Quiet time

I have been a little quiet since finding out that I finally got my surgery approved for the end of this month. It's not because things have been quiet, trust me, not my house. It's actually for a few different reasons.

We have been quite busy in our neck of the woods. There has been classes to attend, homework to be done, food to be made, dishes to be cleaned, laundry to be washed, folded, and put away, counters to wipe, tables to dust, kids to clean, races to attend, games to play, meds to take...you get the picture.

Tyler and Caleb have both received clean bills of health. Caleb has one more doctor's appointment in November to be sure his wrist is continuing to heal the way it should. He is cast free and able to do as he chooses.

My husband finally finished roofing our barn. It wasn't his most pleasant task but he did it anyway. It is typically of our life, as soon as he pulled the roof off, it began to rain. It rained for several days before he could get back up there. While roofing the barn, my step-father-in-law fell and shot himself in the leg with the nail gun.

I have finished two classes and another one finishes tonight. That leaves me with just two classes left for the semester! In January, I am going to start our degree completion program for my bachelor's degree. Nursing has been put on hold momentarily!

My surgery is schedule for October 27. I have been trying to not get to excited about it after the disappointing news in September. I am terrified that I am going to get a cold, the flu, or something worse before then and have to have it postponed once again. With all the flu going around it is completely possible. I need to stay healthy for one more week!

We had a great weekend. Fall break for AU was Friday and I enjoyed my extra day off. Spent time sleeping, visiting the eye doctor, and generally not doing anything. Saturday we raced and Sunday we cleaned. The boys played flag-football in our side yard and then decided to play some kind of dodge ball (with a busted ball) and our dog.

It's going to be a busy week, getting things ready before my sick leave starts! Lots to do and lots to learn! Enjoy your week!

Tyler taking a break from "dodge" ball

Tristan eyeing a "victim"

Caleb thinking "seriously!"


Logan laughing!

Caleb and Tristan playing tug with Tasha!

Glen and Tristan checking out the new iPod

Ricky "Booby" better watch out - Tristan's coming for him!

Check out Ricky Bobby...loser sign for someone!

Ricky chasing Cal!

We are stupid (or die hard fans)...standing in the cold for racing!

Lottery

Yesterday was a very rough day. I left work early because of my back pain. Fortunately, I have a great boss that has been very understanding of my situation. She was great about me leaving early and even indicated that if I needed to be off Friday, to let her know.

On my way home, I received a phone call from a number that I did not recognize. Due to the insurance situation I have been answer ALL calls (even though my habit is to not answer any call I do not recognize.)

Thank GOD I answered this call.

On the other line was Bruce from my insurance company. Bruce informed me that he had good news. Inside I felt like dying. I did not want to get my hopes up for another failure. Bruce informed me that the external review APPROVED my surgery! WOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOO

Then the tears began to flow! I was so happy that I had to pull off to the side of the road because I was crying so hard. The difference this time is they were HAPPY tears! I immediately called my husband to tell him the good news. Because I was crying he instantly said "they denied it again, didn't they?" I cried and cried and said "No...it has been approved. I get my surgery!"

I called my boss to let her know and I had the same reaction from her. She wasn't sure what was going on because of the tears! She sent this e-mail out to my co-workers:

OH HAPPY DAY!

The surgery has been approved! Chris called and wanted me to tell everyone thanks for the prayers. She was so happy, she was crying tears of joy.

Thanks be to God!

When I returned home, I sent a text to many of my family and friends to let them know the good news. I then called the doctor to reschedule the surgery. The next thing I did was call Patsy at Dr. Lilo's office. I wanted to thank her for all her help! Without her and many others this would not have been possible. I am so very thankful.

This has been such an emotional journey for me. I had finally come to terms with such a major surgery, only to have those crushed. I have been hurt, angry, frustrated, depressed, and any other emotion I could muster. Now there is joy! Although, I am still in significant pain, knowing that I am one step closer to healing makes me feel better.

My surgery has been rescheduled to October 27. I have three weeks to get caught up on homework, laundry, dishes, work, and life. Then I begin another journey of healing.

With all this "good luck", I think I might try the lottery!

Chris

Third times a charm?

My 2nd appeal was denied, so I have initiated the 3rd and final appeal. My case is going to an external reviewer for final determination. This reviewer will look at the medical documentation and decided whether or not surgery is necessary. This person is not bound by the guidelines and policies that my insurance company has set in place. If this person (an orthopedic spine surgeon) determines that I do, in fact, need this surgery, then my insurance company MUST pay for it. If this person decides that I do not need surgery, then my insurance does NOT have to pay for it.

I have learned that although my doctor (both original and spine surgeon) have determined that I need surgery, according to my insurance handbook it doesn't meet their guidelines. It doesn't mean that I don't need the surgery - it just means I don't fit in their neat little box that says I do.

I spoke to the gentleman in charge of my external review yesterday. He did get it out the door yesterday afternoon because I asked for it to be expedited. He indicated that the external reviewer has three business days to return an answer to them. He also said he expects to have an answer before the end of the week. So, at the latest, I will have an answer sometime Monday.

I am asking for continued prayers as I struggle through this journey. I have found myself through an emotional roller coaster in the last week. I have struggled with why this would happen to me. I am continuing to struggle with that. I have been hurt, frustrated, angry, and depressed over this situation. I am putting my trust in God, but some days I find that difficult. I know He does what is best for us, I just struggle with the thought that He is wanting me to continue to be in this amount of pain with no alternative other than medication. It doesn't make sense. Someone suggested to me it is what He wants and I don't believe it. I believe there is an outside force fighting with God to interfere with the desired outcome. So, each day I continue to pray for the best.

I lost the first appeal, I lost the second appeal, isn't the saying third times a charm?