Well another fine mess I've gotten myself into

[salsabike]

Everything SadieKate said.

Jeez, Pam. There are times when life just piles it on. Luckily, there are those other times when we have clear, lovely sailing for a while. Just know that those times will be back too.

[LBTC]

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Pam}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

I'm sorry you're hurting so and have to go through this again! Trust yourself and the universe, honey. This, as with all things, will pass.

You've been an inspiration to me. Thank you!

ps maybe when you get a chance you can tell me what my scopes will be like. I don't want to think about them until late Feb....about a week before they happen, okay? Is it a deal?

Thanks!

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[Duck on Wheels]

My formerly fellow Americans,

You have just GOT to get it together and get yourselves a national health plan! Why on earth should it be the poor working person's tough luck if they happen to get cancer, and then a cyst, or maybe a broken leg, or whatever? In sensible countries your surgery AND your down time from work are covered by national health insurance. Everybody pays over their taxes, and everybody is covered. Companies love it because it means there's a level playing field amongst them and a generally healthy population to recruit from. Too expensive, you say? You're already paying twice what we Scandinavians pay per capita for your health coverage, and not getting half the service we get. And don't think you don't pay for those who aren't covered. One way or another, the bill comes around. For instance in the form of antibiotics-resistant diseases because of all those poor working folks who can't afford to take a whole series of medications, just the first few doses until the symptoms fade and then sell off the rest.

Well, at least your insurance is now covering the direct costs, Pam. Hang in there! Sorry I can't get this pushed through Congress in time for your upcoming surgery. I don't even have a vote back in California any more.

[bcipam]

I have to say I am fortunate to have the insurance I do. My cancer surgery costs were close to $100,000 and I will be paying something less than $3,000 I had the best of care at Mission Hospital, was treated royalty. Because of my insurance now, I will no doubt be able to expediate this surgery in order to have it done this year (and save me money). I'm not knocking a National plan, I hate to think people are not covered for this sort of thing but I can't imagine a National plan will be better than what I have.

I know this debate can go on and on. Frankly right now I am just so depressed about having surgery and another hosptial stay, and being down off by bike I don't want to think about it. The tears haven't stopped. And this has been a particularly sucky year for me. So much has happened between recovering from my collarbone surgery late 2005, having to move out of the house I was sharing with a roommate because he got a girlfriend and moved her in without asking me, financial issues, lost of a long time girlfriend (no she didn't die - our friendship ended for Inguess a million reasons done of which I know), the cancer, the betrayal of my friendship by a man I thought cared for me, and now this. Boy I can't wait for 2007!

Thanks for the advice you all about just getting through this. The time will pass soon enough and plus, maybe all the back and leg pain I've had (and thought was due to an old back) will go away. I can't tell you tha last time I had a really good nights sleep. I usually woke up several times due to back or leg pain. Of course right now the Vicodin is helping. Like I said, I can see why folks gets addicted to pain killers. My body usually has tons of aches and pains. Not right now! Oh Vicodin, sweet Vicodin!

[spokewench]

Oh No! Pam I just can't believe it - more surgery! I wish I could make it go away but I can't. So, here's wishing you a quick surgery, a fast recovery and as always healing thoughts. I know it is incredibly hard to keep up the faith, but hang in there, you'll have the surgery, and get better quick. At least you can look forward to no pain after the surgery!

[Xrayted]

Wow, Pam. I agree, you've certainly had enough happen to you this year. I'm sending you a big hug from the east coast hon.
Yeah, I think you got it right SK. I learned in school that a lipoma is a fatty tumor under the skin. They don't usually remove them unless they create pain. Otherwise, it's considered a cosmetic type of surgery. There usually aren't easily definable edges to these so even if they are removed, they can come back. They typically would have to take extra tissue around it to make sure they got it all.
Now cycts are a bit different and that's good news. They have definable edges. They are non-cancerous and have a kind of sack-like membrane around them. When they go to remove them, they know they've got it all. So Pam, if you're gonna have to have something there, that would be my choice I guess. Easier to deal with.
I hope for your physical as well as financial well being that they can get in there this year yet and take care of it. Keep pushing those docs. There is always OR time open. Make them work for that holiday break!

