Scheduling Conflict -- Surgery vs. College Classes
Hello Guys! OK, I need your advice again. I am enrolled in a one-year program for a second degree in hopes of a major career change in 2008. I have one term of classes done, have two to go, fall and winter. I was trying DESPERATELY to have RNY surgery done over the summer break, but it's not going to happen. I have to go for the CPAP machine thing at the sleep lab next week, and then have someone come to the house and set me up with the cpap, etc. The surgeon wants six weeks of cpap use before they'll schedule surgery. So, obviously, surgery cannot happen until at least some time in mid-october or later. The problem is, I have only a short break around Christmas between terms. I don't know if the surgeon will even be able to fit me in at that time, or will even be around. For all I know, he could go on vacation for the whole month of December. The program/hospital I am going through can't or won't discuss scheduling with me until all of the pre-surgical clearance testing is done -- the CPAP thing is the last thing I need to do. I understand their point -- they are trying to juggle as many people's schedules and wishes as I am. So, my question is: Having been through it, do you think I could get away with having surgery in the middle of classes? I just don't know what to expect. Some people seem to be able to go back to work quickly, others are sick as a dog for a while. Should I risk it in the hopes that I wouldn't be too sick to complete the term? IF I had to withdraw, I can do so without any prejudice to my grade point, but I would lose a term's worth of tuition and be set back 4 months in completion of the program. Whatever happens, I am NOT losing my insurance approval, which is good for one year, until June 2008 -- I see what people go through to get approved, I'm not going to risk giving them the opportunity to deny me at a later date. So, if I can't get a surgery date that works with my schedule, should I try to do surgery and college at the same time? THOUGHTS? Danny
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Danny, Older student going back for 2nd degree? Then, your "college experience" is about "Bucks in- Value Out." Right? I’m an old University professor. I’ve had 7 surgeries (last one last summer) Over the last 5 years. All of them scheduled around my class load. Summer-break, Easter holiday/Spring-Break, Christmas/between semesters, etc… "surgery and college at the same time?" I'd say from my experience with college, and surgery- NO. I can’t imagine if your surgery fell in the middle of a course schedule, that you could hope To make the grade you would need. Yep, it would give you clear excuse to get a withdrawal Rather than a failed grade for courses, But, the cash would be down the drain. Only you can weigh the importance of the variables here… Do you Need to finish the degree in a window of opportunity? Is this more or less important than the urgency to have WLS? Is your health declining? Holding steady? Does your insurance coverage run out soon? Add up your pros and cons lists and plan accordingly, But- Most docs can and will schedule to fit an academic window. My Heart Surgeon did, my Bariatric Surgeon did, My Plastic Surgeon did, and my Ortho-Doc is in the process Of working around to find the best time to do a fix on my rotator cuff Sometime next year, after Christmas, but in a time frame That will allow me to recover prior to starting classes. That's my thoughts...... Best Wishes- Dx
Capricious; Impulsive, Semi-Predictable