Tuesday, April 30, 2013

A Bit Frustrated...

This was the week of The Maven's much-anticipated visit with her Neurosurgeon, who will be doing her surgery.  First of all we showed up Monday morning only to arrive and be told our appointment had been on Friday and we hadn't showed.

No kidding. 
 We had all our reminders written for Monday and there were no calls to us to remind us of either Friday or Monday's appointment.  Doctor wasn't there so we were rescheduled for this morning.


What we hoped to hear was that the doc has received all test results/scans, etc and would have information about how we would proceed towards a surgery date. He had all test and scan results and what we were told was that The Maven would have to see the ENT Surgeon who would be working along side the Neurosurgeon before scheduling could be done.  We could have done that last week when we had so much down time!  Now we can't get into see this ENT doc until mid-May and that means more delay for that surgery date.  These ENT surgeons are not really plentiful and are consider among the best in the country, but they do not take our insurance.  This means we now will haggle with the insurance company to see if they will make an exception, especially given the delicate nature of the surgery and the excellent reputation of the clinic.  They pioneered the modern day surgical techniques that are used for the removal of Acoustic Neuromas.  
It's okay though, it is a step forward and I will call the clinic daily to see if they have a cancellation. (Won't I be popular?)



The Maven still has the Vertigo symptoms and we are working on her building more stamina by walking.  Depending on the time of day, she is going a little further than she was a month ago.  This will be a helpful bench mark for post-surgery recovery as well as keeping her strength up in her legs, not to mention the mental health benefits of activity.



We found a beautiful rose garden not far from our home and I plan to take the camera next time. 


Hope you enjoyed seeing the lovely Bougainvillea that is growing on the trellis on the back  patio.  I can see it from the kitchen here and it's just a pretty pop of color.  The hummingbirds have been draining the little feeders I've put out for them, but they are awfully hard to get a picture of!

Here's another rascal that's hard to take a picture of, Dexter. He and Darcy have been staying with us since The Maven has been bunking here.  For some reason he really loves the bathtub, but is such a blur on film that it's hard to get a good shot.  I'm working on some more for a "cat post".



Good week ahead for everyone!




16 comments:

Chatty Crone said...

Okay I can see why you are frustrated! Gosh darn. I will be praying. Does she have insurance though work? I bet that vertigo is awful. I hate the way you have to wait on doctors. But maybe think of this as a BIGGER plan and this has to be this way for reasons you don't understand now. Hope this helps. sandie

Vicki @ lifeinmyemptynest said...

Walking is good for your stress too - hope all the appointments work out for the best :-)

Heather said...

Jeepers! I sure hope everything works out well and all will happen quickly... I am surprised you received no call, however, I have never knows doctor's offices to ever call to remind one of an appointment, although dentists and optometrists do... I wonder why? Positive thoughts your way! Cheers~

Patricia @ 9th and Denver said...

Though it might sound trite...I sure don't mean it that way...but I KNOW how you feel and what you're going through.
The wait is the worst and then clerical mix-ups on top of it sure doesn't help the situation NONE-at-ALL!
I think it's a great idea on the walking ...glad you're able to be there for her, giving guidance, company and re-assurance.
Praying for all of this to work out in God's timing... and that You, Mr. T and the Maven have PEACE through the process.

Love the bougainvillea glad you can see it from your kitchen! :)
I just saw a hummingbird Sunday...and I don't have my feeders out yet!
Chin up! :P

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

I know dealing with the medical and insurance issues can be so frustrating...sometimes it seems like no one communicates anymore. I hope it all comes together soon...XO
The bougainvillea is stunning!

Mr. Connor said...

Wow ~ this is amazing. I had a 10:30 AM appt on Mon and " they" called on Friday and said it was at 8:45 AM. I said they were wrong. " THEY" wrote the appt card. In any case I went at 8:30 AM. Bummer. Well at least you were told up front about your insurance. Happened a few times, to me, were the doc did not take insurance. Always ask now ! Keep going forward WE will get there !

Decor To Adore said...

Someone get me a punching bag! Grrrrr! I can't even imagine your frustration. To have vertigo for so very long must be completely awful. At most I have only suffered a few days.

Sue said...

Please know all of you are in my thoughts and prayers. I don't understand the medical world anymore. We never have a voice or choice as we are dictated by what they say. I hope you are hanging in there and I hope everything moves forward as it is planned.

Take care,
Sue

Debby@Just Breathe said...

I am so sorry for the delays. I can definitely understand your frustration. Yes the Bougainvillea is gorgeous. This is a nice time of year for them. I know ours are really full of flowers right now. I will have to take some pictures and post them. Glad to here that her stamina is getting better and I agree that will help her after her surgery. Love Dexter in the tub, that is too cute.
Debby

Mullin Avenue Workshop said...

Ann,

I love the "Chatty Crone's" suggestion of thinking of this as part of a BIGGER PLAN.

However, as well, how terrible to have this ongoing vertigo, and needing to deal with these frustrating circumstances.

Hang in there, Maven!! :)

Ann, I have never seen these flowers although have read about them - they certainly are extravagantly gorgeous!

Lovely that you have hummingbirds, too!

Yesterday we had snow, and temps of -10. The snow has now melted and, I have my window at home open, listening to a huge flock of seagulls on the lake. I am so fortunate to live just across from the lake. :)
Hugs,
Brenda

Anonymous said...

So sorry for all the frustration with drs./scheduling/insurance. Praying all works out well.
This last pic is the cutest! Love it.

Mullin Avenue Workshop said...

Ann,
I forgot to say how sweet the pic of Dexter is. You caught a good one! :)
Brenda

Mallyf on Occasion said...

What a cute picture you caught of Dexter! I am sure he makes the house more exciting. I don't know how the Maven continually surpasses every challenge thrown at her. I am glad you're pushing her to walk, it will definitely make recovery that much easier. I couldn't imagine what you guys are dealing with right now and I am sure with the appt mix ups and insurance issues it must make it even more challenging but you guys are amazing. Hope everyone is doing well.

Unknown said...

Your readers are a blessing, concentrate on all the positive energy coming your way.
Down here, in a small way we have experienced, missed appointments and all that goes with it. I understand and pray for strength and patience for all of you.
I hope something can be worked out with the insurance co. My offer stands.

RURAL said...

How incredibly frustrating..

Maybe they made a mistake, I've had that happen before..not that they will admit it.

Jen

Anonymous said...

MsMaven: Hang in there Girl. As one who has had many many surgeries, lots of waiting, cancellations and so on, I know how frustrating it can get. It is never ending in the world of medicine and though I do try to give much slack to those whom I trust my life with, sometimes it can be very overwhelming. So you hang in there. Prayers going up for you.

Mr. Dexter: YOu could be my Oscar's Brother. No really you could. He too loves the tub and the sink and the boxes etc... he is a real cut up.

Mother of the group: Hang in there, she'll get the help she needs. You doing the best you can in a difficult situation. Knowing a loved one is struggling no matter what the reason can be emotionally draining. Before you know it, she'll be in, fixed and on the way to be herself soon enough. Hugs. Tammy