Tomorrow is yet another pre-op day, with the fine folks at Vanderbilt Bone and Joint. Time for me to fall into the "beast" of a car and make the 1 and a half hour drive to Franklin. Which very soon after the move will be two hours but what's thirty minutes? Of course by then I will have a chaperone in a red minivan. Awe yes, riding sideways with my unloader brace and narcotic painkillers. High roller indeed!
All week I've been thinking of questions to ask Dr Looney, they would take all day. So I figure its best to let him talk and what he doesn't cover, I will. I do wonder how long I'll be on crutches, I figure non-weightbearing for 6-8 weeks, since the plan is to have an osteotomy. I am having a bit of a shoulder issue that occurrd after the last round of crutches, worsened after a workout. I know I'm looking at a recovery of nearly two years but would like that broke down into when I'll feel "normal" again.
I received a phone call from Top Rehab today. They seem to have a knack of calling right before I have surgery. Strange, eerie? I don't know. Maybe, they wanted to see if I'm still alive, so I will send them some money? Well they found out I'm alive and no I can't send money.
In all seriousness, Fran, was really nice, as always when she calls to ask how I'm doing and just check up. I believe she was even thrilled to hear I'd be coming back in for more "pt"(pain and torture).
Andrea Turner, will be thrilled to help me sort through the 72 week rehab. See ya soon Andi!
Dr Looney won't be thrilled with how much weight I've gained but that will make two of us. I shall lose ten pounds or so after surgery, albeit, quad muscle mass, if there is any left to lose.
I haven't received my test results from my visit with Dr Schweitzer, hopefully, I will get them before pre-op tomorrow. I am definitely staying away from the EKG technician at VB&J, and any parading around like Holly Madison. Today was election day I do hope you exercised your right! Well folks, that's all I have will give further report tomorrow.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Seems Real Now
Last Friday, Dan Gates, the surgery scheduler, called me from Vanderbilt Bone and Joint, to officially schedule my surgery & post-op dates. My pre-op appointment is Friday, yes I know I have already been through pre-op but their policy is only good for thirty days and it is just beyond that, so I'm going again. Dr Looney, wants to consult and prep a little more about the aci, as I still have many questions. You must be thinking, how many more answers does she need? Well detail oriented as I am, I can never have enough answers. Even simple things like, how soon can I shower? Will I need a bed pan? Who's going to change it? Right on up to the bigger ones, how long of a recovery? How much pain? What type of osteotomy? I'm not necessarily a creature of habit just one who plans a lot.
I even emailed my Genzyme liasion to confirm they received all required paperwork. I got a prompt reply from Mr Brooks and all is set and final phase of cell growth is underway.
I am on fire this week! Feeling better than I have in months & taking care of business. I even found a new primary care physician named, Dr Meredith Schwietzer. She is really great, we got along well and we seem to share the same ideals, as far as, natural, alternative styles. I made the appointment for a couple of reasons, 1 its been years since I've had a good primary care physician and 2. To tell someone other than my family about my depression and insomnia. Frankly, they're tired of hearing about it and I'm tired of talking to them. Lol!
Dr Schwietzer, not only listened but was very compassionate and offered great advice. I chose not to take any antidepressants or other medication. I hate taking medicine of any kind, even though sometimes it is appropriate. I have had a different mindset this past week and just hope it continues.
Via her scales my weight gain is 65 pounds not 50, I'm going with mine. I also had the standard blood & urine tests to give everything a good once over. Especially, my thyroid, I would like to blame my weight issues on it being under active, over my stuffing food in my mouth.
I also wanted to get a good wellness check before surgery, incase anything is out of whack. Like say a thyroid. Lol my bloodwork should be back before pre-op. She also wanted to do an Ekg but I was quick to point out I recently had one. Remember, I was exposed like I was preparing for a playboy photoshoot. Somebody is still having nightmares I'm sure! On well learn how to perform a 12 lead, while leaving a person their dignity. I'm almost certain that nurse used to work at an obstetrician & gynecologist office.
