Taking time off work for medical reasons and a coworker complaining. Update 106!

[QueenfaninCA]

I'm really surprised that an anesthesiologists gets to decide the medical necessity of a surgery. Isn't their job just to make sure you are properly anesthesised during the surgery? I can certainly understand if they refuse for reasons related to that. But how can they decide that you are too healthy to have the surgery? Isn't that what your GP and perhaps a specialist in whatever field is appropriate should decide?

[EMuir]

So I'm guessing this hospital doesn't do gastric bypass surgeries, ever? How ironic that most doctors recommend that surgery for fat people but won't do other surgeries.

Keep this in mind when you read about fat people having more health problems... it's because we're denied care!

Good luck to you OP!

[rashea]

I'm really surprised that an anesthesiologists gets to decide the medical necessity of a surgery. Isn't their job just to make sure you are properly anesthesised during the surgery? I can certainly understand if they refuse for reasons related to that. But how can they decide that you are too healthy to have the surgery? Isn't that what your GP and perhaps a specialist in whatever field is appropriate should decide?

They aren't deciding if it's medically necessary, they are deciding if it's safe to do the surgery. Surgery can be dangerous if you have risk factors. Anesthesia is generally safe. But, someone who is overweight can run more than average risks.

I had an anesthesiologist who wouldn't sign off on a surgery until I had an up to date echocardiogram, because I have a heart murmur.  It didn't matter that I had one a few years ago, they wanted to see a fresh one. I also had a surgeon who, because of the type of surgery, insisted I have a psych eval first (suicide is a common reaction if this surgery fails).

ETA: Actually, some doctors do insist you lose weight before gastric bypass surgery.

[ebrochu]

**Please be aware, i'm not searching for medical or legal advice, or offering medical or legal advice in any of my posts, just communicating**
(I'm not saying anyone has said anything that could get this into locking territory, just covering bases. I need this thread very badly right now)

Just rambling on, not directed to anyone in particular. I just needed to talk with people who understand, and you guys are the best!

When someone is overweight, there are sometimes a multitude of issues that can come up that will endanger them if they need surgery. From breathing issues (which would affect blood oxygen) to thickness through the neck from fat (which will affect how far back they can bend your head to put the tube down your throat) If I had diabetes, It might affect it (i'm not sure how on the "putting under" side) although I know it would affect healing. Basically, all the health risks of being overweight also affect you when you need surgery, and many anesthetists have to have the unfortunate job of denying someone because it would just be too dangerous to put them under.

That's what gets me. My breathing is awesome (don't smoke) I don't drink, all my own teeth, clear throat. Blood pressure 115/65, heart rate mid 70's. Neck bends well (chin right down to chest, base of skull in back right down to spine. ) NO diabetes, heart disease, any disease, actually. The anesthetist had actually said "if you weren't overweight, you'd be perfect" I don't have any of the medical issues that come along with being overweight, except the weight! And I'm wanting to change that, with medical supervised weight loss program and exercise, except I can't exercise because of the pain, so I can't lose weight to have the surgery, but she denied me the surgery because i'm overweight...

*breathe*

I want to thank you all for being so awesome though. It's been wonderful to have a spot here where I can vent, cry and just get everything out. Your advice, hugs and general caring attitudes have really helped get me through some dark times. I don't think I'll ever be able to adequately thank you all.

Oh, and just cause it's come up in one or 2 PM's ..I'm Canadian, not from the States. So Doctor recommendations that have been P.M'd to me are much appreciated, but unfortunately, are WAY too much of a commute for me!    But thank you all the same!

[rashea]

ebrochu,

I'm really sorry this is happening. I know how tough it is to try again when you've been knocked back like this. But you will get there. Keep on fighting and holding your head high.

[ncgal]

~~HUGS~~~.  Sorry you are having to deal with all of this.  As for exercise, until you can have the surgery, have you thought about water aerobics?  Just a thought if possible. 

[Alpacas]

I'm really sorry that this happened to you.
I know it must be really painful to wait again but i hope that you go to another doctor and that you won't have to wait so long for another surgery.

[ebrochu]

No new updates. Still off work on disability, still looking for a new surgeon to perform the surgery.

I'm slowly losing my mind (it feels like it, anyways) I've talked to a therapist, and they say that I'm suffering from severe anxiety and stress, which is more than understandable. I told her i've been doing a lot of crafts and colouring to try and keep my mind focused on something simple and easy. She said that's the best thing I can be doing right now.

Doc is calling daily for updates and requests for surgery for me. I just didn't think it'd be this hard to get some surgery here in Canada. I'm not trying to open up a can of worms here, but if I was in the states, if I had the money to pay for the surgery, I'd more than likely have had it by now.

*sigh* I'm trying to hang on. I really am. It's just getting harder and harder each day.

[ebrochu]

FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!

I finally have a surgery date! I've been off for 8 months, and in pain for 10. I've been waiting and waiting, been through 2 doctors, and now finally have a surgery date.

In December. On the 11th.

It's another month. I've had to wait this long. Well, I was dropped in July from the first doc, and found a second doc in September, so it's not been that long, considering (from the first meeting to the surgery it's been only 2.5 months. But it's been a real trial for me.

But I'm finally booked. Now it's nerves time!

YAY me, I guess?

[O'Dell]

Oh my goodness! That's crazy how long it's taking! Glad you have a date now. Fingers crossed that it goes to plan!

Has your insurance still been treating you well?

[Jones]

It's crazy that you've had to wait this long! But very glad you have an end in sight.

[gramma dishes]

What a relief.  Glad you finally have a definite day to mark on your calendar.  Hopefully, having a specific date set will take away some of the frustration you've been feeling.

Hope the little over a month remaining goes quickly for you. 

[peach2play]

CONGRATS!

[ebrochu]

Just called the Hospital, Surgery is booked for 9 am.

Have to be there for 7 am, and have to travel over an hour to get there. Suffice to say, we'll be leaving home about 4 am, to make SURE i'm on time. Last appointment we left 2 hours early, and I JUST made it with 2 minutes to spare!

So, finally everything is coming to a point. I'm very thankful for all the support and encouragement I've gotten here. You all have been a real mountain of support in very scary times. Thank you.

I'll hopefully be able to post within the week as to how my surgery went. But if you can spare any good thoughts for me tomorrow, (at any time, no need for time zone specifics!)    I'd truly appreciate it.

[JenJay]

Best wishes for a successful surgery and quick recovery!!