MAY 31, 2000 The Doctors office still has not received the hard copy of my approval. I called the insurance rep again and they said yes it was mailed on the 24th of May. Well, I have to cut everyone some slack, Monday was a holiday and that really slows down the process.
June 1, 2000 OK, the Pony Express doesn't take this long! I called the pre-approval number on my insurance card, this is the number that providers call for pre-approval! I explained everything to a very nice and understanding lady. She agreed it was taking too long. She put me through to Daryl, he actually wrote the letter and mailed it to the Doctors office. We double check the address, it was correct. He said he would fax a copy and they should have it within next 5-10 minutes. I waited 25 minutes, then I called Toni and asked about the fax. She said no she didn't have it yet, but she would call me the minute she did. She finally called me back and told me she had it and would call me first thing in the morning to schedule dates. I told her I would be at work and made sure she had the right number. Well my heart sank, I have to wait another day.
June 2, 2000 Friday was a busy morning at work and every time the phone rang I jumped. Of course it was never Toni. I had to leave at 10 AM for an appointment with Dr. Forseth (my PCP). My blood pressure was the main topic of conversation. It was 245/110. This is not good. I explained that I had stopped taking my BP meds on the previous Friday, they were making me sick. I felt like my skin was crawling and I could not take a deep breath. I also printed out a copy Dr. Selinkoff's web page about medications after the bypass for Dr. Forseth. One of the meds that can cause problems for post-ops is diuretics, that's what most HBP meds are. So now we are starting a new med (lotensen). She also gave me lots samples, a nose spray that should help with the sleeping, lotensen, and zoloft. I have to have my BP checked every Friday. I also have to go back and see her on the 7th of July. After the appointment I had to go to a luncheon and didn't get back to the office until 2 PM. The first thing I did was to call Toni. Finally I have a date.
JULY 25, 2000
June 5, 2000 It was a great weekend. I feel so relieved having a date. Now we can start making plans. I have to see Dr. Selinkoff on July 18th and on the 19th I have all my pre-op testing. My mom will arrive on the 20th and we will spend the weekend playing around and getting ready. She is going to help me with some things around the house, fun things, like painting a dresser and table. She is very artistic and has a great eye. We will also be sewing a quilt for my bed. I can't wait!
June 14, 2000 I have been trying to take it easy and not get over stressed. I had my BP check on Friday the 10th and it was 220/90, it's still high, but it is better. Tonight is the Staple Mates meeting. The CenTex group is meeting at an Italian restaurant before, it'll be great to see everyone!
June 20, 2000 Dinner on the 14th was great! The Staple Mates meeting was very informative, they showed a video of the lap procedure. On Saturday the 17th, my friend Barbara and I went to the CenTex meeting at Patty's house in Buda. Barbara is having the surgery on July 11, 2000! On the 18th, Barbara and I meet Robin, Kim, Patty, and Sandy at a wonderful seafood restaurant for Robin's "Last Supper". We ate, laughed and had a great time. Robin had her surgery at 8:00 AM on the 19th and came through with flying color. She is now on the other side, I can't wait for my turn.
