[fanfaire]

It's scheduled for December 3rd. My husband will have to take me because it's at least a 4 hour drive each way and I can't drive for more than an hour continuously (not safely, anyway). He'll be missing time from work unpaid, not fun.

I'll be starting in the rheumatology department because my main referral is from my old rheumatologist in Denver. I will likely be sent to neurology next to sort out the neuropathy/cognitive/periodic limb movement disorder problems. I've never been to a neurologist who knew much about Sjogren's before, so I expect there will be all sorts of new tests done there.

The paperwork I was sent said that I will probably be there between three and six business days. So I will have to book a place to stay. I hope to find something that has a kitchenette as I have too many dietary restrictions to eat out much.

I am fighting with my medical insurance about coverage. They have denied pre-approval because they want me to keeping going to the incompetent Sioux Falls rheumatologists. I need to put together an appeal even though it is likely to be turned down.

I have been sorting through my 10 years of medical records gathering my various scattered labs and test results so I can put them into a single summary. I'm using Liza Jane's lab worksheets as a starting point. I do already possess the info, but it's buried within my copies of the records which were originally filed by doctor.

I also need to scan the records which are relevant, but I'm having trouble figuring out which ones those would be as those files are several inches thick. Is it worse to bring in too much information, or not enough? Since my ailments are systemic, I've been to ENTs, gastroenterologists, endocrinologists, podiatrists, physiatrists, opthalmologists, pain specialists and sleep specialists in addition to rheumatologists and neurologists.

I'm afraid of very little in life, but this pending appointment really freaks me out. My entire financial future could hinge upon whatever they do or do not find. It's a horrible feeling, half-hoping my tests will come back abnormal so my LTD company will have to admit I have a legitimate physical illness, and half-hoping I'm actually well enough to go back to work someday.

If nothing else, I hope I will finally get a comprehensive picture of what's going on with my health. I've got bits and pieces from various medical specialities, but no one has really been able to piece it all together. I should at least be an interesting patient.

fanfaire