Slept so-so last night. I kept waking up thinking I over slept and missed my Monday 5:30a check in at the hospital. Jeremy made a delicious breakfast: scrambled eggs with Canadian bacon, whole wheat toast, a honeycrip apple and coffee. My last breakfast on "this side" meaning pre-op. We are so happy to be at the Lodge where he can cook in a big kitchen.
How am I feeling right now? Still excited but I'm ready to get this over and done with and am tired of waiting.
I enjoyed our time at the Missouri History Museum but because I got really tired, we left before seeing all the exhibits. I think I'm simply exhausted from all of the rushed planning that started when I got the call for the earlier surgery date.
I learned a few things today:
1. Having the central line prevents me from raising my right arm above shoulder height without being in sharp pain. Learned this lesson while Jeremy was trying his best to help me put on a shirt this morning.
2. Having the central line prevents me from blow drying my hair while styling with a brush. I can multi-task many things, but simply cannot do my hair with one hand. Jeremy was a trooper and helped me out. :-)
3. Walking from the museum to the car in thirty-something degree weather is quite painful in the central line area because of shivering and tightening up my shoulders.
4. MOST IMPORTANT LESSON! Didja know that Press 'n Seal, you know the stuff that is like Saran Wrap, things you normally use in the kitchen... well, it makes a fabulous water barrier to cover a central line while taking a shower! Who knew?
What's left on my To Do list:
1. Evening and morning shower with special soap surgeon gave me
2. Eat turkey sandwich at 10p to help with stabilizing hypoglycemia
3. Take Valium
4. Sleep
5. Show up at hospital
6. Sleep
7. Wake up on the "other side"!
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
I humbly ask for you to continue to pray for me and especially ask for you to pray for Dr. Lenke and his team to be well rested this evening and focused tomorrow. Mostly importantly, please pray for Jeremy to remain strong and for God to bless him with peace and comfort.
See you tomorrow! :-)
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Packing Pre-Op Items
Having another low-key day and loving it! :-) I took a pain med last night and slept like a rock. Although I woke up at 5:30a, I fell asleep before 9p last night so I am well rested. The area around the line is really sore but I am thankful I slept as well as I did. I did some of my physical therapy exercises this morning in bed too. Jeremy made a yummy breakfast of whole grain waffles with rhubarb jam, a honeycrisp apple (my absolute favorite) with all-natural peanut butter and coffee. Did I mention Jeremy is the breakfast guru in our family?
Decided to start packing some of the pre-op items I won't be able to wear after Monday like non-button-down shirts, jeans, etc. This will be one less thing for Jeremy to pack when we head home. My wardrobe post-op will be button-down shirts and sweat pants for several weeks. I took some time this morning and read through the packet of information Dr. Lenke's nurse gave me. When I saw Dr. Lenke earlier in the week, I asked him for an anti-anxiety pill for Sunday evening. Dr. Lenke said, "I'll give you a Valium." Jeremy said, "Can I have one too?" LOL!
While I'm doing some paperwork housekeeping, Jeremy is typing away at the final edits of his first book which is due, like now. He inked his second book deal days before we left for St. Louis and he needs to start on the new book in a couple of weeks. God is very abundant! Hopefully, Jeremy's writing will provide a nice distraction for him from the upcoming days.
We decided to go on a quick walk this afternoon, about 2 miles, through Forest Park before it started raining. It is such a beautiful park. On our way back to the Lodge we saw a sign for a pub at the golf course and stopped in for a bite to eat. It was quite yummy. We watched Life in a Day on Netflix, interesting documentary of people across the globe who filmed their lives on July 24, 2010 and it was condensed into a film. My back is quite sore at the moment. Rain started and we might see some snow flurries tonight.
I snacked on some sugar snap peas which are always a yummy treat. Dinner was veggie barley soup with a Greek salad and leftover baguette. I also had a little dish of cornbread stuffing. Super tasty!
Warmly,
Doreen
Decided to start packing some of the pre-op items I won't be able to wear after Monday like non-button-down shirts, jeans, etc. This will be one less thing for Jeremy to pack when we head home. My wardrobe post-op will be button-down shirts and sweat pants for several weeks. I took some time this morning and read through the packet of information Dr. Lenke's nurse gave me. When I saw Dr. Lenke earlier in the week, I asked him for an anti-anxiety pill for Sunday evening. Dr. Lenke said, "I'll give you a Valium." Jeremy said, "Can I have one too?" LOL!
While I'm doing some paperwork housekeeping, Jeremy is typing away at the final edits of his first book which is due, like now. He inked his second book deal days before we left for St. Louis and he needs to start on the new book in a couple of weeks. God is very abundant! Hopefully, Jeremy's writing will provide a nice distraction for him from the upcoming days.