Enough about that, with all the hustle and bustle of Dr visits, the aci surgery seems real now, as do the challenges I will face over the next 18 months.
I even emailed my Genzyme liasion to confirm they received all required paperwork. I got a prompt reply from Mr Brooks and all is set and final phase of cell growth is underway.
I am on fire this week! Feeling better than I have in months & taking care of business. I even found a new primary care physician named, Dr Meredith Schwietzer. She is really great, we got along well and we seem to share the same ideals, as far as, natural, alternative styles. I made the appointment for a couple of reasons, 1 its been years since I've had a good primary care physician and 2. To tell someone other than my family about my depression and insomnia. Frankly, they're tired of hearing about it and I'm tired of talking to them. Lol!
Dr Schwietzer, not only listened but was very compassionate and offered great advice. I chose not to take any antidepressants or other medication. I hate taking medicine of any kind, even though sometimes it is appropriate. I have had a different mindset this past week and just hope it continues.
Via her scales my weight gain is 65 pounds not 50, I'm going with mine. I also had the standard blood & urine tests to give everything a good once over. Especially, my thyroid, I would like to blame my weight issues on it being under active, over my stuffing food in my mouth.
I also wanted to get a good wellness check before surgery, incase anything is out of whack. Like say a thyroid. Lol my bloodwork should be back before pre-op. She also wanted to do an Ekg but I was quick to point out I recently had one. Remember, I was exposed like I was preparing for a playboy photoshoot. Somebody is still having nightmares I'm sure! On well learn how to perform a 12 lead, while leaving a person their dignity. I'm almost certain that nurse used to work at an obstetrician & gynecologist office.
Enough about that, with all the hustle and bustle of Dr visits, the aci surgery seems real now, as do the challenges I will face over the next 18 months.
Insurance advice
Let me say a few things about insurance companies. First, the percentage is high that they will deny a procedure the first and even second time. (My ACI was denied three times before approval). Let's face it, they make money by ripping you off. I was offered a job, selling insurance once, I turned it down. After listening to a con artist trying to con me, I realized I could never play that game.
If denied, go through the appeals process and request a "peer to peer" with your physician and your insurance medical director. That's were they discuss your case, hopefully leading to an approval.
Second, don't give up!
Start a letter campaign to your insurance provider, not just one but multiple letters. Request another appeal by the carriers medical board. Seek multiple "second" opinions from qualified physicians. Call your carrier at least twice a week, if not everyday to check on the progress. Don't let them forget you.
Third, Use your state Representatives
They are there to represent their constitutes and are happy to help. Healthcare Reform is always a hot topic issue.
Finally,(Which should be the first thing you do). Be sure to read your insurance policy and see what items are covered and how much is covered. Be familiar with the pre-certification and appeals process. Save all EOB's and record all contact made with your insurance. Who you talked to, what department, what date and time, what assistance, if any, they provided. Don't be fooled into paying upfront costs, if someone from your insurance carrier requests that, direct them to your surgeons and Genzymes insurance liasions.
That didn't happen to me but I have heard about cases, were it did. Don't aggravate your Dr to death. I'm sure Dr Looney was about to go, well looney, getting my approval. Cigna would tell me to call him,that they needed him to call and they needed to talk to a health care professional. What the hell am I? Dr Looney would be waiting on them to call, then they didn't. All while I was crying(not literally) in his ear or rather email. So in my case Cigna was real good at giving me the run around But persistence paid off.
I am going to give a huge shout out to Dr Looney and his staff for fighting the insurance giant and getting me one step closer to healing.
If denied, go through the appeals process and request a "peer to peer" with your physician and your insurance medical director. That's were they discuss your case, hopefully leading to an approval.
Second, don't give up!
