fini Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 It's gonna be a doozie. My wife Cathy goes in for surgery on Monday the 18th, and my daughter Paloma goes in on Thursday the 21st. To add to the stress, there's an element of uncertainty about both procedures. My wife might be getting anything from biopsies, to a full hysterectomy. They won't know untill they "get in there." She's amazingly upbeat and looking forward to this, although the "not knowing" makes it hard to plan, especially for the recovery. This will happen at UCSF, about an hour away. My daughter, 17, is scheduled for a Roux-En-Y gastric bypass (like Cal Blacksmith's). She suffers from off-the-charts acid reflux (causing debilitatingly painful esophageal spasms), and we've spent most of the year coming to the conclusion that this surgery is her best hope (many, many doctor visits, ph studies, endoscopes, and other tests). She has exhausted what medicine can do for her, and RNY is the definitive solution for acid reflux. As a side benefit (and the reason most get this operation), she will lose a lot of excess weight. This, of course, is the reason for most of these operations, which leads to the complications with her situation. It seems the insurance company (Blue Cross) requires a patient be on a 6-month medically supervised weight loss program to be considered for this operation. Now, Paloma has tried to lose weight, but it hasn't been a documented "program." Her doctor is fighting for her, setting up a peer review between himself and BC's doctors. As of right now, her surgery is denied, but still scheduled for Thursday. We're really hopeful of approval. The poor girl's been suffering too long, and we are working to get her back in school for her senior year. She missed 4 months of her junior year because of the acid reflux. So, keep the fingers crossed, and the positive vibes headed our way. With luck, all I will have to worry about is being a good nurse! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marvel Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 I've got you and your family on my list, fini. Besides... I owe you big time. Should I go down to the BC office here in Chattanooga and have a talk with them? Bruce Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fini Posted August 16, 2008 Author Share Posted August 16, 2008 Hey, if that helps, go for it! It's Blue Cross of Minnesota, though... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryC Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 Gregg, My very best wishes to Cathy and Paloma, and thanks to you for all your dedication in helping everyone to get through this. Larry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. RF62 Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 In my thoughts in and in my prayers fini. Best wishes fo a full recovery for both. I live with acid reflux as well, not on the level of your daughter but it is one uncomfortable conditions to have!! And if they were to put me on a diet, I'd be not much more than a skeleton. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators dtel Posted August 16, 2008 Moderators Share Posted August 16, 2008 Sure will Fini, we hope everything goes so well the only unusual part of the whole thing is you as their nurse. [] Take good care of them, and try not to let it get you down and cause you problems, they will need you when they come home. Keep us updated next week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldbuckster Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 We sometimes find these roadblocks on the road of life, we either stop, or we go around them, and carry on. Carry On fini, Carry On !!! My thoughts and prayers are with you, and your family .... You will guide them through it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Budman Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 good luck fini, hope everything goes well for all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CECAA850 Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 So, keep the fingers crossed, and the positive vibes headed our way. I'm not good at sending vibes, but I did say a prayer for you and yours. Speedy recovery, Carl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BLSamuel Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 Fini, Your wife and daughter are in our thoughts and prayers for successful surgeries and speedy recoverries and that the insurance comes through. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colterphoto1 Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 Lots of Forum Prayers going out for the Fini family this weekend. Keep us posted and take care of yourself too, the Fini ladies will need you to be in top shape as they recover. Michael Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WMcD Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 I'll say a prayer for both of them, and one extra for you. Best, Wm McD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daddy Dee Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 Gregg, Thanks for the heads up. Will be thinking of Cathy and Paloma in our prayers. Peace to you, my friend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seti Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 That is rough. Sending good vibes your way. I just got a mental picture of Fini in a nurses outfit complete with white hose lol [:|] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverSport Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 fini, Prayers and good thoughts buddy...it REALLY helps...keep your Spirits up! Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fini Posted August 16, 2008 Author Share Posted August 16, 2008 Thank you all SO much. Your support is incredible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sputnik Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 If I can offer any advice, it would be to get them out of the hospital and active as soon as they can tolerate it. I've become something of a surgery pro now - I've had five surgeries since my motorcycle wreck last fall and I still have one more to go. The hardest part of all was dealing with a MRSA infection that I picked up during my initial hospital/rehab stay - it took three operations and long bout on IV antibiotics to shake it. I think it's a fair question to ask the docs about their precautions for infections. Also, since they had to cut into same area so many times, I developed an incisional hernia ( hence the need for another surgery) - I think it's fair to inquire about this as well. I hope I haven't given you further cause for concern - I was in pretty rough shape and my initial operations were under emergency conditions so the procedures you're looking at should, hopefully, go much smoother. I'd never spent the night in a hospital before and now the thought of having another operation is no big deal anymore (I've grown to have a lot of confidence in the surgeons) - but don't be shy about asking any "stupid" questions. All the best for you and your ladies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Amy Posted August 16, 2008 Moderators Share Posted August 16, 2008 Thinking of you and your family for sure, fini. You'll be back in no time keeping us entertained with your unique humor [Y] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.4knee Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 Gregg consider it done. You, Cathy and Paloma will for sure be in our thoughts and prayers, hugs n good vibes from SoCal. BC p!sses me off too, they currently do not cover the CGMS system I want ot move to when my current insulin pump goes out of warranty in 18 mo. R/Jim n Michelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
customsteve01 Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.