Found Out Today Surgery Scheduled!

[Kim]

Hey Everyone
Got the news from Dr Bitans office today my insurance came through and I am going to have surgery June 26th! I just have to get my travel arrangements and hotel etc then call Annie back and finalize the date.
I just checked the hotel rates and apartment rates up there and boy did I get sticker shock!
But if thats what we have to do thats what we have to do!
So everyone say a prayer and keep thinking good thougths this has been a long road and hopefully its coming to a new beginning in my journey soon!
Kim

[chasswen]

congrads kims
super that things are begining to work out
chuck

[LBP]

Kim,

sorry if I missed this somewhere but are you having 2 levels of charite by Dr Bitan? whose your insurance? Are you in an HMO or PPO, or through a self insured company? And how many, if any, appeals did you go through?

[Kim]

I am having a fusion at L5/S1 and one level Charite at L4/L5. We are insured by UHC through my husbands employer. We went through the gammet last year trying to get them to approve 2 levels to no avail.
Dr Bitans office had no problems at all getting them to approve this combination surgery. We will have to pay for the disc itself and our copays and travel but that is much less than the costs of going to Europe.

[David]

Congratualtions!

I guess you "win" our "competition" (I am jealous!)

David

[chasswen]

at least your not fighting with yourseft about buying the biz class airline tickets now while there cheaper. nothings easy
and them being non refundable
best wishes
chuck

[LBP]

hmm not even an appeal for a combo??? UHC recently purchased my ins co and they are now about to drop me...wonder if I could squeeze in a hybrid like yourself.

[letteski]

Hi Kim,

You have done your homework and looked into all your options. I am so proud of you for coming to a decision and finding your way through all the red tape, obstacles and insurance battles you have been through your journey has been a difficult one.

I look forward to your recovery you will do great and I’m with you all the way.

[Kim]

Thanks everyone!
David I hope to feel like a winner when all this is said and done. Its not been an easy decision to make as you know and we have discussed all the pros cons etc. I just dont think I have the time left to wait on the Prodisc any longer and I feel this is the best opportunity available at this time.
Sometimes you have to take a leap of faith and I feel like I have jumped off the cliff! I do have a lot of faith in Dr Bitan and his crew! They have been wonderful, nothing but professional and caring!
They also can get things done and do them well! I hope and pray for all of you to have your surgery soon and that we can all be on the other side of this looking back at our posts and saying those were the days!
Chuck I am agonizing over NYC hotels lol that is worse than your Biz class tickets I swear it is! I almost had heart failure when I saw the rates up there for a single night let alone 12 which is what we will be there.
But I am done with that! We have decided to stay in the apartment that the Drs office recommended. It is not inexpensive but it does offer the comforts of home and will be much more comfy for us both before and after surgery plus its within walking distance of the hospital.
I am looking at flights as well. The ones I saw today I can get direct going up which is not the big problem but I can get a direct flight coming back sigh when I will need it most. I will have to look at this putere again tomorrow and do this one more time!
I got a royal headache doing this today! We all need to get together and have a big drink when this is done!
LOL

[chasswen]

kim
you are doing great.as my wife always says things have a way of working out.my thoughs and prayers are with for a safe travel and a successfull surgery as you know.
may force be with you
chuck