We got up early to arrive at the hospital by 5. It was not pleasant. Especially since neither of us slept much. We actually arrived 15 minutes before we were supposed to. While we were waiting my in-laws showed up. This was nice because hubby and I had nothing really to talk about and were both really nervous. We all went to the prep room, and waited.
Hubby had to get into a gown, yeah a hospital gown big enough to fit him. A problem he soon won't have to worry about. Then he laid on a bed while the nurse did her stuff. He got hooked to an IV, and had to drink some funky tasting stuff to prepare his stomach. I think it was a type of antacid. They taught him how to give himself the Heparin injections. He gave himself the first one. The nurse made him do it. Then we waited. The anaesthesiologist came in and so did the surgeon. All was good to go.
We had lots of time to wait. A chaplain helped us do the power of attorney and living will. Having kids we have to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. I suggest this to everyone, because you never know. Your family needs to know your wishes!
Thankfully my mother in law didn't get much sleep she was our comic relief. She brought my husband a toy saddle that she thought was for his nose! It was hilarious. I laughed so hard I cried, and my side hurt. Others must have thought we were crazy to laugh so much before such an important surgery!
They finally took him away. I almost cried, but I couldn't in front of everyone. I said, "I love you!" Hubby must not have heard me he didn't say anything. Which pissed me off. Then I felt bad for being so mad at the man. If he can't get a break before surgery when can he?
Then they showed us to the waiting room and we waited. At this point it was 7 am and my sister had not called me to tell me the kids were up. I was worried because I knew my kids were up! So my in-laws said they would call me if they heard anything, and I went to the hotel. I felt horrible leaving the hospital, but my mind was a blaze with what could be wrong at the hotel. They were fine my son, Topher, was awake and daughter, Evie, was still sleeping. My sister's phone was in the room part, but she had closed the doors so Topher wouldn't bother her.
I felt relieved, and upset for not being at the hospital. I took Topher for breakfast. By the time we got back to the room Evie woke up so I watched Topher while my sister and Evie went to eat. The free breakfast at the hotel wasn't to bad. By the time they finished Topher was tired and ready for a nap again. I knew he needed me so he could go to sleep, but I wanted to hurry and get back to the hotel. I laid down with Topher and once he fell asleep I got ready to go back to the hospital. Evie wanted to go so I took her with me.
When I got back to the hospital I felt bad, but was quickly relieved to find out that nothing they hadn't heard anything yet. No news had to be good news. I just got situated and the nurse came out and told us that the surgery was over and the surgeon would be out shortly to talk to us. Yeah!
We went into the family consultation room, and waited. This was the worst part. The doctor finally came in all was well. Hubby had a hernia that doctor repaired as well. The surgeon also said that hubby was awake and complaining already. Which apparently surprised him. We had to wait a long time for them to take hubby up to his room. I had to go get my sister and Topher because check out at the hotel was noon.
I left to do that, and when I got back we headed up to hubby's room. He wasn't in too much pain, except for his back. I guess this was because of air. There was one area of his back the just hurt like hell. I know it had to of been bad because he was complaining. He isn't a complainer. We couldn't stay long the kids were to loud and hubby was sharing a room with someone.
So we left. The funny thing was later hubby called and wanted us to come back. He doesn't even remember that! Thank you morphine!! They had to move him to another bed he was to big for his. He is 6 foot 3! Because of the move he ended up in his own room. His mother and I felt horrible for not staying. He must have been miserable by himself. I know he hates to ask for things. So it was hard for him. Don't hold back if you are in this situation the staff is there for you. Take advantage and ask for help no matter what it is! I know it's hard, but there is no shame in that!
All in all he was doing well and the surgery went well. Thank God!
Friday, August 7, 2009
The day before surgery
The day before the surgery we had to drive to the hospital and get a couple prescriptions. The doctor required hubby take heparin shots 3 times a day for 2 weeks after surgery. Heparin is a blood thinner to prevent blood clots. They also required he get special cleaning wipes to clean himself prior to surgery. Due to the fact that the hospital was about 2 hours away and we would have to drive back early in the morning, we decided to stay in a hotel near the hospital. We had to be at the hospital the next day by 5am!
I made reservations ahead of time, but had a horrible time finding a hotel with everything I wanted that wouldn't also cost a fortune. We needed a hotel with a microwave and fridge. To my surprise not all hotels have these! I also wanted a hotel with a pool so I could take the kids to swim! I also wanted a room with some space because the kids would be there with my sister during the surgery. I finally decided on Comfort Suites because they had a pool, a fridge, and microwave in the room, and they had a sitting room which gave us the extra space we needed. We had a king size bed, and in the sitting room a fold out queen bed. They also had a free breakfast that wasn't to bad. I recommend the hotel, but wasn't impressed with the pool. Which didn't matter because we didn't have time to swim anyways.