We decided to go on a quick walk this afternoon, about 2 miles, through Forest Park before it started raining. It is such a beautiful park. On our way back to the Lodge we saw a sign for a pub at the golf course and stopped in for a bite to eat. It was quite yummy. We watched Life in a Day on Netflix, interesting documentary of people across the globe who filmed their lives on July 24, 2010 and it was condensed into a film. My back is quite sore at the moment. Rain started and we might see some snow flurries tonight.
I snacked on some sugar snap peas which are always a yummy treat. Dinner was veggie barley soup with a Greek salad and leftover baguette. I also had a little dish of cornbread stuffing. Super tasty!
Warmly,
Doreen
Friday, November 25, 2011
Making My List & Checking It Twice
All done with the central line and it feels odd. The entire procedure lasted 10 minutes. I was more nervous about the line than the surgery because I was awake during today's procedure. I could have done without hearing the doctor telling the intern what to do; just wanted to be in my own little peaceful world.
For those who are unfamiliar with the process, an IV was inserted into the back of my hand where a "happy cocktail" was injected to relax me and then contrast was injected. I was laying under an x-ray machine so the doctor could see where the contrast traveled up my arm and in my clavicle area. An incision was made, a catheter was inserted and then they stitched me up leaving two wire/tube thingies hanging out of the incision. While I'm in the hospital, all my meds will be delivered into the line which minimizes the need for me to be stuck numerous times if I didn't have the line.
It is another beautiful, sunny day and the high will be near 60. We plan to return to the specialty grocer and pick up a few items: cheeses, prosciutto, baguette, etc. Tomorrow is supposed to rain all day so we'll enjoy watching some movies. Sunday is calling for snow and our plan is to go to the History Museum.
While my To-Do list is dwindling down, Jeremy's list is ramping up.
Have any of you ventured out to the Black Friday madness? Hope you got some great deals!
Warmly,
Doreen
For those who are unfamiliar with the process, an IV was inserted into the back of my hand where a "happy cocktail" was injected to relax me and then contrast was injected. I was laying under an x-ray machine so the doctor could see where the contrast traveled up my arm and in my clavicle area. An incision was made, a catheter was inserted and then they stitched me up leaving two wire/tube thingies hanging out of the incision. While I'm in the hospital, all my meds will be delivered into the line which minimizes the need for me to be stuck numerous times if I didn't have the line.
It is another beautiful, sunny day and the high will be near 60. We plan to return to the specialty grocer and pick up a few items: cheeses, prosciutto, baguette, etc. Tomorrow is supposed to rain all day so we'll enjoy watching some movies. Sunday is calling for snow and our plan is to go to the History Museum.
While my To-Do list is dwindling down, Jeremy's list is ramping up.
Have any of you ventured out to the Black Friday madness? Hope you got some great deals!
Warmly,
Doreen
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Abundantly Thankful!
Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!
My holiday started a bit earlier than normal when I woke up today at 3:22am. I've been waking up at odd times over the past several weeks. As I lay in bed trying to remember where I was, I suddenly realized our room was filled with the wonderful aroma of a turkey roasting. No, I wasn't dreaming. We are staying at the Barnes Lodge (long-term housing for patients and their families) on the Washington University campus where the hospital is located. One of the volunteers, Carla, came to the Lodge at 1am this morning to cook a wonderful Thanksgiving feast for everyone staying here. I drifted in and out of sleep for the next few hours and when Jeremy woke up, he said, "Is that turkey I smell?"
Carla prepared an amazing spread: roast beef, ham, turkey, sweet potatoes, green beans, collards, rolls, mac & cheese, potato salad, stuffing, desserts, etc. Before our meal, Carla asked all of us to form a circle, hold hands, and share something we are thankful for. I am thankful for my family and friends, the meal Carla prepared with much love, the fellowship we are experiencing at the Lodge, the friendships I've developed with some people on the National Scoliosis Foundation group (some of whom are Lenke's patients and I was able to meet two of them), and above all, I thank God for this journey He is guiding me through.
Today was the first sunny day since we arrived here; such a beautiful day! Jeremy and I walked for a few miles and it was so refreshing to be in the crisp, cool air. We are at the east end of Forest Park (kind of like a mini Central Park) and decided to walk through the park. As soon as we crossed the street to get to the park, I heard muffled music. We were drawn by the sounds and followed it. To our surprise, it led us to a skating rink where Christmas music was playing! It was an ideal, drama-free day.
I pray all of you had a blessed day today.
Warmly,
Doreen
My holiday started a bit earlier than normal when I woke up today at 3:22am. I've been waking up at odd times over the past several weeks. As I lay in bed trying to remember where I was, I suddenly realized our room was filled with the wonderful aroma of a turkey roasting. No, I wasn't dreaming. We are staying at the Barnes Lodge (long-term housing for patients and their families) on the Washington University campus where the hospital is located. One of the volunteers, Carla, came to the Lodge at 1am this morning to cook a wonderful Thanksgiving feast for everyone staying here. I drifted in and out of sleep for the next few hours and when Jeremy woke up, he said, "Is that turkey I smell?"
