Update on Tim: complications
Tim was initially scheduled to have surgery on his jaw Monday, May 2. I worked my tail off getting insurance referrals through the system. insurance would not approve surgery at Dr.'s office, so we had to make arrangements to go to the Surgical Center, which meant another referral and mandatory pre-op testing. The oral dental surgeon's head nurse is doing everything she can to help us!
We went to Gateway hospital on Thursday for the pre-op testing. They ran an ekg. Tim's heart rate was 36 - very low. Now, he has to see a cardiologist before he can be cleared for surgery on his jaw, and surgery will be at the hospital. All this means that I have to get another referral for the cardio. In the meantime, all Tim can do is wait and hurt.
I am tired and in some pain, sometimes shaking, but I am holding up. Hospital is a 30 mile drive, each way. The Drs.'s offices are even farther. We are having to water down everything Tim eats (drinks, actual) and run it in the blender. He is using protein powder and ensure (Expensive stuff!) but he isn't getting nearly enough calories. He can't chew at all. His tongue is healing, but we don't know if it ever will be "normal". He still remembers nothing about the accident.
Tim needs surgery soon, or his jaw will fuse And things will be even more complicated. The broken bone sections overlap at the break and the pressure/stress shift is causing pain on the good side of his jaw, the ear, and the cheek bone.
please continue to pray for Tim, and pray for me and the Drs., and that the referrals will go through post haste. Tim still has some memory lapses and he is in quite a bit of pain, so I have to take care of everything - appointments, insurance, Drs.'s instructions, map directions, driving, medications ...........
Thank you all. I can't say thank you enough. I apologize for not being in contact more. I will try to make time to post an update when we know more.
We went to Gateway hospital on Thursday for the pre-op testing. They ran an ekg. Tim's heart rate was 36 - very low. Now, he has to see a cardiologist before he can be cleared for surgery on his jaw, and surgery will be at the hospital. All this means that I have to get another referral for the cardio. In the meantime, all Tim can do is wait and hurt.
I am tired and in some pain, sometimes shaking, but I am holding up. Hospital is a 30 mile drive, each way. The Drs.'s offices are even farther. We are having to water down everything Tim eats (drinks, actual) and run it in the blender. He is using protein powder and ensure (Expensive stuff!) but he isn't getting nearly enough calories. He can't chew at all. His tongue is healing, but we don't know if it ever will be "normal". He still remembers nothing about the accident.
Tim needs surgery soon, or his jaw will fuse And things will be even more complicated. The broken bone sections overlap at the break and the pressure/stress shift is causing pain on the good side of his jaw, the ear, and the cheek bone.
please continue to pray for Tim, and pray for me and the Drs., and that the referrals will go through post haste. Tim still has some memory lapses and he is in quite a bit of pain, so I have to take care of everything - appointments, insurance, Drs.'s instructions, map directions, driving, medications ...........
Thank you all. I can't say thank you enough. I apologize for not being in contact more. I will try to make time to post an update when we know more.
Replies
Oh, my goodness! I think there is a special place in hell for insurance companies for all the pain they cause sick people. I\'m so sorry you are running on fumes right now, but I\'m glad that God has held you up. I pray for Tim\'s full recovery and that this time would bring you two closer together. He can\'t help but notice that you have been there for him through this nightmare. Rest when you can. I know that seems laughable at the moment, but do your best. I pray Tim gets the care he needs. Much love. Heather.
I hope that the paper work-referrals goes through & quickly.!
I echo triunfandora to find time to rest when you can,
Here for you with all your friends. This is what friends do for one another.
Praying for you Nancy and for Tim too. Takes a lot of strength for the long drives, the visits, the coordination, the stress. Warm hugs.
Will continue to pray for Tim\'s healing, Nancy! This is horrible. All the stinking paper work that people have to go through just to get relief from pain. And the hold up on this kind of surgery is really hard on the patient!! I feel so bad for Tim!!!
God will continue to hold you up, Nancy! Your friends here and at home, your church....we\'ll all be praying that this surgery gets going soon!!! This will bring Tim to a complete understanding of what the love of a wife means. Maybe this will bring some attitude change. Not that we want anyone we love to suffer, but your caretaking is just screaming \"love\" and \"Godliness\". These are things we can all brush up on!! PTL he has YOU! xo
I\'m still continuing to pray for you and Tim. I hope you sense the care and providence of the Lord each step of the way. I am frustrated to hear how difficult the paperwork is when a man who served his country needs all the help he can get.
So sorry dear Nancy. I\'m behind with your journals.You poor darling having to go through all of this stress.I pray that Tim will make a full recovery.How unfair that such urgent care is being held up by paperwork.Insurance companies are never smooth sailing. Hold strong Nancy.Lots of love xo