WANTING TO GIVE UP! NEED SOME ANGELS PLEASE!

Hi.....Everyone, I feel like giving up, but I know I can't and I won't, finding a doctor is so frustrating, and not having as much family or friend support can be discouraging, I am fighting this alone. It's been rough here in Philly for me for many reasons, I'm not from this region, been here 3 years, and being from New Orleans, La. people are so much more friendly etc.... I'm on my third doctor and trying to fight for this surgery has been quite an adversity here in the Philadelphia area. Need so much support, I don't own an automobile, and so transportation is minimal, as well as facing the challenge of a lack of mobility for the last three years in that I also have a degenerative spine, a thyroid problem that almost totally afflicted me, and last but not least I am 49yrs of age, single no kids, feeling all alone, with the exception of God on my side, I do not know if I would make it. Sigh...... Keep me in your prayers!

Hi Pamela, I don't know of any doctors in your area. The insurance can be a real roadblock but perhaps if you have a letter from your doctor stating the reasons why this operation is necessary it will start the ball rolling. It is hard to be away form home and not knowing many paolpe. I can say that the friends on this web are very supportive and helpful. I do remember visiting borders and pouring over the books of GBS prior to my surgery. In the back of som eof the books they have sample letters etc that you or a doctor can write to assist in the battle with the insurance companies. Sorry I don't remember the tittles but just pull some at your local book store and see what you might find. Take care and try to stay strong in this journey! May you realize your dream and may it happen soon. Peace, Terre

Thanks Terre: Your recommendation will be considered. Thanks for taking the time to respond and for those encouraging words.

Terre Please get in contact with me upon your arrival back in town. Looking forward to speaking with you. Feel free to email me at your convenience. Hope your trip was awesome...

Pamela, First off, take a minute and breathe and relax. I will try and help you do research to find a doc that will accept your insurance. I am leaving late tonight or early tomorrow and will be out of town for the next several days, but will do all I can to help you when I get back. I know what it is like to move to a new area and not have much family around. It is hard. But I will do all I can to help you out, okay? Not really sure how much I will be able to help, but you can count on me giving you my best. You said in an earlier post that you were not having much success finding a doc in the Philly area. My thoughts are since you are in the Philly area and don't have a car, you may want to reconsider looking for a doc in your area. Have you gone through all the docs records in PA on the OH message board? Here is a link that you can go to and click on the docs and it will give you a list of the types of insurance they have already processed. This gives you the option to peek at them without actually calling them. Plus it gives you the opportunity to read what patients of theirs have said about them. And if you click on the patients name you can email them and ask further questions if you like. http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/bariatric+surgeons+in+pennsylvania.html We had a guy on here the other day that posted about his surgeon in Philly who he simply adored, felt there was no one better. He emailed me and told me that this doc was the same doc that did reconstructive surgery on the big teams in the Philly area. His father is the chief of surgery and recommended him ( I think that was what it was) anyway, here is the link that he posted with the docs name and all. If you email him, I am sure he would be more than glad to give you further information. His name was Stuart and here is his post http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/state-forums/DE/postdetail/11580.html?vc=0 As for the docs in our area ... I love them, but am not sure if they take your insurance, but you could always call and see. But something you may want to keep in mind ... there is a lot of before tests and after care appointments that you will need to make. Plus if there is ever an emergency, our docs want you seen in Christiana ... and that is a pretty long trip in an emergency situation. Just food for thought. Now about giving up ... don't ever give up sweetie. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." We have a gal right here who is in the hospital right now, who has had to really struggle and wait and wait and wait to get everything lined out for her surgery. She did not get clearance for her surgery until just a couple of days before hand. So don't give up, don't ever give up on the Lord or your dreams. Remember He is bigger than any obstacle you may encounter on this path. Pamela, I have to run right now ... tons to do before my trip, but please know that you have people here who will do what they can to help support you during this trial. God Bless you! Tammy

Tammy, While reading your words of recommendation, suggestions, and most of all your wonderful and sincere words of encouragement. I'm coming to realize that I am not alone for when someone such as yourself, is yet willing to express such care and incentive, it's allows me to know that "I can do all things through Christ that strenghtens me". I will definitely consider all recommendations. Thank you so very much taking time....... Peaceful Blessings to You....

Baratrics has a great program in the Philadelphia area. From what I have seen and the support group meetings that I have attended the surgeons are excellent, the staff is extremely caring, and they don't seem to have the long waiting lines that we have down here.

Pamela - Please, keep your chin up. Remain positive - push the negative away. You CAN get through this. Take a deep breath and let it out slowly. Ok, life is still good, right? Having God on your side is about the most important thing you can have. As far as being single? I'm 43 years old, never married, yes I have a child because I chose to adopt at the ripe old age of 37.5 yrs old..just remember, we all have a cross to bear, so be careful what you ask for? Stand tall and proud, Pamela. You are a good person and good things WILL happen for you. Your friend, Valerie

Hi Pamela, It seems like you've gotten some really good suggestions so far. Here is one other. I had my surgrey done at Johns Hopkins because although I live in DE, the wait was too long. In my search, I contacted both U or Penn and Temple University. I would suggest you make a preliminary appt at one of those places--get your self in and seen. My surgeon and his team really helped me fight the insurance battles. Get a few of those folks on the fight. Also getting your doc involved is great advice. Can he or she make a special referral call to get you in to see someone? This battle can be tough--so you have to be also. If it's what you want then keep on it until you get it. You got lots of people on this end cheering you on. You go girl!