Start a letter campaign to your insurance provider, not just one but multiple letters. Request another appeal by the carriers medical board. Seek multiple "second" opinions from qualified physicians. Call your carrier at least twice a week, if not everyday to check on the progress. Don't let them forget you.
Third, Use your state Representatives
They are there to represent their constitutes and are happy to help. Healthcare Reform is always a hot topic issue.
Finally,(Which should be the first thing you do). Be sure to read your insurance policy and see what items are covered and how much is covered. Be familiar with the pre-certification and appeals process. Save all EOB's and record all contact made with your insurance. Who you talked to, what department, what date and time, what assistance, if any, they provided. Don't be fooled into paying upfront costs, if someone from your insurance carrier requests that, direct them to your surgeons and Genzymes insurance liasions.
That didn't happen to me but I have heard about cases, were it did. Don't aggravate your Dr to death. I'm sure Dr Looney was about to go, well looney, getting my approval. Cigna would tell me to call him,that they needed him to call and they needed to talk to a health care professional. What the hell am I? Dr Looney would be waiting on them to call, then they didn't. All while I was crying(not literally) in his ear or rather email. So in my case Cigna was real good at giving me the run around But persistence paid off.
I am going to give a huge shout out to Dr Looney and his staff for fighting the insurance giant and getting me one step closer to healing.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
My Old Self
I have had two great days! Monday, I spent with family and had a little family outing. Tuesday, I woke up feeling like my "old self." Something I really haven't posted on here but I'm sure has been apparent to everyone, is that I've had a case of the "blues." Okay, maybe depression that's my own diagnosis and not that of a trained professional. I'm a paramedic, doesn't that automatically give us a minor in psychology? Maybe not, anyone crazy enough to be in EMS needs a good shrink. Wonder, if Dr Phil is available?
I came to that conclusion from one of those anti-depression medication commercials, the ones that say, have you lost interest? Oh wait, that was Cialis, Nevermind.
Now that I'm lucid, I would say I have been down in the dumps, since the first surgery nearly a year ago and it didn't help when I was "released" from work. You know, I always wondered what a Kentucky race horse feels like when its put out to pasture, when their racing days are done. Probably like this, walking with a limp and at least a 50 pound weight gain.
I mailed the Carticel package today and now let the final cell growing phase begin. I must also make an appointment to see Dr. Looney to discuss the particulars of the procedure. After reading this he may have me put into the Centennial Psych Ward. At least I won't be in there for addiction, assuming food addiction doesn't count.
The knee has been on the tender side this week, but I have been working it very hard to build up muscle tone. And like any cartilage free knee increased activity equals increased pain. That must ring true for AC joints in shoulders since I have had to critically limit overhead weight lifting. Again, my own diagnosis but should certainly be interesting on crutches.
I may only be having a "manic moment" here by sharing this but the blog is about How Knee Surgery Changed My Life and I feel emotional difficulties or triumphs should be included. I am not the only one who suffers from them and feel others may benefit from my airings. There are worst things in the world than knee surgery and financial ruin, as anybody in the business of life and death knows but while you're dealing with it you tend to lose sight of the bigger picture.
I came to that conclusion from one of those anti-depression medication commercials, the ones that say, have you lost interest? Oh wait, that was Cialis, Nevermind.
Now that I'm lucid, I would say I have been down in the dumps, since the first surgery nearly a year ago and it didn't help when I was "released" from work. You know, I always wondered what a Kentucky race horse feels like when its put out to pasture, when their racing days are done. Probably like this, walking with a limp and at least a 50 pound weight gain.
I mailed the Carticel package today and now let the final cell growing phase begin. I must also make an appointment to see Dr. Looney to discuss the particulars of the procedure. After reading this he may have me put into the Centennial Psych Ward. At least I won't be in there for addiction, assuming food addiction doesn't count.
The knee has been on the tender side this week, but I have been working it very hard to build up muscle tone. And like any cartilage free knee increased activity equals increased pain. That must ring true for AC joints in shoulders since I have had to critically limit overhead weight lifting. Again, my own diagnosis but should certainly be interesting on crutches.