Good luck to you dear and let us know what's going on. Take care.

-X.

[Thistle]

Pam that just sucks I am so sorry to hear you have to do the whole surgery/hospital thing again. Hugs and hopes that this is the last one for a loooooong time, and that it all goes as well as it possibly can.

[SadieKate]

My body usually has tons of aches and pains. Not right now! Oh Vicodin, sweet Vicodin!

Pam, here's a positive thought for you. Vicodin wires me. Makes me spin somewhat like epinephrine in Sudafed. The dentist gave it to me so I could get through the night to a root canal the next day. Instead, I arrived at the endodontists with no sleep for 2 days, in cold sweats and nearly throwing up from the pain. The endo was being a good doc and kept trying to talk to me about what he was doing, but once he'd drilled through the crown and released the pressure, I asked him if he could be quiet so I could sleep.

See? Small things to be grateful for.

[bcipam]

I've always had mixed reactions from taking VIcodin. I agree - it also wires me out (at work I'm just buzzing along - I think my typing is all weird however) but then it also lets me sleep. Go figure???

[Trekhawk]

Oh Pam that is terrible news. Keep your chin up and just think after all of the crap you have had to deal with in 2006 07 will be smooth sailing.

Feel free to PM me anytime if you need to vent.

[mimitabby]

My formerly fellow Americans,

You have just GOT to get it together and get yourselves a national health plan! Why on earth should it be the poor working person's tough luck if they happen to get cancer, and then a cyst, or maybe a broken leg, or whatever? In sensible countries your surgery AND your down time from work are covered by national health insurance. Everybody pays over their taxes, and everybody is covered. Companies love it because it means there's a level playing field amongst them and a generally healthy population to recruit from. Too expensive, you say? You're already paying twice what we Scandinavians pay per capita for your health coverage, and not getting half the service we get. And don't think you don't pay for those who aren't covered. One way or another, the bill comes around. For instance in the form of antibiotics-resistant diseases because of all those poor working folks who can't afford to take a whole series of medications, just the first few doses until the symptoms fade and then sell off the rest.

Well, at least your insurance is now covering the direct costs, Pam. Hang in there! Sorry I can't get this pushed through Congress in time for your upcoming surgery. I don't even have a vote back in California any more.

Boy, you have got that right. I am always worried about my sons who alternately do not have insurance (right now one does the other doesn't)
what if something HAPPENS to them??!?

[eclectic]

{{{{{Oh BCIPAM}}}}} sometimes life really sucks

I hope they can get you in before the end of the year - deductibles really suck too.

Take care of you and prayers that all turns out timely and well

Eclectic

[Bikingmomof3]

I am just now seeing this. ((((((((((Pam))))))))))))) My continues prayers!

[bcipam]

Jen - how are you doing?

[Aggie_Ama]

Boy, you have got that right. I am always worried about my sons who alternately do not have insurance (right now one does the other doesn't)
what if something HAPPENS to them??!?

Not to threadjack- Mimi I worry about my friends who think health insurance is an unnecessary expense. They can afford it, but cut it to have extra disposable income. I think about my DH who seemed very healthy and had only been to the doctor one time in the past two years, until he spent 6 days in the hospital. Turns out my "healthy" DH has Crohn's disease and currently goes to the doctor once a month. Without insurance we would have a $30k+ hospital bill and could not afford the $8,000 IV therapy that his doctors feel is keeping him off the operating table. I may sound like a nag, but all my friends have received my $.02 worth! <<Off my soapbox>>

Pam- I am so sorry you are enduing more discomfort. It is great your doctor is trying to get you in before the new year! ((HUGS))