y'all keep me in your thoughts Monday

Yeah I know it's not a big deal, but it's surgery nonetheless. I've been to the doctor and have been diagnosed with gallstones. So I'm having that pesky thing removed Monday, 10/17/05. I've consulted with my surgeon about this, he had me get an ultrasound and he recommended removal. He'll do this laparoscopically and it's an outpatient deal. Sounds easy enough, definitely easier than that open RNY 16 months ago Tricare is covering this under their " blanket referral" at this point but they're pretty stupid about paying any extras. I tried to get them to approve me for travel expenses as this is a 3 hour drive now to the New Orleans Westbank where my surgeon is located, the twinspan being closed, the causeway is usually crowded and it's... well.. it sucks ! They said the ONLY way they would approve travel assistance is if there was NO surgeon around me who would do the surgery. I tried to explain to them that due to me having RNY, no other surgeon would do it, but they want written proof and I should have my surgeon refer me to one of the local surgeons and ONLY upon their denial to do surgery would they give their OK for travel assistance to see my original surgeon. Red tape and bureaucracy. Geez. I told them, well, just NEVER F***** MIND and I would rather have my surgeon operate on me than someone who has no clue about RNY and the mechanics of it. That's who I trust and that's who will operate. Thanks for nothing, Tricare Customer Service Idiots!!! ohhhh.. and in case you're wondering.. I DID talk to a supervisor about this and they insisted I would have him refer me.. I said... well I am NOT about to go thru any more pain while I wait for the other surgeons to deny me. This surgeon is putting me on the calendar at his earliest opening and THAT is the kind of service I expect, not being shoved around by my insurance Think I was a bit strong??? Nahhh. I also told 'em, the ONLY RNY surgeons were at Ocean Springs Hospital, which isnt covered by Tricare, and KEESLER which is closed. They still didn't wanna hear nothing about paying me extra money LOL Well.... I will update you guys Tuesday on how it went. Hubby is coming home Tuesday for a 7 day "emergency leave" I'm being dropped off my by sister in law, who will bring me home if I get released same day. Otherwise, Hubby will come get me once they let me leave if I have to stay overnite. THANK GOD for family!!! Have a great weekend y'all and God Bless !! ~Andie~

Andie, I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Sometimes I think those bungling idiots in Insurance get infusions daily of red ink. They seem to love to make things more difficult than it is or ever needs to be! Do you think maybe they eat that paperwork they work so hard to create? You want to knock on their forehead and say "Hello, is anyone home?" Glad that hubby will be home soon, maybe he can straighten them out. Tomanip

I had my gall bladder removed almost a year ago on Dec 17, 2004. Mine was done outpatient. I was sore and had pain from trapped air from it being done laproscopic but with good pain medicine I managed. I sure did feel better with that pesky thing gone. I hate you have to have surgery but you should feel much better when it is all over. I will be thinking about you and will keep you in my prayers. Good luck and be sure to let us know how things go. Melissa

You got my prayers for a easy surgery and a quick recovery! Hey at least you get to see ur hubby for 7 days that's gotta be a good point right? Let me know if I can do anything for you and get better soon! Keli

Andrea, I pray your surgery goes well. You will be in my prayers. Deborah

Andie, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I know no time is a good time for surgery but this timing really sucks. I wish you the best of luck and maybe tricare will get off their butts and pay a little extra. Becky

Andie, I dont blame you for wanting your same surgeon. He KNOWS what he did on your plumbing! But this time you are a lot smaller and so the surgery should be a snap! You should recover very quickly and you will realize that your gall bladder was what was making you feel bad. I blamed kids at school for over a year for giving me stomach viruses!!!! Also school food and anything else too! I will be thinking of you!!!! Love, Cheryl

Keep track of your travel expenses, etc. and when you are back home safe and sound, file them along with a letter of explanation. Can't hurt! I hear tell that you will feel like a wonderful new person after having your gallbladder removed! I will think of you all day today. Smoochies Arlies

Andie, You're in my thoughts today. Hoping for an uneventful surgery and a very quick recovery. Enjoy the time with your hubby! HUGS Kimberly