Life Threatining Disease

Well I just found out that to be approved for this surgery I must have something that is LIFE THREATING. Insurance Coord stated that I could have one of these and not know it. I weight 400 lbs, 25 yrs old, 5'10. So I called my doctor this morning and she is getting me in tomm. morning @ 9:45, I requested a full physical w/history (as presc by ins person), Diabetes Test and Sleep apnea test. The only things that I can think of to ask questions about is that i have mild essential hypertension and my joints begin to ache terribly if I stand on my feet for more than 20-30 mins. My ankels, knees, hip and lower back begins to ache that i have to lie down to ease the pain. Are any of these life threatning that could help qualify me for the surgery w/insurance. I have Humana w/The State of Kentucky.

Hi Ross, Sleep Apnea, diabetes and hypertension will help you on your way... keep us informed of your results and of your journey through this...it can sometimes be stressful as you wait to hear..but we have all been there and understand so if you need someplace to come for comfort..We are here for you. Brenda

Thanks so much!! The thing with me is that I don't take any medicine for any of these things. I haven't a clue as to what Mild Essential hypertension, exertional dyspnea is. However I am a firm beleiver that I do have Sleep Apnea. So I will see how it goes with the Doc tomm. I am not really the ideal patient, lol. Basically I only go when I am sick. I should be "lucky" that I have pretty good health with my weight, however I feel that I am nothing more than a ticking bomb waiting for something major to happen and I want this surgery to deter the risk of something like a heart attack, stroke, etc. I just pray that I have something that will qualify me. I know it's been forever and a day since I have updated my profile, but changes are happening with me so I guess it's time to send a update through... peace out, ross

Ross: Dyspnea with exertion is simply that you get short of breath with activity like walking short distances, going up a flight of stairs, mowing the yeard, etc.... Mild essential hypertension is the most common form of high blood pressure and means there is no identifiable cause, like people who have adrenal gland disorders, pregnancy or kidney problems. Humana State criteria for life threatening conditions is as follows: Patient must have one of the following in addition to a BMI of 40.1 or greater, history and physical with primary care physician, Dietician, Psychiatric and Bariatric evaluations and must have completed a structured weight loss program for 6 months (with documentation)... 1. Diabetes 2. Obstructive sleep apnea (documented by sleep study test)on C-Pap or Bi-Pap machine, but unable to tolerate machine. 3. Hypertension (high blood pressure)- on 3 medications only one of which may be a diuretic (fluid pill) and blood pressure still remains SBP 140 or greater and DBP 90 or greater 4. DJD (degenerative joint disease)- with xray diagnosis, with failed conservative treatment and letter from orthopedic surgeon If you have further questions we can help you with don't hesitate to contact Jennifer, the Human State insurance clerk for our office at: [email protected] Thanks! Cathi Roskind, RN Education/Support Coordinator The Bariatric Center at Georgetown