Jackie- you have good questions, and I'll try to clear things up for you.

First, as far as facility, it's a bit different for me too. This is the first time this I've had to deal with an issue like this... But the procedure can be done either at their bigger health center (where they have a doc office on one half and a surgery center on the other- the surgery center often used for Lumbar Sympathetic Nerve Block, and other procedures). So it CAN be done there, but because it's a more serious procedure, I guess some insurances require it to be done at the actual hospital. I don't know which is more expensive, or if that even factors in (although I can't imagine it doesn't), but it sounds to me like it's just up to if insurance is willing to allow procedure to be done at surgical center vs at the hospital.

And Rae- you're absolutely right, and I appreciate your support, I will be "begging and pleading" when I see my doc (the day of my trial) to ensure I get in early, if I do indeed end up having to go to the hospital.

As for my insurance, the problem is that I'm 25 and will turn 26 in Feb, and thus my insurance will expire at the end of that month that I turn 26. (as it's my dad's ins.) And since I can't work, I can't get any other ins, at least until my Social Security comes through, if it does (I'm currently in the long process of applying), but even then, it will be like 2 years before ins goes into effect.

I'm hoping that the SCS will allow me to get back to school, finish up, and get a job in nursing, then I will be able to get ins again and according to new ins laws, they can't discriminate against ppl for pre-existing conditions (or they won't be able to, when the laws go into effect- thank goodness for the RSD and SCS community!)

I'm just still so nervous about all of this... feeling incredibly restless and not sleeping well. I don't do well with the unknown and am a huge 'worrywort' (even on anti-anxiety medication!). But we're just over two weeks away now... I can do it, I can make it... I think. lol...

Thanks for all your continuing support and prayers everyone! It means so much to me, and I couldn't get through this time without it!!!


~Colleen

Hi Colleen,
I just wanted to say a few things about not having insurance because being a cash payer you may be paying the highest price for all follow ups needed and meds...the new laws on pre existing don't go into effect till 2014.
This is my experience and please keep in mind I live in S E Florida ---the pill mill capital of the USA.
My injury was from a motor vehicle accident and my medical care was under a letter of protection (LOP). After 3 years my case settled and all cost associated were negotiated down and paid off. I have not yet found an insurance that will take me...working on it....the ortho center that my surgeon was with will only see me if I pay $300. My surgeon is in a new office...I see him this Thursday..cost is $250 plus $50 per xray...I hope he will write me for my meds.

I see a doctor for my social security evaluations (up to 2 years away)...$125 first visit...$75. every visit after that...they do not write scripts..they did however refer me to a legit doctor who would register me as a "pain management patient"..evaluation is $125...if they decide to take me ..first visit is $200 and every visit after that is $180...they will only write a script for 30 days...so the perscription for the first 30 days of meds would cost me $325 and then another $50 at the drug store.$180 plus refill there after.
REALLY....I can get them cheaper on the street!!! (no I don't)

There was a debate for me also on hospital or surgery center tho it was based on the surgery center carrying the expense of the SCS & battery until the settlement of my case.
Just wanted to give you my perspective ...I sugest getting that surgery post haste so you have the advantage of insurance as long as possible.
Standing in the Light
Johanna^

I am off a week because I was Just Too Tired after work.....and all of this has been revealed? Andy..... TK...... Awful, horrible, things happening to you????? Anesthetist messing you over Big Time? I am still cringing from reading the words.......

Colleen, I so pray all goes well not only with your upcoming Trial and More... but that the Social Security situation will be worked out to your favor. I had to have a lawyer of all things to Push my SS through during those years I needed it because I was, and remain, physically disabled..... such a situation being PRECISELY why we pay into that misbegotten scandal ridden congressional piggy bank. Your case I hope will be brought to conclusion in your favor so you may be provided the care you deserve regardless of Dad's insurance.

Now, back to the original question..... removal of the leads after Trial was a snap, over before I wanted it. One moment there, the next NOT. Then we set about with the needful process of cleaning up that very messy infection I had developed..... thing was my insurance did not want to cover the antibiotics because they thought antibiotics surely were not related to an SCS Trial...... idiot insurance adjusters....

Once that was all cleared up, we got on to the process of implanting my permanent SCS. I am SO glad I received it. Oh yeah!

Prayin for ya,
Mark56

So My Trial surgery is exactly two weeks from today! I can't wait that one third of the time has passed already! I can't wait...I just want to thank you all for your continued support, it's helped so much in keeping me from going insane while I wait.

Two more weeks!!!

~Colleen

Correction: I can't *believe that one third of the time has gone by already (not "I can't wait) oops...

We know what you meant.....

Two weeks and counting,
and prayin all will be fantastic,
and well,
Mark56

Colleen definitely exciting times ahead. Two weeks will just fly by

Oh and well done getting your shower chair assembled an achievement in itself. See you CAN do anything once you put your mind to it

Jackie

There's alot that can be accomplished in a 2-week timeframe while you wait for your appt - between the bunch of us, we'll keep you occupied!
We're known to throw the best cyber-parties for one thing

Yes, the time WILL pass. It will, and you'll be buzzing right along, hopefully scheduling your permanent appt, which will usher in wondrous pain management for you, so you can enjoy the things you once did again.

Hoot! Hoot!

Rae

Hey everybody!

I put this info in it's own thread, but I just wanna say it here too, since we've talked about it and you've all been so supportive, I want to make sure you guys see it- I have an answer regarding which facility my permanent SCS will be implanted at: Hospital (w/wait till feb, when my ins runs out) vs surgery center (w/no wait)...

It's gonna be at the Surgery Center!! So the only wait will be based on how long my ins takes to approve the procedure. The insurance pre-auth lady at my doc's office whom I spoke with today said I could potentially get in by the end of the year! (assuming all goes well with the trial on the 27th, of course).

I'm so excited! And just want to thank you guys for all of your encouragement and support on this issue... I know I've been very dramatic about it, but it was eating me alive! Thank you all so much!

~Colleen

You've been no more dramatic about this than the rest of us, my dear! This IS a very dramatic decision that we've all come to make and much has been at stake, yes?

I have great feeling about this for you!
It's wonderful that this heavy weight has been lifted!
Now, you can start concentrating on what yer gonna do with the rest of your life with your new and wonderful pain management!

Rae