Part IV - Waiting for Surgery
March 22 - April 6, 2005
The few weeks between my last visit to Chapel Hill and my surgery date were very difficult. I worried constantly that the surgery was going to be a complete failure. Everyone I knew commented on how well I was doing and how strong I had been, but on the inside I was falling apart. I asked my husband a couple of times a day, "Ok, Dr. Buchman said there was only a small chance that this wouldn't work and a much better chance that I will get at least some benefit from it - is that right?" And then my husband would say, "Yes, and he probably wouldn't even consider the surgery if he didn't feel confident about it - he probably only told you that there was a small chance that it wouldn't work because he has to throw that disclaimer in. They have only given you positive information up until now - there is a risk with any surgery, and patients need to be made aware of it." I know this daily conversation got old for my husband, but I needed to hear it.
We also received information from my insurance company. Bilateral implants had been denied, but they told us to resubmit the claim, and that one implant would be accepted. This was a little upsetting to me, although I had pretty much expected it. Everyone I spoke with about this told me that it was rare for insurance companies to pay for two implants, especially immediately - the usually denied a claim to begin with hoping for no appeal. Knowing this, I had already begun an appeal before the first claim was even submitted. I decided, however, to wait to file the appeal until after surgery - we only learned of the denial three days prior to surgery, and it just wasn't enough time to get an appeal granted (it could take up to 30 days).
Finally, with everything in place, we began our long drive to Chapel Hill. My parents were going with us for the surgery, and we also took my daughter, who was just a few weeks away from turning four years old. My mom and dad drove their own car because my sister was nine months pregnant, and already dilating - talk about a couple of stressed out parents! Anyway, we arrived in Chapel Hill and a few miles from our exit, Nurse Pickett called my husband's cell phone and told him, "Ok, as of now, the surgery is still on - however, the insurance company has denied the Freedom Implant. They said that there is just not sufficient information from the FDA yet to allow approval. But we are going to call and try to get this straightened out." I was in shock, and very upset. My husband called my mom in the car behind us and told her what was going on. I wanted to cry, but was too angry. We sat there in the car fuming over the insurance company, and just as we were getting off of the exit to our hotel, Nurse Pickett called back and told us that Dr. Buchman had spoken directly with the physician affiliated with my insurance company and got the approval. I was thrilled and put my window down in the car and looked back at my parents giving them a thumbs up. They waved and were smiling - they understood perfectly what I was telling them.