Yesterday's doctor visits yeilded some not so great news - I have an "inflammation" in my "treatment area". My skin has healed well, but apparently some of my innards aren't healing like they should. The doctor didn't think it was an actual infection, but he does want to keep an eye on it for a month or so, which means more follow ups. Yay. I actually really like my doctors and the nurses, too, so while I wouldn't call it my favorite way to spend the afternoon, I don't mind going into the cancer center. I just would like to step away from it, at the moment. Maybe stop in for a visit in the spring or something. Given that this inflammation is a bit painful, I don't think I'll be skipping any appointments. The last thing I want is for it to get worse.
Today, I went back to the home health care place to make a second attempt at getting a compression sleeve. I had a noon appointment, and showed up at noon on the dot. The person behind the desk informed me that I didn't actually need an appointment. Well, talk to you co-workers, then, honey, cause they would not help me without one. And really: I have an appointment on the books, and I'm here. If I didn't need said appointment, big deal! Why even bring it up? Just do your thing, measure my arm, and send me on my way. Sheesh! So then she asks me if I have a prescription. Um, no. Then she asked what compression rate I needed. I have no idea, so I offer to call my doctor, and she tells me since it's just a preventative thing I'll be a 15-20 compression rate, whatever that means. Again, I wonder, why bring it up? You clearly know what I need, why not just get it for me? So anyway: I get measured, which takes literally two minutes. Neither of the ladies who could not help me on Saturday wanted to watch and learn, so the next poor soul who comes in on a weekend will also be SOL. My measurements indicate I'm a "medium" which they do not have in stock. My sleeve has been ordered and will take a week or so to come in. I didn't actually need a prescription, so I'm not sure why I was asked for one, other than to make sure I never, ever come back to that shop again. It's a pretty safe bet that they won't be my first choice.
I think if you had a prescription they could bill your insurance company. My insurance company helped to pay for a wig when I lost all my hair due to chemo. I didn't even know about compression sleeves until I went to a breast cancer support group meeting. I had already flown about three times without one. I suppose I should get one...
ReplyDeleteSure hope your inflammation issue is resolved soon. I know what you mean about liking your doctors and nurses and yet never wanting to see them again.
Thanks, Janine! The beachy background wasn't doing it for me anymore.
ReplyDeleteMM: My insurance won't cover the sleeve unless I actually get lymph edema. How's that for patient care? It's funny because in most cases, they're really good with preventative programs. I might just submit the bill anyway. Ya never know - the person I spoke with might have been wrong, and all I'm out is about 15 minutes of my time if they do say no.