When my doctor walked into her office for my follow-up, she did a double-take. Because I took a more serious approach to my diet, I was able to lose 20 pounds (and gain a healthier perspective). I won't go into details on how I did it because one size does not fit all. I will say that one common theme I've found with Ayurveda and from reading The Perfect 10 Diet is the importance of eating organic, whole foods and eliminating additives and processed foods.
"I sense heartache" is what I was told during my last follow-up. Today when my doctor read my pulse, whatever she sensed in June was no longer detectable. On the drive home, I realized the heartache I was experiencing wasn't due to my past after all. It was the possibility of losing our upside-down home due to mounting medical costs. Thankfully, I'm no longer stressed about my present situation. But how interesting - or merely coincidental - my doctor was able to sense the stress at that time, as well as my present relief, through my pulse.
Aetna has decided this year's physical therapy wasn't necessary after all, so I need to come up with the cash to cover six months worth of PT visits. Don't worry - I'm appealing. It may have just been a lack of documentation, so once my doctors and I get that turned in Aetna will hopefully decide in my favor. In the meantime I haven't been able to see my PT, and my cervicogenic headaches are sneaking back, hindering my exercise routine.
11 comments:
How can you avoid stress about health issues when you have to fight to get basic benefits. It just makes me very tired to think about it! I think the insurance companies know it, and make it that way on purpose. How many give up and never press the issue? Thanks for the post!
I think so too. You have to be healthy to be sick in America.
Jasmine,
Congratulations on losing weight by eating healthy, organic, whole, unprocessed foods!
I'm so sorry you have to go through the stress of an appeal but GOOD FOR YOU for filing an one!
I have been through appeals with health insurance companies before. It is absolutely ridiculous that such hoops are necessary.
Good luck!
Jeanne
P.S. If you appeal and get denied, re-appeal. I once did that... and got my claims approved after the second appeal.
Thank you, Jeanne!
I have gifted you with the One Lovely Blog Award. Check it out at http://chronicmigrainewarrior.blogspot.com.
another blog award for you at http://migraine-ista.blogspot.com/2010/09/some-awards.html
I really enjoy your blog!
Feeling the love - thank you so much Jamie and Migrainista! I've been away, so I'm slowly catching up to blogs, facebook, emails, and real life :)
Update: I'm now down 30 pounds.
If you have any problems at all with your appeal, contact Jennifer Jaff of the Advocacy for Patients with Chronic Illness at http://www.advocacyforpatients.org/
She kicks ass! Oh, and she's free.
Awesome Anon, thank you so much for the contact!
I contacted Jennifer, and unfortunately there wasn't much she could do to assist me. I mailed in my 2nd Appeal request, and was denied again. I'm not going to fight it anymore.
This experience with Aetna is one more reason why Single Payer system is America's future. Enough people are losing their homes because of medical bills.
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