Getting Closer - Still No Answers

It will be three weeks until my surgery in two days time and I still have yet to hear from the surgeon's office as to the details of my surgery (pre-op appointments, actual surgery day details, etc). I was told not to book any accommodations until I hear back from them, but heck, this is cutting it close since their office closes on Friday for the holidays. I am getting a bit anxious about getting all of the details figured out, so I think that calling and/or emailing the office tomorrow is in store. I feel terrible since I have already emailed her last week asking about details, but they have to give me some time to book flights, hotels, cars, etc. Phew. The surgeon was reviewing my case last I had heard, but I really need to get things in order.

Today I was in the OR scrubbed in on a case and was standing there when I realized just how much I need this surgery. I was standing there throbbing and the thought crossed my mind, "only a couple more weeks of 'functioning' like this, thank the Lord!!" I have to study in bed tonight with a heating pad because I hurt so much. This is no way to live and can't wait to get this fixed up, once and for all!! :) *fingers crossed*

Less than a month

Apparently my case is currently being re-reviewed by the surgeon and I will hear in the next couple of days about the timeline, and finalize the surgery date. I also am going to send his office pictures of my previous hip brace since I may be able to wear the same one from my last surgery. It would be nice to be able to use that one and not have to get a new one! I hope it will suffice.

It truly is approaching quickly. I have a lot to plan, but am getting excited to be fixed. It certainly is difficult to live with chronic pain. Although I really do hurt all of the time, I think that remaining positive and having a good outlook on the entire situation makes it a lot more tolerable. It would be so easy to simply give up, call it quits, and feel sorry for myself. But that doesn't help anybody; nor is it healthy.

I read many posts on Facebook groups, forums, and continually read how horrible everybody feels. I know I've done that and posted things like that before, but at the current time, I just fail to see the point. I am in pain, but I try to repress it in order to function in life. My medical school schedule honestly doesn't care about my hip, nor does anybody I work with; they care about teaching me and about caring for patients. Hence, I've worked hard at ignoring my pain and continuing on with life. So far this tactic has been working. It could be a lot worse - I could have a terminal illness or something of that nature. Instead, although I have one messed up hip, and I have a loving family, I love what I am studying, and the Lord is completely in control. I've been dealt this for some reason and it will make me a stronger individual. I will NOT let my hip ruin my life. It has curtailed so many things thus far, I will refuse to let it bring me down further. Only 28 days left of living with my hip in its current state. I can do anything for 28 days, right?

So, from now until then...I will repress, repress, repress, and think positively. It is the only way to go.

Hugs go out to all of my fellow hip patients. We will get better :D

6 Weeks Left

...well, actually 6 weeks and 1 day, but 6 weeks from now I will be in Vail, CO, probably doing pre-op stuff for my surgery the following day. It seems like it is so far away, but so close at the same time. I can't say that I am nervous yet. Rather, I am excited since it means that there is light at the end of the tunnel and I am in fact going to be fixed. If Dr. P isn't the man to fix me, than I don't know who else can.

I am sure that the surgery/recovery is going to be rough since this is going to be the biggest surgery on my hips yet, but, it will be worth it so that I can get my life back. I would love to be able to walk without hurting, turn corners without catching, paint my toe nails, tie up shoes, etc. etc. ...you get the gist :)

So currently I am awaiting final confirmation from the surgical coordinator at the surgeon's office. In a months' time I will also receive my surgery information packet and set up the actual appointment times for January. Setting this surgery up has been a pain in the neck and the logistical hoops through which I have jumped has been more than frustrating at times. Hopefully setting up hotels, flights, car/shuttles, etc. isn't too complicated. All of this hoop jumping has to be worth seeing the top-dog in the hip scope world, right?

Happy Dance!

So, yesterday I got the authorization approved for my surgery. My insurance company has approved hip arthrscopy, femoral chondroplasty, acetabular chondroplasty, labral repair, and labral reconstruction, microfracture if needed. I am utterly thrilled! In fact, I did a happy dance which included some jumping around when I heard of the news. Of course, this was all done on one leg since I can't do that sort of thing anymore. In any case, I am absolutely thrilled!!!!!!!!!!!!!

woot, woot!!

Long Day Ahead of Me

Well, today I have to be on my feet from 9:00 am until midnight. Literally, I am sitting on my recliner wondering how I am going to do it. I fear I won't be able to do it since I am already quite sore. I suppose if there is a will there is a way. And I'll find a way to get through this. I just hope I can walk by the end of it. I'll sit when I can and rest when I can, but goodness it is daunting sitting here thinking about it when I know it isn't going to be fun.

Ah well, such is life. Less than 2 months left of this though :)

Authorization

Dear my lovely insurance company,

Please, please, please, PLEASE approve authorization for my upcoming surgery. Please! I really need to have my labrum reconstructed so that I can get on with life and finish this final hip chapter.

Yours truly,

Desperate hip patient

Hahaha, in all seriousness though, I have had Dr. P's office submit my authorization for my labral reconstruction. We are anticipating them denying it initially and then we will have to file an appeal and hopefully get coverage. The ability of me to have the surgery is totally dependent upon getting it covered since, to self-pay, it would cost tens of thousands of dollars up front! And I don't have access to that kind of money. I am stressing about this a bit since I really need the surgery, I just need it covered. Sigh.

On a lighter note, my hip pain definitely has decreased since getting the injection. It still hurts and isn't great, but a bit more manageable than before :)

A Happy Place

The steroid injection is actually kicking in and I feel a little bit better; the edge is off the pain. I had a rough steroid flare-up but it guess it is worth it to get some relief. Hopefully this lasts me a little while yet. I wouldn't mind if it lasted until my surgery date.

It is funny how your mind can play tricks on the body though. I've been pretty sore as of late, and am completely convinced that I need surgery. Then, the steroid kicks in, and I think to myself "well, it's not that bad." Wouldn't it be great if steroid injections were permanent deals? If that was the case....no surgery for me!!!

We are going to be submitting pre-authorization to my insurance in 2 weeks time. My insurance company has been known to give problems to those who are in my situation (repeated surgeries and now needs a reconstruction). But, people have got it covered and I have proof that I have exhausted all conservative measures. Let's pray that I can get it covered because if they deny my case, I can't get my surgery done because it would cost $35,000 up front payment! eek.

Let's start the praying!!!