon and make things happen a bit faster.
If all works out right I could be having surgery as soon as the first or second week of June 2009. I am keeping my fingers, toes, legs and eyes crossed. One day my time will come...hopefully sooner than later. Its a challenge being a 38 year old mom who can't keep up with my 9 and 14 year old boys. I want that time with them being active....
It's a wait and see game....right now I am waiting to see what happens.
~Kasey~
I had already completed the nutritionist appointment and psychological evaluation. I have to do them again. The first nutritionist I found only works with one surgeon and won't release my records to the surgeon I have requested nor will she give me a copy....I will deal with that issue later. The psychologist I saw...who was fantastic, did not do a write up of our meetings since I was denied for surgery. He told me when I was ready to let him know and he would send it to the surgeon.
From then until now he had a stroke and is on disability. He can't do anything so I am out of luck. I have to go through the appointments again. These are only minor set backs in regards to the big picture.
My appointments for the nutritionist are scheduled for Wednesday May 13, 2009 and the sooner they get the information to the surgeon the sooner we can schedule surgery. The insurance company already asked for the tentative surgery date. Being that I need to have my gall bladder out and soon....That might expedite paperwork to the surgeon and make things happen a bit faster.
If all works out right I could be having surgery as soon as the first or second week of June 2009. I am keeping my fingers, toes, legs and eyes crossed. One day my time will come...hopefully sooner than later. Its a challenge being a 38 year old mom who can't keep up with my 9 and 14 year old boys. I want that time with them being active....
It's a wait and see game....right now I am waiting to see what happens.
~Kasey~
Angiogram Results...
I went in on Thursday for an angiogram.....
The results came out very positive....
I was cleared for surgery!! My journey was about to begin!
What great news for the weekend!!!
Until next time.....
~Kasey~
The results came out very positive....
I was cleared for surgery!! My journey was about to begin!
What great news for the weekend!!!
Until next time.....
~Kasey~
The Journey Began....
My Journey started back in April of 2007.
It's a long story but if you have time keep on reading. I am mainly posting as I feel after hitting all the road blocks I have come across, and I know I am not the only one and they aren't any different from anyone elses.
I started on my journey by attending 3 different WLS seminars to be able to meet different surgeons and see what the requirements were. Before doing that I contacted my insurance company to see if they cover it. They said no but put me through to another department that indicated if I completed all of these things, it could be appealed and they would probably cover it if certain criteria were met. I had the BMI, I had co morbidities all of which the insurance agreed upon.
I went through the process of getting all my medical records together to show my weight history. Then the health reasons as to why WLS would be beneficial, sleep apnea testing, psychological evaluation, nutritionist appointments, eventually the cardiologist based on something the doctor saw. Then they required a 6 month under doctor supervision diet.
After 9 months of waiting and testing they came back and said no.
They were not going to cover the WLS it was not part of the insurance plan and they didn't know why I was being sent over to this other department. So I went up the ladder. The insurance company ended up reimbursing me for the expenses I paid for all of these appointments that I didn't need based on what their people kept telling me.
Needless to say I was devastated.
I had to back away from everything having to do with weight loss but took the information I needed and took the next 2 years and kept researching and practicing good eating habits.
I went through being depressed and frustrated and angry.....
Now, I work for a company that does cover the WLS. I am in the process of only having to go through 2 more appointments to be able to schedule a surgery date as long as the insurance approves everything, which according to the people I am working with should not be an issue.
I am not sure how I am feeling. Scared possibly some due to, could it happen again that I am in the process of changing my life that it could be thwarted all over again. It was bad enough the first time. I know I am much closer than I was the last time.
I am trying to make these feelings go away as this is something I have wanted for my family, and my health for a very long time. I thought it was fear of the surgery...but I am finding that, that is not the case.
I have been staying on course and trying not to deviate from the goal. There is no guarantee of anything and I think at this point I need a guarantee of sorts.
Anyway....onto something a bit more positive! Even given all the challenges this time around included, My first appointment this time was on April 20th. I could be headed for surgery before the end of June if all works out right..
In a way (Since I have a hard time asking for help) I am reaching out...for some positive thoughts and kind words. I know I am doing what's right for me...I think I am looking for reassurance.
Until next time.....
~Kasey~
It's a long story but if you have time keep on reading. I am mainly posting as I feel after hitting all the road blocks I have come across, and I know I am not the only one and they aren't any different from anyone elses.
I started on my journey by attending 3 different WLS seminars to be able to meet different surgeons and see what the requirements were. Before doing that I contacted my insurance company to see if they cover it. They said no but put me through to another department that indicated if I completed all of these things, it could be appealed and they would probably cover it if certain criteria were met. I had the BMI, I had co morbidities all of which the insurance agreed upon.
I went through the process of getting all my medical records together to show my weight history. Then the health reasons as to why WLS would be beneficial, sleep apnea testing, psychological evaluation, nutritionist appointments, eventually the cardiologist based on something the doctor saw. Then they required a 6 month under doctor supervision diet.
After 9 months of waiting and testing they came back and said no.
They were not going to cover the WLS it was not part of the insurance plan and they didn't know why I was being sent over to this other department. So I went up the ladder. The insurance company ended up reimbursing me for the expenses I paid for all of these appointments that I didn't need based on what their people kept telling me.
Needless to say I was devastated.
I had to back away from everything having to do with weight loss but took the information I needed and took the next 2 years and kept researching and practicing good eating habits.
I went through being depressed and frustrated and angry.....
Now, I work for a company that does cover the WLS. I am in the process of only having to go through 2 more appointments to be able to schedule a surgery date as long as the insurance approves everything, which according to the people I am working with should not be an issue.
I am not sure how I am feeling. Scared possibly some due to, could it happen again that I am in the process of changing my life that it could be thwarted all over again. It was bad enough the first time. I know I am much closer than I was the last time.
I am trying to make these feelings go away as this is something I have wanted for my family, and my health for a very long time. I thought it was fear of the surgery...but I am finding that, that is not the case.
I have been staying on course and trying not to deviate from the goal. There is no guarantee of anything and I think at this point I need a guarantee of sorts.
Anyway....onto something a bit more positive! Even given all the challenges this time around included, My first appointment this time was on April 20th. I could be headed for surgery before the end of June if all works out right..
In a way (Since I have a hard time asking for help) I am reaching out...for some positive thoughts and kind words. I know I am doing what's right for me...I think I am looking for reassurance.
Until next time.....
~Kasey~
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