I may only be having a "manic moment" here by sharing this but the blog is about How Knee Surgery Changed My Life and I feel emotional difficulties or triumphs should be included. I am not the only one who suffers from them and feel others may benefit from my airings. There are worst things in the world than knee surgery and financial ruin, as anybody in the business of life and death knows but while you're dealing with it you tend to lose sight of the bigger picture.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
More Fancy Knee Words
It has been awhile, since I have laid out some fancy medical terms. So here goes the story of surgery number two. Picture it May 2010, persistent Left knee pain after Microfracture in September 2009. MRI showed no ligament injury but appeared the microfracture had failed.
Onwards to the Lateral Release: this procedure was done arthroscopically along with another chondroplasty of the patella. Autologous Chondrocyte implantation biopsy and Anterior interval release(infrapatellar contracture scarring release with infrapatellar plica release).
Myself and Dr Looney had already discussed ACI prior to this procedure and two tic tacs were obtained as well for Carticel. No, not breath mints but basically, healthy chondrocytes taken for growth equal to the size of a tic tac. Sounds good to me, does it work for you?
The patella defect now measured 2.5cm x 1cm and the medial femoral chondyle measured 2cm x 1cm and was a grade 4 defect.
This surgery resulted in a decrease in patella pain and was definitely the easiest of the two. A lot of people are reluctant to have a lateral release but for me it seems to have helped. I had some sharp pains near the trochlea but that was from the biopsy. The chondyle pain is still there but its on a weightbearing portion of my knee and nothing a lateral release could relieve, anyway.
After the surgery I was given 6 stitches, a ROM brace and thanks to a femoral nerve block, very little pain. Perhaps, I haven't warped your mind and sent you into a medical term coma,but rather given you some insite of the world of knee repair.
Onwards to the Lateral Release: this procedure was done arthroscopically along with another chondroplasty of the patella. Autologous Chondrocyte implantation biopsy and Anterior interval release(infrapatellar contracture scarring release with infrapatellar plica release).
Myself and Dr Looney had already discussed ACI prior to this procedure and two tic tacs were obtained as well for Carticel. No, not breath mints but basically, healthy chondrocytes taken for growth equal to the size of a tic tac. Sounds good to me, does it work for you?
The patella defect now measured 2.5cm x 1cm and the medial femoral chondyle measured 2cm x 1cm and was a grade 4 defect.
This surgery resulted in a decrease in patella pain and was definitely the easiest of the two. A lot of people are reluctant to have a lateral release but for me it seems to have helped. I had some sharp pains near the trochlea but that was from the biopsy. The chondyle pain is still there but its on a weightbearing portion of my knee and nothing a lateral release could relieve, anyway.
After the surgery I was given 6 stitches, a ROM brace and thanks to a femoral nerve block, very little pain. Perhaps, I haven't warped your mind and sent you into a medical term coma,but rather given you some insite of the world of knee repair.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Get Well Soon
I am happy to report that Teri from Texas, had great news during her surgery. Get well Soon!
Its been a few days since my last report, no news is good news yes? I have been super busy trying to move and take care of a few financial things, so that is taking up most of my time.
I started working out again after a week break and lets just say, the workout has kicked my ass. My biceps are screaming at me just for typing and my knee says hello as well.
I have almost completed my first novel and plan to have it complete and to the editor by surgery day. That gives me 32 days, yikes! My novel is called WE Cry Too and is about EMS and details their life, as well as the lives of the patients they serve. I am very excited and hope that I can bring a greater understanding about the family of EMS providers.
On knee news I am happy to say that my knee hasn't been weak, i.e. giving away, locking up, etc. Just the "normal" pain that is constant. Last night after my workout I had some stabbing pains in both medial and lateral sides of the knee. There is still pain upon touch were the lateral release was performed. But that is normal, it's only been three months. I still have a long way to go, getting the quad muscles built back up. My balance isn't any better and I'm sure it's not going to improve, that appears to be a problem unrelated to my knee.
