The good news is that my mom's blood pressure is not caused by a panic disorder or PTSD. The bad news is that it's probably - very likely actually - related to her having had 35 radiation treatments on her throat for cancer of the larynx back in 2002. (she smoked for 42 years - quit in 2000 and has had lung and throat cancer) And the other bad news is that the damage is not reversible and most likely it will be progressive. What does that mean? I'm not sure yet.
Dr. Stephen Messe at the University of Penn Med Center was very thorough, very kind and knowledgeable. He is the number 2 neurologist in the US. (According to my S-I-L's cousin Julie - who is a Biomedical Researcher at UofPenn). He was so kind in fact that if my mom's insurance doesn't cover him, he's not billing her.
He is sending her to a Renal specialist - it's more than that even - but I don't know the exacts yet. Most likely that means we'll be going to Albany or Syracuse to see this doctor - I only know of one kidney specialist in Utica area - and I believe he's not the type of specialist we are looking for.
So, my poor mom has a lot to chew on and get her head wrapped around. She has to get stronger so that she can come home. Please pray for her, that she'll have the strength for her exercises, the strength to face things as they come down the line and peace in knowing that God is with her and that we are all praying for her and will be there for her.
Thank you all...
4 comments:
Our Heavenly Father, Healer, Caretaker....
I pray today for Jeanie. Lord, it's been a loooonnnggg road to this point, and it appears that the road isn't getting any easier. I pray today that you'll wrap your arms around Jeanie and Michelle, give them your comfort, remind them that you are in control of all things. Please help Jeanie regain her strength so she can come home, and help keep up her spirits when the news isn't what they want to hear. Please guide the doctors to provide her with the care and treatment that will help her sustain her strength.
In Jesus' powerful name I pray. Amen.
Thank you so very much Mel - SO much to tell. Got a phone call from my sister in law this afternoon - she was very upset. The insurance company called her and told her that mom wasn't covered anymore for the nursing home because if she was ok to go to Philadelphia she was ok to go home. It didn't matter that she was in a wheelchair and unable to walk more than a couple of steps without two people at her side. This woman left a horrid message on Missi's cell phone and said that the case was closed and that was it. The nursing home is helping as much as they can and I made calls to United Healthcare as well. Not impressed with this woman who left such a rude message. It's not like mom went to PA to party! Ah well...God will get us through this as he has so much else. I have Faith!
Sorry to hear that mish. Healthcare in this country is pretty whacked. It is what keeps everyone at night. I am glad to see you going at it with a positive attitude. Hang in there. Bike rides do help.
I've worked in the healthcare industry for more than 20 years and there is one and only one rule:
The Squeeky Wheel Gets the Grease.
So Squeek - loud, long and often. It's a pain, but it's what you have to do. Make enough noise and you'll get what you need. If you have contacts in the media or lawyers, make reference to them. Use them if you have to. As soon as your treatment goes beyond a few basic doctor visits (or emergency visits), this becomes a necessity of life. It's a sad statement, but it's all about money. They don't want to spend it. ESPECIALLY if it's a healthplan that's recently been hit with a big lawsuit, like several of the big California plans have lately (which is why our jobs are going to India too, by the way - and when that happens, say goodbye to any semblance of customer service). Look at message boards related to United Healthcare and see what's going on at the corporate level. That knowledge could be helpful.
State run healthcare (either Medicare/Medicaid or socialized medicine like some people want) isn't any better. They're strapped for cash and need to save it whereever they can. If they can push you around and try to keep you from getting services, they will.
So keep squeeking! It's all they understand. Comments like "do I need to get my lawyer involved?" generally get some action....
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