Carla prepared an amazing spread: roast beef, ham, turkey, sweet potatoes, green beans, collards, rolls, mac & cheese, potato salad, stuffing, desserts, etc. Before our meal, Carla asked all of us to form a circle, hold hands, and share something we are thankful for. I am thankful for my family and friends, the meal Carla prepared with much love, the fellowship we are experiencing at the Lodge, the friendships I've developed with some people on the National Scoliosis Foundation group (some of whom are Lenke's patients and I was able to meet two of them), and above all, I thank God for this journey He is guiding me through.
Today was the first sunny day since we arrived here; such a beautiful day! Jeremy and I walked for a few miles and it was so refreshing to be in the crisp, cool air. We are at the east end of Forest Park (kind of like a mini Central Park) and decided to walk through the park. As soon as we crossed the street to get to the park, I heard muffled music. We were drawn by the sounds and followed it. To our surprise, it led us to a skating rink where Christmas music was playing! It was an ideal, drama-free day.
I pray all of you had a blessed day today.
Warmly,
Doreen
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Green Light!
Dr. Lenke's office just called to say the insurance company changed their mind, approved the surgery, denied just the BMP portion and I'm all set as planned! GOD IS GREAT! Dr. Lenke will use the BMP as planned and the hospital will pay for the BMP which costs $12,000 per unit and Dr. Lenke expects to use 6 units.
This has been an intense 24 hours to say the least. I'll continue to submit to Him and ask for continued peace, strength and comfort. Jeremy has been an incredible pillar of strength through all this (not just today) with such a loving, positive attitude. I am blessed to have such a wonderful husband, a wonderful family and dear friends.
Warmly,
Doreen
This has been an intense 24 hours to say the least. I'll continue to submit to Him and ask for continued peace, strength and comfort. Jeremy has been an incredible pillar of strength through all this (not just today) with such a loving, positive attitude. I am blessed to have such a wonderful husband, a wonderful family and dear friends.
Warmly,
Doreen
The Plot Thickens
Met with Dr. Lenke this morning who is shocked that our insurance is not cooperating. In fact, he said he has never experienced this before. It seems the explanation of denial was lost in several translations, but now boils down to this. Dr. Lenke always uses a product called BMP (bone morphogenetic protein) because it provides a faster, stronger fusion for his patients. Dr. Lenke forewarned me back in September when we met that most insurance companies deny the BMP portion of the surgery. Washington University absorbs the BMP cost. My insurance has decided to deny the entire surgery because of the BMP; so they are not just denying the BMP portion but everything.
What makes things more challenging for me is that we must have some sort of "surgery only" approval from the insurance company today before close of business because of the holiday tomorrow and Lenke's office being closed on Friday. The clock is literally ticking in the final countdown. Jeremy has escalated as far as he can on our end and now we are waiting for Dr. Lenke to have the peer-to-peer chat with the insurance company directly.
I absolutely hate playing the "What If" game, but we need to be realistic at this stage. If the insurance just doesn't respond today with an approval, everything is off and I'm back on the waiting list for a new surgery date.
Will keep you posted.
Warmly,
Doreen
What makes things more challenging for me is that we must have some sort of "surgery only" approval from the insurance company today before close of business because of the holiday tomorrow and Lenke's office being closed on Friday. The clock is literally ticking in the final countdown. Jeremy has escalated as far as he can on our end and now we are waiting for Dr. Lenke to have the peer-to-peer chat with the insurance company directly.
I absolutely hate playing the "What If" game, but we need to be realistic at this stage. If the insurance just doesn't respond today with an approval, everything is off and I'm back on the waiting list for a new surgery date.
Will keep you posted.
Warmly,
Doreen
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Settled in St. Louis; however,
We arrived in St. Louis and are settled in. Today was full of pre-op tests including one big surprise. In the middle of getting my x-rays, Dr. Lenke's nurse walked in and said she was having a bit of an issue with my insurance. Three words I was not expecting to hear from her were, "Insurance denied surgery." That statement was immediately followed by, "You need to lay on your stomach so we can push your spine straight for the last x-ray."
I cannot begin to explain how I feel right now. We are getting different answers from the insurance company at this point. The insurance company told me and Jeremy that they are missing documents while they told the nurse they determined that the surgery will not benefit me.
I continue to pray that God guide me through this journey. Will post more when details unfold.
Warmly,
Doreen
I cannot begin to explain how I feel right now. We are getting different answers from the insurance company at this point. The insurance company told me and Jeremy that they are missing documents while they told the nurse they determined that the surgery will not benefit me.
I continue to pray that God guide me through this journey. Will post more when details unfold.
Warmly,
Doreen
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)