Beth's Hip Replacement
Donation protected
Two and one half years ago I finally went to the doctor to find out what was going on with my hip. It was popping, snapping, and felt like it was on the verge of dislocating. Met with two different orthopedic surgeons to determine which direction to take, I was asked if I had seen a PT person yet. Of course, I had not. So I went to physical therapy and had determined I was already doing everything they recommended; swimming, walking, yoga, stretching, a change of diet, maintaining weight, acupuncture, chiropractic, and pain management.
Went back to the surgeon and had all the things done; x-rays, scan with contrast, injections for more clarity of issues, fitted for a brace and heavier drugs for pain management. The determination was a full hip replacement. It would be the only thing that would help alleviate all the issues I was having.
So being who I am, I hit the internet for research on all the options available. And yes, I even called the Mayo Clinic and talked with surgeons there. I looked into stem cell therapy, arthroscopy, and other types of therapies. I also did research to see if there were alternatives to what I was currently doing.
Personally, surgery was the last resort!
After consulting again with the orthopedic surgeon, we set the date for hip replacement surgery. At this point, a year and a half had passed. My quality of life had hit rock bottom and depression has taken hold, hard.
Insurance had paid for everything up to this point with no question. Then three days prior to surgery, they notified me they were denying coverage. We appealed four times, including the outside appeals board. They still classified my hip replacement surgery as medically unnecessary.
After many hours, days, and months of anguish, I made the decision to proceed with the surgery. This decision was not made lightly but I made it so I could have some resemblance of a life. We set another surgery date and the insurance company once again denied it, still deeming it medically unnecessary. I knew it would be out of pocket at that point. I am still hoping insurance will pick up a percentage…doubtful they will.
I was raised to be independent, self-reliant, and strong of will in all aspects of life. To get to this point of needing, or asking for help is difficult for me. I have never taken this decision lightly!
I am self-employed and pay my own insurance premiums. Any decision I make always comes down to money, no matter what it is.
Went back to the surgeon and had all the things done; x-rays, scan with contrast, injections for more clarity of issues, fitted for a brace and heavier drugs for pain management. The determination was a full hip replacement. It would be the only thing that would help alleviate all the issues I was having.
So being who I am, I hit the internet for research on all the options available. And yes, I even called the Mayo Clinic and talked with surgeons there. I looked into stem cell therapy, arthroscopy, and other types of therapies. I also did research to see if there were alternatives to what I was currently doing.
Personally, surgery was the last resort!
After consulting again with the orthopedic surgeon, we set the date for hip replacement surgery. At this point, a year and a half had passed. My quality of life had hit rock bottom and depression has taken hold, hard.
Insurance had paid for everything up to this point with no question. Then three days prior to surgery, they notified me they were denying coverage. We appealed four times, including the outside appeals board. They still classified my hip replacement surgery as medically unnecessary.
After many hours, days, and months of anguish, I made the decision to proceed with the surgery. This decision was not made lightly but I made it so I could have some resemblance of a life. We set another surgery date and the insurance company once again denied it, still deeming it medically unnecessary. I knew it would be out of pocket at that point. I am still hoping insurance will pick up a percentage…doubtful they will.
I was raised to be independent, self-reliant, and strong of will in all aspects of life. To get to this point of needing, or asking for help is difficult for me. I have never taken this decision lightly!
I am self-employed and pay my own insurance premiums. Any decision I make always comes down to money, no matter what it is.
Organizer
Beth Werner
Organizer
Salem, OR
