I'm back

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone, No, I didn't stay in Denver, although I did just get back last night. I couldn't bare to leave on Sat, so I changed my tickets to leave Mon night. It took every ounce of willpower in my body to get back on that plane. And now I'm back in this godforsaken place they call Tucson. Being back in Denver made me realize how much I love Denver, and just how mystical and magical Denver is. And how green it is. And how much cooler the weather is. And how much more culture there is. And how much more fun it is. And how much more tres chic it is. I could go on and on. Unfortunately, the cost of living in Denver is still outrageous, but in my mind, it is all worth it. I did get some bad news from my neurosurgeon while I was there. There is some lucency at the C6-7 level, which is indicating that the fusion is not taking. He can't say it's a non-union yet, because it still may fuse. But still, it upset me quite a bit. So, he wants to do everything possible to encourage the fusion. He wants me to have a bone stimulator, so I met with the rep on Fri and was actually given the unit, but there is no approval yet from my insurance company. They think it will be approved, but as I've found out the hard way, even prior auth/precert doesn't mean anything. I told this rep that I would not pay for anything because I am trying to pay off my other medical bills. He told me that whatever United Healthcare doesn't pay, he will write off. When I asked him what would happen if United denied it, he said that he would write it up as an "indigent" unit, and I would not be charged for anything. I had my neurosurgeon, his NP, and the office receptionist there to witness what he said. Dr. Levy also wants me to begin Actonel, and I have to start a calcium/Mg supplement. My bones are so soft and osteoporosis has set in---at the age of 32! Anyway, now I have to worry about this fusion failing yet again. The fusion at C4-5 is actually solidly fused, which was the first time that level has been operated on, but it's the C6-7 that is not fusing, and that is one of the levels that was done 2 yrs ago. I guess the bone is just fried. So, if I'm not back in Denver permanently by the fall, then I have to fly back (oh darn!) in Nov to see my neurosurgeon. If this fusion fails, the outlook is pretty bleak. Either more surgery or be VERY careful because the whole construct can collapse and cause immediate and permanent paralysis. I just hope that the bone stimulator, along with the Actonel and calcium/mg will work. Well, I start my new job next Mon. I'm actually looking forward to it. And I have a phone interview tomorrow for a PACU position at one of the hospitals in Denver. Come hell or high water, I will get back to Denver. My goal is to be back there by Jan 31. We'll see if I can accomplish that. But the wk I had in Denver was so relaxing and just wonderful. Even with bad news, I was able to enjoy myself and relax, which I haven't been able to do in a long time. Anyway, just wanted to let you all know that I'm still here. If it wasn't for Farley (my kitty), I would never have come back. Hope everyone is doing well. e