Patty

[Guest guest]

Thanks Patty. I know, it is baffling to have to wait so long but I think its all that beaurocratic crap of paper pushing that takes our government forever to get thru. I did call Sue (the recept at my PS's office) and asked her what it would cost me to pay for the surgery. She told me $1250.00 but advised that I wait for the medical insurance to approve it and I guess that is my feeling also right now. She said that I could be looking at surgery at the end of March.

I did some more research last Wed night regarding SAM-e for depression and found some other supplement recommendations that would help with the depression and energy. Since I had them in my cupboard I started taking them on Thurs and I don't know if they would improve things that quickly or if it was all in my head but I actually had energy Thurs and Fri. I've been sticking really close to a sugar-free and yeast-free diet and I know that has helped as well. I'm taking SAM-e right now and have for a week but have stepped it up to 3 tablets a day instead of the one I was doing prior to Thurs to let my system adjust to it as recommended. The lousy part is that Canada had banned it off the shelf so if I want to stay on it I have to cross the line and buy it in Washington. St 's Wort has been helpful in the past but since I had the SAM-e here I thought I'd use it. The worst for me is the depression, it seems to sap me of all strength and energy. With the strict diet and supplements, I figure if I can slowly detox my body before the surgery maybe the recovery will be smooth sailing so I am trying to stay positive about the long wait.

Are you still having trouble with your energy as well? How's your head doing? Still foggy? When you all talked about being foggy I didn't think I could relate to it. I have known for a long time now that my memory is poor but what I am especially aware of right now is that when I read or learn something, that info seems to drift off into a fog in my brain and I have to try real hard to remember it and lots of time I don't. I have to write everything down and have for a long time but lately moreso. Is that what you all mean with brain fog?

Well, today we are putting insulation in our attic so I guess I had better get off my butt and get things started. Yuch! I'd rather be sewing or reading or maybe something fun. lol See ya all later and have a great weekend. Jackie

----- Original Message -----

From: Patty

Sent: Wednesday, January 31, 2001 6:35 PM

Subject: Re:

Hi Jackie,

I don't understand why they need 2 months to make a decision on the insurance--I would push a little bit if you can to get them to make a quicker decision. Is your doctor supportive of you? He needs to be the one to push for you.

I know what you are talking about when you say you are wiped out. Just take it easy, be good to yourself.

Hugs, Patty

----- Original Message -----

From: Jackie

Sent: Tuesday, January 30, 2001 7:46 PM

Subject:

Hi , How are ya doing? We're not seeing as much of you so I'm hoping that is a positive sign and it means you are continuing to regain your strength and are out enjoying life as you should be.

I'm so pleased for these ladies here that have had their explants recently, Peggy and Cristy, and can hardly wait til its my turn. My energy levels are pretty low right now so I'm struggling to get out of bed in the morning at 5 am and I'm wiped by 3pm.

I wish there was some way of speeding up the Medical Insurance's decision to pay for my explant. That's the only thing that is holding me back right now. I was told that it could be a month to 2 months for the decision to be made depending how backed up they (the insurance co) are and then could be another 2 months for surgery date. I think I will call tomorrow and see how much it will cost me out of my pocket. I don't know if I can wait much longer. Gotta run right now but please keep in touch. All the best, Jackie