Hybrid surgery finally authorized~

Eddie G · #1 (**permalink**) 10-17-2006, 01:17 PM

Great news! (for all ADR peeps!) The more approvals the merrier!
Good for you, and for everyone following you, trying to get approved.

Like I've said before, the trick is to refuse the fusion happy surgeons in your insurance co. (That includes the I.M.E.)

I only regret that NYU won't allow a patient advocate into the O.R. so I just asked that Dr. Goldstein follow up with me the next day and not someone who has no clue what happened to me in the O.R. (like my last surgery)
It really sux waking up alone with no answers.
I'll find my answers in the bottom of my morphine drip! (hiccup)

I'm not allowed to have my XM satellite radio but I can have my Minidisc. I'm making my 45 hour tape right now of funny stuff to keep me happy between drips.

Congratulations!

mrbee · #2 (**permalink**) 10-17-2006, 04:45 PM

Hi Maria,

What terrific news after the long wait you have endured! I pray that this surgery will be a success. Keep us posted as to your decision on when and where. I think of you often and pray that God will relieve you of your back pain. I do know that after the incredible wait you have gone through it seemed like it would never happen. With Mark attending your meeting with WC to share his awesome knowledge is a blessing and what a testimony that Mark is here to help those of us in such need for answers to the complex and frustrating world of spinal medicine!

Thank you Mark for your continued committment to helping those folks in such need. Maria do keep us in touch as this was the best news to hit this new forum and our community in a while! I am so glad for you what a relief but now the next step, always the next step, keep on heading forward and keep God in the equation!

God Bless you,

Willie Beeson
Mrbee
"Post five surgeries, pain free, no drugs and all the glory to God" A life restored!

letteski · #3 (**permalink**) 10-18-2006, 01:58 AM

Maria,

What great news I am so happy for you. I don't know anyone that deserves to be on the operating table more then you. I hope that on my next visit to LA we can get together and celebrate your new back.

God Bless and keep me posted

Maria · #4 (**permalink**) 10-19-2006, 04:23 AM

edited as necessary

Maria · #5 (**permalink**) 10-19-2006, 11:59 PM

The Nurse Case Manager called me today and told me that she talked w/the claims adjustor who said I can have surgery "whenever I want with whomever I want" since WCAB UR authorized the surgery!!! Whoopee!
The claims adjustor said the next step was for me to get a psychological evaluation and I said actually the next step would be for the surgeon to order it if that was deemed necessary. She agreed. Just glad that finally the fight is over and I actually have a written statement saying that the surgery has been authorized~

sahuaro · #6 (**permalink**) 10-20-2006, 03:24 AM

What a relief that WC has finally put you in control of your life!
Wishing both you and your dad all the best.

ans · #7 (**permalink**) 10-20-2006, 05:39 AM

Great news Maria. I feel like I'm 75 years old on Melrose Blvd.

Wondering if they would pay for you to see Dr. B. and in-CA follow up if you can show that this would be cost-beneficial to them (and mellower for you re: Cortoss).

Good luck, ans

Maria · #8 (**permalink**) 10-20-2006, 04:58 PM

Allan,
I have wondered about something like that as well tho am fairly certain this is just for in US authorization using FDA approved devices and so forth.

I have thought that if post op I start to have subsidence I would definately want to take my money and run off to Europe to have the Cortoss injected if Dr.B could/would do that.

When I start thinking of myself, like everyone I get this "what if" scenario going and sometimes I have to stop myself as I start getting a migraine. I think I've been over and over this all for years now and in talking things over with Mark have come to a conclusion on what to do and where that would be in my best interests at the time (hopefully).

If only WC didn't penalize a person for using a less expensive option... but it's a bull headed system with little rhyme or reason as far as I'm concerned. Oops, thankfully the bullheaded system has some mechanism for making appropriate decisions albeit slower than frozen molasses

Maria · #9 (**permalink**) 10-20-2006, 05:01 PM

Allan,
Melrose was a blast~ I found this great little boutique that had butt lifting jeans and a really incredibly soft little champagne colored leather jacket that was a *must buy* since I was in a celebratory mood~ the butt lifting jeans had to wait as they were truly as expensive as the jacket...

I felt like a youthful 75!!!!