continuing saga - ThinnerTimes

ceekerr · 02-13-2007, 11:43 AM

Well, I visited my PCP Monday and had the Pulmonary Function test and received the medical clearance that my surgeon requested. These were the last 2 things he wanted. Now, I'm waiting for the letter to be transcribed and both the letter and the test results to be faxed to the surgeon's office. That SHOULD take place today or tomorrow. Then I'll have to wait to hear from the surgeon's office - which I'm guessing will not be before Friday afternoon. (for some reason, the only time they've called me has been on Friday afternoon - the nurses don't answer their phones during the week - I can only leave messages for them.) So, hopefully, I'll hear from them THIS Friday - not NEXT Friday

! So , then I guess I'll have a date?!?!?!?!?! I'm also guessing I'll have to make a trip for some pre-op tests close to that date. OMG!

I have some questions for all of you post-op folks - what about our prescriptions - I'm on 3 blood pressure meds, one thyroid med and then there's the one for constipation - how are these handled immediately after surgery? do you crush you meds or what - how soon after surgery were you able to go off some of your blood pressure meds? Also, did you have to do the bowel prep thing? Does everyone do that, or do some sugeons do it and others not?

I'm beginning to get more and more excited!! Here we go!!!!!!!

Deb2 · 02-13-2007, 12:14 PM

Congrats on completing the "walk of fire" to get your surgery date.

I am 9 weeks out and have learned by reading this forum that there is quite a difference in the way surgeons can handle this process, so keep in mind that your requirements may be a little, or a lot, different than others. It is always best to follow what YOUR surgeon tells you. That said...

Yes, I did have to do a bowel prep. As things go, it was no big deal. I was well prepared. I bought a good book, stayed home that day and spent a good deal of time in the bathroom.

My surgeon did not want me to take blood pressure meds after surgery. My blood pressure was normal before I left the hospital--I took it last night and it was 125/73---no meds. I'm sure it depends on how high yours is, how long you've been on meds, how much meds you are currently taking, etc. Good questions to ask your doctor.

Thas my story...

ceekerr · 02-14-2007, 05:21 PM

OK, so I had that test run on Monday, right? So I call the Doctor's office today - they CAN'T FIND IT!!!!!!!!!!

So, I didn't have a hissy fit - although I should have - they were supposed to call me back today, but guess what ---- they DIDN'T. So tomorrow I'll call them again. At this rate, I don't think I'll EVER have the surgery!

Carol

ceekerr · 02-15-2007, 12:42 PM

So, I called the Dr's office again this morning - about the test that I had done on Monday & the medical clearance letter that was completed at the same time- the report that they couldn't find when I last called - today they assured me that "if anything has come in since I talke to you last, it's been faxed to your surgeon" , when I reminded her that this was the report that they couldn't find yesterday - she said that it was probably on the pile of things waiting on the Dr's signature

that the dr hadn't been in 2 days and she didn't know if he was going to be in today

Meanwhile, I'm freakin out - I don't know which of her 2 stories to believe - when she tells me "I'm not trying to put you off" and I told her, "Oh, but you are!" I can't get her to understand that I need to have confirmation that the information was faxed. I just called again a few minutes ago, and she assures me that "she's doing the best she can."

I should mention that EVERY person who worked in my PCP's office except the nurses has recently been replaced. The new people, I know, will have to have some time to get to know the system - but dang! I seems that EVERY LITTLE THING THAT CAN HAPPEN TO DELAY THIS IS HAPPENING!!!! OMG!

I don't know what else can happen and I don't know what else I'm suspossed to do except to keep calling and keep after these people. Does ANYONE have any suggestions???????

Debz · 02-16-2007, 07:21 AM

I know this isn't what you want to hear, but ...Be as nice as you possibly can be. The old "you catch more flies with honey' thing is really true. Don't get me wrong; you should stay on point and follow up every detail if you feel you need to, but be "that really nice lady", rather than "that *itch who keeps driving me nuts". Having worked in a doc's office, I can tell you that the receptionists/ medical records persons perception of you is critical in getting what you want. Good luck!

ceekerr · 02-16-2007, 07:52 AM

OK, OK, so I won't go off on them - enve though I think they deserve it for being so *** with me. I AM NORMALLY a VERY NICE PERSON - I haven't called anyone a *itch in a really long time. I DO BELIEVE that you get more flies with honey. . . . . . . But it would help if they had been nicer and not so curt - they act like they don't have time to answer any of my questions.

Debz · 02-16-2007, 08:10 AM

(Please read with an old chinese man accent)Ahhh, grasshopper...you are right. They DO deserve to get an earful. But you must ask yourself...what is your goal? To be right, or post-op?

Sorry for bein' goofy, but,hey, it's who I am

ceekerr · 02-16-2007, 08:43 PM

Ahh.. The wisdom of the ages speaks to me!

Thanks!

ceekerr · 02-27-2007, 12:24 PM

The surgeon's office called today - they STILL haven't received the Pulmonary Function Test results1 - The test was done on Feb 12 - PCP's office SAID it was faxed last Wed - I guess they were mistaken??? Anyway, I have a copy of that test and they let me fax my copy to them!!! YAY!!! So, now EVERYTHING is there, ready for the surgeon to review, and they will SOON call and give me a DATE!!!

Maybe get the call by Friday?????

Rachel · 02-27-2007, 12:38 PM

Oh yippie!! They finally got everything!! I hope you find out by this Friday that would be wonderful! I will keep my fingers crossed for you! Good Luck girl! and by the way... Good job on remaining calm