Patience anyone?

My worst quality is being impatient. I am having a very hard time dealing with the road to WLS. My impatience is getting the best of me. I have been done with all tests I needed to have done for WLS for about 7 weeks and my file still has not been submitted to my insurance company for approval. Now the hold up is my PCP letter. I recently found this out. I went to my PCP two weeks ago for a follow up on my blood work. I told him that we have been waiting on his PCP letter for several weeks. He said he would write it when my new test results came in. They came in last Thursday. I asked the nurse who called me with the results about the letter and she said she was giving him the file that day to write it. I called back yesterday (three working days later) and the receptionist checked with him and he had not had time to write it yet. They said they will call me when it is done. I do not know if I need to sit and wait for that call or follow back up in a couple of days. This is extremely frustrating for me. My PCP is fine with the surgery and he said he will write the letter so I don't want to start over with a new PCP since I am one step away from having it submitted to my insurance. I have done all fo the tests and everything. I am very impatient and these past few weeks have caused me a LOT of stress and anxiety thinking about it and now some depression. I am at a loss on what to do to ease my mind. I hate to keep calling to my doctor's office because I feel bad and I know they are thinking badly about me but I also don't want to care what they think. I just want my letter. Any suggestions on patience? Staying busy doesn't help! Because when I stay busy, I don't feel good and I think about this again. Thanks for the support! Misty

Been there done that!!!!!!!! DH's PCP said he had to make an appointment, we made it and went in, probably only saw him about 20 min, he was for WLS, said he would write the letter. My dh called the following week, still no letter, we called the next day, still no letter, I called, he called, they got tired of talking to us, finally DH said he was going back to see him and wait for them to prepare the letter, we had it in a few hours. That was the hardest part, every other Dr. did their letters immediately, Call everyday, morning and afternoon, be nice, but don't give up, they will get tired to talking to you and have him prepare the letter. Good luck!!!! Kim PS, The sqeaky wheel gets the grease.

I understand what your going through, well at least the feeling anyway. I'm very antsy and worrysome about things. I'm waiting to get through my supervised diet, and it's just killing me. I can only imagine how you feel to be further along. My only advice would be to keep, calmly but persistantly on your doctor about that letter. Explain that your file is complete except for his letter and you need to get it sent in a.s.a.p. Don't worry it will happen for you!!! Good luck with everything! Jacqueline

Jacqueline, how are you doing? How's the blood problem? Is it better now. I wish you well. Keep us informed on your progress. With my Kathy's

Misty, my PCP had his letter for me typed up the same day he told me I have bone marrow disease. It took 3 weeks for me to get it. He dictated the letter, then it's sent to the person who types up his dictation, then it was sent back to him for his signature. Remember patience is a virtue. Dr.'s don't type up things themselves as they are busy, they have someone that types up his dictation. I would call and check on it at least 2 times a week. Just remember all good things come to those who wait. The letter will be done for you, and you will get your date. You're in my prayers, Kathy's

Hi Misty, The Lord is holding your surgery for a good reason. Trust in Him to lead the way and clear the path when the time is right for HIM. I was impatient and now I wish I hadn't been. I have had complications since having surgery on Nov. 8th and my life is at a standstill. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Good luck and let me know how you are doing. Sincerely Take Care Faith Martin

Hi Misty, Hang in there. It's hard when you have to depend on someone else in order to accomplish your goals. My PCP wasn't very supportive and I had to have someone else (from the center of Nutrition @ Vandy) call to request a letter because his nurse wasn't cooperative. When the letter was written I was told it could take 2 weeks to have it typed up by some outside service. Just the fact that I didn't want my info to "accidently" get misplaced I just practiced patience and things worked ou fine. Hang in there

Hi Misty I'm so sorry to hear that you are having to go through all of this stress This is one of those times where you have to find the strength to hang in there. There's always a reason for everything but dont give up no matter what Give your PCP the time that he needs but within reason. I would give them til Monday afternoon and then call back. Could it be that the office is just sooo over-booked with patients??. I hope it works out for you and that your stress eases up Good luck to you & keep your faith ML