The prep for the surgery changed as well. He could only eat clear liquids, and he had to drink a horrible liquid to prep his bowels (empty them). I know the stuff tasted awful to. It was not pleasant, and we all had a rough day. All of us were really cranky by the time we got to the hotel esp hubby who was miserable from the bowel prep. Some of it could have been nerves because I know he was scared. It would have been nice if just he and I could have gone, but our kids are to little to leave over night yet.
Hubby didn't sleep at all. The hotel room had a separate sitting room with a queen size bed that folded out from the couch. That's what he slept on, and good thing he was in the bathroom all night long! He also had to take 2 different antibiotics at certain times, and wash himself with these special prescription cloths. To prepare him for surgery. With all that he had to do and getting up early there really was no way that he would have been able to sleep anyways. I felt bad for him, but he was so cranky it was hard to be nice to him.
I made reservations ahead of time, but had a horrible time finding a hotel with everything I wanted that wouldn't also cost a fortune. We needed a hotel with a microwave and fridge. To my surprise not all hotels have these! I also wanted a hotel with a pool so I could take the kids to swim! I also wanted a room with some space because the kids would be there with my sister during the surgery. I finally decided on Comfort Suites because they had a pool, a fridge, and microwave in the room, and they had a sitting room which gave us the extra space we needed. We had a king size bed, and in the sitting room a fold out queen bed. They also had a free breakfast that wasn't to bad. I recommend the hotel, but wasn't impressed with the pool. Which didn't matter because we didn't have time to swim anyways.
The prep for the surgery changed as well. He could only eat clear liquids, and he had to drink a horrible liquid to prep his bowels (empty them). I know the stuff tasted awful to. It was not pleasant, and we all had a rough day. All of us were really cranky by the time we got to the hotel esp hubby who was miserable from the bowel prep. Some of it could have been nerves because I know he was scared. It would have been nice if just he and I could have gone, but our kids are to little to leave over night yet.
Hubby didn't sleep at all. The hotel room had a separate sitting room with a queen size bed that folded out from the couch. That's what he slept on, and good thing he was in the bathroom all night long! He also had to take 2 different antibiotics at certain times, and wash himself with these special prescription cloths. To prepare him for surgery. With all that he had to do and getting up early there really was no way that he would have been able to sleep anyways. I felt bad for him, but he was so cranky it was hard to be nice to him.
Pre-Op!
Starting Tuesday hubby had to eat only liquid for the next two weeks until the surgery. He could eat 3 low carb slim fasts and 2 high protein slim fast shakes a day, 64 ounces of water a day, and chicken broth or sugar free jello. The first few days were the hardest, and he was hungry a lot. I felt horrible eating in front of him knowing he was hungry.
Friday we had to drive to the doctors office for the pre-op exam which lasted almost 5hours. We saw the dietitian, the exercise guy, the doctor, and nurse. We had to watch a video and take a test as well. It was horrible I thought we would never get to go home. The in-laws came down and were watching the kids so we both could go. As hubby's support person I was required to be there. They went over the entire surgery as well as what to do after wards. It was very educational, but a lot of information.
Friday we had to drive to the doctors office for the pre-op exam which lasted almost 5hours. We saw the dietitian, the exercise guy, the doctor, and nurse. We had to watch a video and take a test as well. It was horrible I thought we would never get to go home. The in-laws came down and were watching the kids so we both could go. As hubby's support person I was required to be there. They went over the entire surgery as well as what to do after wards. It was very educational, but a lot of information.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Moving to fast!
Ok so, Monday afternoon the doctors called and said the insurance approved the surgery great news! They were setting up the surgery for August 4th, but they had to check with the hospital first. They would call us tomorrow and let us know. That gave us no 2 weeks notice! Yikes, despite the fact that we knew this day would come we were not ready. The prep for the surgery is 2 weeks on only liquids. So I had to go out and buy all the stuff he needed. We had to schedule his pre-op exam as soon as possible, and figure out what we were going to do for the surgery.
I know I complained when the insurance took to long, but I thought that once the approval came it would be a month before the surgery was set up. All this was now moving so fast it left me in a tail spin. Now my all of our emotions were going crazy nervous, anxious, and scared about whats to come!
I know I complained when the insurance took to long, but I thought that once the approval came it would be a month before the surgery was set up. All this was now moving so fast it left me in a tail spin. Now my all of our emotions were going crazy nervous, anxious, and scared about whats to come!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Insurance dilemma!
Hubby finally finished all the necessary tests for the surgery, the doctors office submitted all the paper work, and all we had left was wait for insurance approval. The first time the documents were faxed was 6-16-09. I waited for a letter from the insurance company that never came. I called the doctors office to see if they had heard anything. The answer was "NO, but we could call the insurance ourselves!" So I did, and the insurance said they didn't have anything on file. To make sure the doctors office put predetermination on the top of the fax!
