Had my consult yesterday

I was given papers to read and I did, but I'm not sure where to start. Dr. Wynn's office will make the appointment for the EGD (how's that?), they said it would probably take two months. So my question is what should my first step be. Dr. Wynn also said it would probably be 6 months from my consult till my surgery, that's pretty quick. Do I contact my insurance company to verify they cover each pre-op test? I did once and they said as long as it was medically necessary it was covered. I am excited but I just don't know where to start. She also said recovery is 1 month, I have a desk job is that the same recovery? Thanks for all the helpful information you can provide. On a good note I asked her about excess skin, she said since I haven't been overweight my whole life and my skin felt good that she doubted I would need PS. Sorry if I just rambled but no one knows I'm gonna do this except my husband and a co-worker. I don't know how I'm going to tell my parents. Thanks again. Michele

Hi Michele, The place I started was to call and make all my pre-op appointments...cardiologist, pulmonologist, PMRI appts etc. Call and find out what your insurance will cover. PMRI won't submit to BCBS but I filed it myself and those appointments are covered at 80% with my insurance, it was just a matter of making sure I got a receipt and filling out a claim form. The office will schedule your EDG, you will get a letter in the mail with your date on it letting you know when it's to happen. As far as recovery times go that will really depend on how fast you recover and what you feel up to doing as well as what Dr. Wynn feels is best. I am a stay home mom so that wasn't an issue with me. I recoered very nicely and had no pain and no issues with fatigue, had I wanted to go back to a desk job I would have been comfortable within 2 weeks I'd say, however having said that everyone is different. Take enough time and allow yourself to heal, you will be much better off in the long run. I guess really the main thing is getting all your clearances scheduled. Those can really take up alot of time and it's often a case of hurry up and wait. Good luck and I hope you're on your way soon. Linda

Hey Michele!!!! Congrats on your consult!!! Linda (LB) already answered your questions, so I just wanted to say hello and wish you the best. And as far as needing a place to "talk" ... this is a great place to do just that!!! Good to have you around!

Hi MIchelle, Oh I can remember my first appointment as if it were yesterdy. It was January 2 of this year and i'm scheduled for surgery Sept. 8...I have BCBS and they did jerk me around a bit. Every time I called I got a different story and ended up wasting weeks!! I found that Misty in Dr. Wynn's office to be most helpful. She deals with all the different insurance companies and can guide you thru the process if you need help. She saved my sanity! I honestly think I would have given up by now had it not been for her!! I was also able to find one rep within BCBS and I talked to her each time I called--afterr that things seemed to move along very quickly. Take notes, jot down names, dates and times and keep calling back if you don't get the answers you're looking for. My only other suggestion is to use your own cardiologist if you have one. I used Dr. Kumar who was referred by Dr. Wynn's office and my experience was not pleasant. Tooooo much time was wasted. Very poor communication between the doctor, office and myself. PRMI appointments were quick. Don't forget the support groups-gosh did I learn a lot there and I met so many wonderful people. Good luck! Gwen