If you've been following my "adventure" with OHIP lately you'll know what's going on. I've learned a few things lately that have me a bit nervous regarding my referral to Ottawa. Recently it's come to light that since they have started doing the more complicated surgeries on people with a BMI over 50, only recently, there have been a couple of deaths. People are actually suggesting strongly that if your weight is high to do your best not to get your surgery done there. Pretty frightening stuff. I am well aware of the risks that are involved but having surgeons that are not experienced with the more complicated issues with the surgery isn't something I need to have added to those risks. I'm going to have to look into it more thoroughly.
So this week brings to light THE LETTER from OHIP. Originally I was to be excited to receive this letter because it would mean it was a letter of acceptance for Out-Of-Country Benefits. Since the delay from my doctors office, it put me past Nov 4th and any applications that are received after that date are being sent the letter which I received. It's interesting to note that sites like the obesityhelp.com forums were able to enlighten me as to the legislature way before the actual government office could do so.
The one thing I did notice on the letter is there is a Note on the bottom last page of the letter that does say I can have my doctor note the referrals as being urgent and they can be rushed through the system (yea right! believe it when I see it!) or she can actually call the same bloody place I sent the application and tell them that I cannot wait the approximate 14 month or so wait to get this done because my tissues are being damaged. My osteoarthritis is steadily getting worse and worse and I've yet to find a pair of comfortable warm shoes I can wear to walk in for the winter months.
I did sit down and prepare a request for her that I faxed, including the final page of the letter (she was CC'd on the letter from OHIP) and I also included my therapists letter of support to keep in my records. I do see her Monday morning so I'm going to practically get on my hands and knees (well not literally) and beg her to make the phone call. I simply cannot manage this pain anymore without having to a) go on stronger pain meds or b) just not exercise anymore. That to me is not an option. Neither of them are since the next step up for me from T3s prior to my first knee surgery was morphine and I do not want to get addicted to that again. Far too difficult to wean me off. I will be mentioning this to her at my appointment.
So other than that, I'm still okay with things and hanging in there. I still feel hopeful that perhaps things will get done sooner rather than later. I've been really grateful for several of my new friends and their support and encouragement. I think I would be having a harder time getting by with all the negative news if I didn't have their kind words and wonderful support. They give me the hope I need to believe in everything coming together soon.
I've been learning a lot thru the support groups and the online forum as well. One thing thats somewhat kept me from overeating like a pig on the lonely nights has been to start coupon collecting and contesting. It's what they call an addiction transfer and it's something they recommend you do when you go thru the surgery. I believe I've had a head-start because I'm completely addicted. I'm sure the telemarketing and the junk mail will be well worth it if I win a prize or two! lol
It's been nice not to feel down and unhappy. Other than being frustrated I feel okay. It's been a long haul since the bad breakup, the knee surgery and the quitting smoking moment of my life and I'm starting to feel like a human being again. I don't think about him every moment of the day like I did and I don't blame myself anymore for what happened; well most of the time. lol I do wonder how he is and how he is managing because he was a big part of my life and very important to me but I had to let go and move on with my life because it simply wasn't worth the depression and the heartache anymore. It almost destroyed me and I'm grateful to my friends and family for being there for me and my fur kids who make me smile to get by. Maybe I should have called this post a grateful post! It's Thanksgiving for me today! lol
Till next time!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment