Serious advice for Pre-ops

[Guest guest]

Folks, just because your insurance has approved you, your doctor and

family support you and you have written a patient letter made all

your

contacts and done everything you can to get ready for surgery, just

because of all that don't think you will get the surgery.

I have been turned down by Dr. Rutledge with no explanation except

some vague reference to my attitude. I have no idea what he bases

this on. I waited patiently since the first of February and was

always as tactful and friendly as could be when dealing with any of

the staff in Raleigh. The only thing I know could have caused this

problem is that I was informed that Dr. Rutledge had approved my

package but that I didn't sign my patient letter and thay my doctor

hadn't sent a letter that he would support me after surgery. I told

them I would be glad to sigh the patient letter when I came up for

clinic and that my doctor's support letter was included in the letter

he wrote concerning my examination and my medical history, and asked

them to read his letter again. I then asked, what next?? After a

week I was told he had decided to wait 3 months before considering me.

I was severely shocked that this had happened after working so hard

and waiting so long. At first I thought he was just kidding me and

was

making a joke, I was assured by his secretary he didn't joke. Now I

am having to try to find help elsewhere. Seems strange he would

preach

to us about " NO RNY " and all the other problems we could have with

other procedures and then leave us with no other choice but have

another procedure. My insurance company contacted me wanting to

know

what was happening, I had no

answer for them. I hope this doesn't make it harder for some of you

to get approval if you have Kanawah insurance, they were a mite

ticked off about this situation.

My suggestion, if you have problems, show no emotion at all. If you

feel like exploding, kick your dog. Always be sure to stifle any

impatience you might have, or at least keep quiet until after you

have

had your surgery.

This is serious. I know you understand how it is to aim your whole

life toward one event and then have someone snatch it away for some

reason that is known only to them. Be very careful in your dealings

with the Doctor and handle everyone with kid golves or you could be

the next one to be dissapointed. I have tried not to be too bitter

in

this warning. HOw did I do??

Be Careful, Keep any feelings to yourself unless you are praising

everything that is going on here.

Mitch , S.C.

55 years old, 376 pounds. Insurance approved. Doctor approved.

Family approved. Package approved. Turned down by Dr Rutledge.