Medical Eval with Dr. Appel

Hi Y'all! Well, I had my Medical Eval! Hubby was so worried about traffic that we left home at 6:30 a.m. We got there at 7:30. The appointment was for 8:30! So we sat downstairs and waited for Chick-Fil-A to open up at 8:00 and had a biscuit and drink. There were 3 other ladies there, 2 had their hubby's with them. We were all shuffled off, weighed and put in rooms. April took my temp and blood pressure (mine was high 138/100) and she wasn't too happy. We got the cutest paper gowns to wear - LOL. Well, after about an hour and a half Dr. Appel came in. Hubby and I had the best time just sitting and talking and laughing. Am so glad he is also my bestest friend. Dr. Appel asked a bunch of questions and did a mini physical. He wasn't happy that I have a heart murmur but saw that I did have a Letter of Medical Clearance from my Cardiologist. He asked if I have had an echocardiogram and I told him I just had one so the Cardiologist would give me clearance. Well, he wants to see the report. Then he asked where Sugar Hill was and we told him it was near the Mall of Georgia. He asked if it was near the Blueberry one. Took me a minute to catch on to the joke (Blueberry Hill), but hubby got it right away. Then he said he noticed I had my gallbladder taken out and asked if I wanted another put in while he is in there. I said "No". Got another good laugh. He was concerned about my eyes. I have arcus senilis which is an opaque ring around the iris of the eyes. He thought I had contacts until he looked real close. It is from my extremely high cholesterol. Then I was told to dress and we were told to go back to the waiting room. I got worried because after about 10 minutes one of the nurses came out and said Dr. Appel needed to talk to me. I thought, Oh Lord, he won't do my surgery. He showed me the paperwork from my Cardiologist and it said that I had a cardiac catheterization done and wanted to know when. Well, it was 2 years ago and there were no real blockages, just needed a "cleaning". Well, he wants that report, too. So I went back to the waiting room, whipped out the cell phone and called my cardiologist's office and told them what I needed and gave them Dr. Appel's fax number. I can't believe I am down to the wire and there may be some issues! We had our group session, which I though was great. Some questions were asked by others that I didn't think of ... and I had a long list! It would have taken longer if he did a one-on-one. Besides, he had already asked during the medical eval if I had any questions that were in personal in nature that couldn't be answered in the group setting. April said that we will get a call in about a week with a pre-op and surgery date. They are already booked for July, so guess it will be August. I just hope that my cardio gets the paperwork to him soon so I don't have to wait any longer. It was 12:00 when we got done and hubby had to be in Buckhead for an interview at 2:00! It was pouring rain! We made it to the truck, he climbed in the backseat and changed into his suit! I was dying laughing. I asked if he remembered the last time he was in the back seat of a vehicle with his clothes off. He started laughing and said it has been a good 30 years. But our truck doesn't have a full backseat, just an extended cab, so it was really funny. We have a 2000 Silverado. I told him that people walking by were going to wonder why the truck was rocking and rolling!!! LOL At least we have tinted windows! Traffic was awful because of the rain, but we made it to Buckhead by 1:30. I sat at a cafe next door, had lunch (well, an appetizer) and read my book, then went next door and roamed through Pier 1. Didn't spend anything except $8 for lunch! Well, that was today's adventure! Will let you know when I get the call and the dates! So far I have been very happy with Dr. Appel and his staff. They have always returned calls and been very nice. I asked April if she had a copy of the authorization from the insurance company because I never got one. She copied the one in my file and gave it to me. It was just wonderful to be able to hold it in my hands!

Hang in there just a little while longer and you will be on the other side. Thanks for sharing. I could just imagine you DH in the back of the truck putting on his suit. May God bless you both, Theresa

Congrats Patti! I had mine yesterday afternoon with Dr. Steinberg. Since I got approved for the lap, I guess thats why I got assigned to him. I was really surprised to see how young he was. However, he seemed so very nice an patient. I was glad to be able to sit and chat with him. Funny my exam was nothing like yours-No gown, just neck breathing, etc... I think they are in the first part of August. My husband and I booked a trip to Vegas back in January for the 1st week of August, so my file is noted to book me anytime after the 10th. You are right. Everyone seems to be very nice,My nurse was Darlene, and I felt kind of sad because I have been dealing with April so much, I was kind of hoping I would meet her. I too will be getting my call early in the week with a date. During my waiting time, it seemed there were many folks there for other surgical procedures. I was lucky to meet an OH member, profile name Cookie Lucious who was there for her annual check up. She Looked fabulous, and it was inspiring as she informed me that her starting weight was where I currently am today. She looked AWESOME! Anyway, Dr' Appel's office rocks! Glad things went so well for you! Denise

It sure was nice reading your post I am scheduled for group 'orientation' July 22 with Dr. Appel ( I wi**** was the surgery lol) Just wanted to thank you for posting. Nice hearing from others with Dr. Appel.

Thanks for the compliment! Keep in touch.

Who will be at the support group meeting tonite? It starts at 7:30 at Northlake Hospital off of 285. It's on the 3rd floor in the physicians building...you go in through where the ER is. Dr. Ritz runs the groups if you have never been before. Hope to see some of you there! Sherry

I won't be at the meeting tonight. Today is my son's (my baby) birthday so we are going to do the birthday thing. He is 25 years old today. But I will be at the July 21st meeting. Patti