So I called the doctors office back, and was told yes the forms say "predetermination". They called the insurance company and despite their fax saying the forms were sent successfully the insurance company did not receive them. So on July 7th they were re-faxed! I learned a valuable lesson, don't wait for things! So I gave the insurance company 3 days then called, and was told nothing was received. To make sure the doctors office put predetermination on the top, hubby's policy number, group number, social security number, and procedure codes all on the forms. They also gave me the fax number to make sure the doctors office sent things to the correct place. I called the doctors office. All of the information was in the correct place and all of it was on the form. They also said the fax number I was given was the fax they had been sending it to. Not only that but each time they faxed it their fax printed out a confirmation sheet saying the fax was sent successfully! They said they would re-fax it immediately!
At this point I was furious and confused. What the heck were we supposed to do? The predetermination papers had now been faxed three times to the insurance company, and we were at their mercy. For some reason things were not working out. I was no longer going to wait I decided I would call the insurance company every working day until they did something. So Monday I called. They had received the information that was sent for the third time on Friday (finally!) and were processing it! I asked how long I should give them to process it before I call back she told me if I don't hear anything by Wednesday to call back! OK finally some progress!
An hour later hubby called me and said the doctors office called him and the surgery was approved. I thought he was kidding because the insurance company just told me they were processing it. After all that trouble how could things move so fast! I have no idea, but am glad they did!
So I called the doctors office back, and was told yes the forms say "predetermination". They called the insurance company and despite their fax saying the forms were sent successfully the insurance company did not receive them. So on July 7th they were re-faxed! I learned a valuable lesson, don't wait for things! So I gave the insurance company 3 days then called, and was told nothing was received. To make sure the doctors office put predetermination on the top, hubby's policy number, group number, social security number, and procedure codes all on the forms. They also gave me the fax number to make sure the doctors office sent things to the correct place. I called the doctors office. All of the information was in the correct place and all of it was on the form. They also said the fax number I was given was the fax they had been sending it to. Not only that but each time they faxed it their fax printed out a confirmation sheet saying the fax was sent successfully! They said they would re-fax it immediately!
At this point I was furious and confused. What the heck were we supposed to do? The predetermination papers had now been faxed three times to the insurance company, and we were at their mercy. For some reason things were not working out. I was no longer going to wait I decided I would call the insurance company every working day until they did something. So Monday I called. They had received the information that was sent for the third time on Friday (finally!) and were processing it! I asked how long I should give them to process it before I call back she told me if I don't hear anything by Wednesday to call back! OK finally some progress!
An hour later hubby called me and said the doctors office called him and the surgery was approved. I thought he was kidding because the insurance company just told me they were processing it. After all that trouble how could things move so fast! I have no idea, but am glad they did!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Monthly check up!
Hubby had his monthly check up today. He lost 7 more pounds. That is a total of 33 so far! Way to go babe! If only I could do that to! His next appointment might be a preop exam! Which means that his surgery might be in 6 weeks. All we are waiting on now is to hear from the insurance. He had the psych eval, clearance from the cardiologist, and sleep study done! He has to get a CPAP machine for his sleep apnea! He is a number 17 and apparently 20 is the highest so his is really bad! Monday they are coming to set him up with the machine. His mom has one though and she doesn't use it. We are going to see if he can use it then it will save us money. Because we have to rent the machine and our insurance doesn't pay until the 200$ deductible is met and then they pay 80%. At least they pay that though!
We need to save as much as we can for now. Because we will have to buy all his food for 4 weeks. 2 weeks prior to surgery and 2 weeks after, he can only have liquids! Plus, we will have to get his vitamins. I plan on staying in a hotel when he has the surgery so the kids and I can be close. He will be there for 2 to 4 days. I hope my sister or cousin can go stay with us to take care of the kids so I can be with hubby when he needs me. The surgery will be done in Chicago and that is about an hour away or more depends on traffic. A hotel will make it easy to take care of the kids, but be expensive. Otherwise it is to far of a drive to go back and forth, at least quickly!
We need to save as much as we can for now. Because we will have to buy all his food for 4 weeks. 2 weeks prior to surgery and 2 weeks after, he can only have liquids! Plus, we will have to get his vitamins. I plan on staying in a hotel when he has the surgery so the kids and I can be close. He will be there for 2 to 4 days. I hope my sister or cousin can go stay with us to take care of the kids so I can be with hubby when he needs me. The surgery will be done in Chicago and that is about an hour away or more depends on traffic. A hotel will make it easy to take care of the kids, but be expensive. Otherwise it is to far of a drive to go back and forth, at least quickly!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Facing reality
The closer we get to an actual surgery date the more I am forced to face and accept the reality that my husband will be having this surgery. It is a really scary procedure and I imagine really painful. I am very worried about it, and concerned about all that he will have to go through. He will only be able to eat liquids for a long time. He will have to take vitamins for the rest of his life. He will even have to get all his medications in liquid form. I know he is worried about it, but the fact that he doesn't seem to be worried makes me mad. I want to talk about it and plan for the worst, but he acts like the worst thing that will happen is he will have to take 4 days vacation! What the heck! I am seriously freaking out here. I know not many do, but you could die from this. I know it is just the mother in me worrying about everything.
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