Update on my DH - X post

OK, in February my DH began his journey to have WLS and get Medicare to pay for it.  He has been through his 6 mo diet, all of the blood work and tests.  Including an unexpected ab ultrasound and heart cath.  Almost 3 weeks ago the surgeon's office called to say they  DID need a report from the ECU cardiology that he was OK for surgery.  The cardiologist had required the heart cath, but we went to New Bern for the proceedure.  (AT first, the surgeon's office had told us they had the results of the heart cath and that was all they needed.)

So we agreed that the surgeon's office would contact ECU Cardiology, since we figured nurse to nurse would get quicker results.  WRONG.  So last Friday I called ECU and left a message with what was needed.  Yesterday she called to verify that his meds were still the same, and said he was a 'moderate' risk for surgery because of his one partially clogged artery, but that shouldn't stop the surgery, and she would fax the report to Dr. Pender's office.  Three hours later, got a call from Pender's office.  Ray's 'decision' appt is Monday.  HOORAY!!!

THEN we have to wait for insurance approval, he has to do his 2 week pre-op diet, before surgery can be scheduled.  One more fly in the ointment - I will be going to OR for 9 days at the end of January, and I want him to be at least 2 weeks post op before I go (or not have had the surgery yet).  I can't reschedule my trip, my daughter and SIL already have tickets purchased for her business trip to somewhere in Mexicao, and my tickets purchased to go to OR to babysit.  But at least we know this IS going to happen!

Wow, ya'll are almost there!  Will be so exciting to hear you post about Monday's appointment.  Does he have to do the 2 week pre-op diet before they schedule his surgery, or just get insurance approval?  I hope everything works out perfectly for your schedule. 

(When I read that you said you'll be going to OR for 9 days...I thought you were telling us you had to go to the Operating Room and would be in the hospital for 9 days at the end of January!  I was grasping in my mind trying to remember what was wrong, how could I have missed it, etc.!  WHEW!  You scared me there for a moment!  lol)

Yes, it IS going to happen...best wishes for you hubby! 

Congratulations!!!!

 

Good for you staying on top of this for your DH you can never assume anything.
You get a gold star from me for being pro active.
                                Annie

Carolyn - That is great news!  I know how hard he has worked to jump thru the hoops....

I sure hope the next steps move along smoothly for you so that you can get to Oregon to take care of the grandbabies...

Shelia

It's a pain having to work through all the workup but the end result is SO worth the effort.  Tell your DH congrats on getting this far in the journey.  We'll see him on the losers bench before too long! 

You two should consider coming to the support group meetings!

Alice

Grammy
Good to hear you are almost done with all the testing and paperwork!!! Im happy for you and hubby!! hope the decision comes back as a big YES!!

Great news, GrammyLew!