I'm also adding a few lunges to the workout, perhaps not true lunges due to my inability to completely bend or squat.
On a lighter note, joke here, I have lost five pounds on my way to at least twenty before surgery. So all in all its been a good week.
Its been a few days since my last report, no news is good news yes? I have been super busy trying to move and take care of a few financial things, so that is taking up most of my time.
I started working out again after a week break and lets just say, the workout has kicked my ass. My biceps are screaming at me just for typing and my knee says hello as well.
I have almost completed my first novel and plan to have it complete and to the editor by surgery day. That gives me 32 days, yikes! My novel is called WE Cry Too and is about EMS and details their life, as well as the lives of the patients they serve. I am very excited and hope that I can bring a greater understanding about the family of EMS providers.
On knee news I am happy to say that my knee hasn't been weak, i.e. giving away, locking up, etc. Just the "normal" pain that is constant. Last night after my workout I had some stabbing pains in both medial and lateral sides of the knee. There is still pain upon touch were the lateral release was performed. But that is normal, it's only been three months. I still have a long way to go, getting the quad muscles built back up. My balance isn't any better and I'm sure it's not going to improve, that appears to be a problem unrelated to my knee.
I'm also adding a few lunges to the workout, perhaps not true lunges due to my inability to completely bend or squat.
On a lighter note, joke here, I have lost five pounds on my way to at least twenty before surgery. So all in all its been a good week.
Friday, July 9, 2010
The Date is Set
I had an excitement filled Independence Day Holiday. I spent a few days with the family without the knee acting up too much. I viewed a holiday airshow and fireworks display, never have I heard Independence themed music, along with Johnny Cash and the Beach Boys, followed by Rocky Top.All while fireworks lit up the night sky. I caught a couple of fire truck filled parades. I thought parades consisted of floats, bands and pride of our country, not atv's and sirens. Not that I'm opposed to hearing sirens, it has been awhile since I have listened to the scream of one while driving through rush hour traffic only to get trapped by one SOB that refuses to move over.
I digress, come on people, get a little patriotic.My rant is over, I did enjoy myself just merely making a point. I fired up the grill and burned some corn, squash and various meat products. I never claimed to be a chef! When I push the plate away from me, BEWARE.
When I returned home, I had a FED EX package waiting. It was from the Carticel group confirming my surgery date for August 17th. I am ecstatic that its all come together. I was hoping for a July surgery but that gives me a month to lose the 20lbs, I've been losing for the past 4 months.
Where is Jillian Michaels, when I need her?
While on my holiday, I neglected my knee exercises, slightly. Well maybe more than that and it's mildly stiff and increased in pain. I predict with a couple days of normal routine it will be back to its, postop normal.
In closing, I want to thank Dr. Looney for his good works and listening to my bitching and getting Cigna inline. And wish good luck to Teri during her knee surgery scheduled for Monday.
I digress, come on people, get a little patriotic.My rant is over, I did enjoy myself just merely making a point. I fired up the grill and burned some corn, squash and various meat products. I never claimed to be a chef! When I push the plate away from me, BEWARE.
When I returned home, I had a FED EX package waiting. It was from the Carticel group confirming my surgery date for August 17th. I am ecstatic that its all come together. I was hoping for a July surgery but that gives me a month to lose the 20lbs, I've been losing for the past 4 months.
Where is Jillian Michaels, when I need her?
While on my holiday, I neglected my knee exercises, slightly. Well maybe more than that and it's mildly stiff and increased in pain. I predict with a couple days of normal routine it will be back to its, postop normal.
In closing, I want to thank Dr. Looney for his good works and listening to my bitching and getting Cigna inline. And wish good luck to Teri during her knee surgery scheduled for Monday.
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