comorbidity help

My pcp doesnt have much experience writing letters about WLS. SO I am going to write it up and have her sign it. I want to list all my comorbs, but I am not positive what they all include. I know what the usualy ones are, but what else can be inclused. For example, I have veins that have started to show through on my legs, is that one? How do I know if I have sleep apnea? please just list some comorbs, and I can research them. thank you all so much Shylo

Shylo, You have to go for a sleep test to determine sleep apnea. Here's a list that might help in your research: Comorbidities Cardiovascular Complications Diabetes Hypertension Elevated Cholesterol Elevated Triglycerides Heart Attack, Congestive Heart Failure Cardiac Arrhythmias, Sudden Death Stroke Renal Failure Pulmonary artery hypertension Cor Pulmonale (right heart failure) Pulmonary Complications Lung Restriction Shortness of Breath on Exertion Decreased Exercise Tolerance Asthma Heavy Snoring Obstructive Sleep Apnea Malignancies Breast Prostate Colon Uterine lining (endometrium) Other Medical Complications Heartburn (GERD) Joint and Back Pain Accelerated Degenerative Joint Disease Gallstone formation Hormonal Abnormalities Excess Estrogen Abnormal Menstrual Cycle Infertility Excess Testosterone Facial Hair Acne Stress Incontinence Varicose Veins Leg, ankle Swelling Rashes, Skin Infections, Excess Sweating, Panniculitis (infected abdominal skin fold) Pseudotumor Cerebri Nephrotic Syndrome Hernias Increased risk of certain cancers Steatohepatitis (fat induced hepatitis) Hypercoagulable States Pulmonary embolism Accidents/Trauma Gout Psychosocial Complications Lack of Self Esteem Social Rejection Loss of Job Potential Inappropriate Coping Strategies Depression Anxiety The good news is that most of these problems will improve as one loses weight through diet and exercise or through surgery such as gastric bypass. Even if irreversible damage has been done, such as joint breakdown, the damage will be easier to live with when one is lighter. Good Luck, Erika L

for sleep apnea you have to doen a sleep study done... most co-mobids are dx threw a dr... but here is a list of a few that i think should be checked for: acid refulx hypertension disbeties arthritis chronic pain anywhere edema high cholosteral (sp) other heart/lung issues headaches and so forth good luck to you ps.. most likely you will have to have a sleep study done with teh sugery anyway

All of your comorbid conditions will have to be medically diagnosed. You will have to provide medical documentation that you have the co-morbid conditions and that you are taking medication or being treated for them. For example, if you have sleep apnea, you are more than likely sleeping with a C-PAP machine. You would want to include how long you've had the C-PAP, what the settings on it are, etc. If you have high blood pressure you will want to include when you were diagnosed, what medications you are taking for it, how well the medication controls it, etc. If you are diabetic, what medications, how often, etc.

You might need to include the ICD numbers (your doctor will know what that is) for the medical and treatment diagnosis. Otherwise, anyone can say they have anything. They did ask for the settings on my C-PAP machine, but my surgeon requested that I leave it home for the hospital visit, which I was glad of, and as I lost nearly 50 pounds now, I really don't need it any more! Whne you list the comorbidity, add how it is being treated, and you should have no porblem. Good luck.