I have a question for you guys, since some of these specialists are out of state how did you guys pay for the associated costs? I have full insurance so I am sure I can get the procedure covered but I have never had to deal with anything major involving my insurance and I really don't know where to start.

I am worried mostly about travel expenses, since I am sure the insurance will cover the hospital stay.

Any tips or advise would be great!

-J

WEll, my insurance approved the thymectomy, but only covered 80% of my other costs = $20,000 for my first WEEK in ICU. Maybe I just have awful insurance (blue cross), but we are up to our necks in medical expenses.....as I currently owe the Methodist over $35,000!

We are fighting this of course, but don't know how much we are going to have to cough up eventually.........

Thankfully my surgeon was right here in SA, so I didn't have any additonal costs...........

Hopefully others will be able to provide you better info. I think most of the people on this site have had their thymus' removed and have helpful info!

By the way, I believe you asked about downtime. Mine was longer due to the fact that my breastbone had to be split (there were spots on my lungs that puzzled the "specialists".) They have since disappeared, as have my pain due to the surgery. It is very invasive surgery and anyone that tells you it is easy is sorely mistaken. My "specialist" had only done a few other surgeries like mine (and he has been practicing for over 20 years)........

Granted, if I had to do it all over again I WOULD! No question about it!

Take care!
Erin Hermes