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Dealing with Chronic PainContains "mature" content, but not necessarily adult.[email protected] 
  
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General : Time for a new pump.
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 Message 1 of 11 in Discussion 
From: MSN NicknameDarkShadow41  (Original Message)Sent: 11/19/2008 3:33 PM
I went to have my pump filled on Monday and and found out that I'm due for a replacement.  I cant believe I've had a pump in me for over eight years now.  I have to look into finding a different doctor though.  I like the doctor I have now but he doesn't take Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance so there's always been a hassle with the insurance company when it comes time to pay the bill for a refill.  The problem is I haven't been able to find a doctor that will take me on as a patient because I already have a pump implanted and they won't take over a patients care if they didn't implant the pump.  So I'm hoping I can find a doctor that's willing to do the implant and take over my care that's inplan for BC/BS.  I've been approved for the amount of visits for refills with BC/BS but they NEVER get the bill right.  They always make some mistake on it that ends up with me owing the doctor about 30% of the bill.  I don't know about other people here with pumps but it costs $1500.00 every refill and every refill we worry that this is the time the insurance is going to refuse to pay anymore.  Anyone want to take bets that I still won't be able to find a doctor because they didn't do the whole implant?
 
Shadow-Dan


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Reply
 Message 2 of 11 in Discussion 
From: MSN NicknameCyndyK2Sent: 11/19/2008 8:26 PM
Since you need to have the pump replaced, this seems an ideal time to get a new doctor that can't use that as an excuse, right?? Make sure you pick one that's not going to retire in ten years!
Cyndy

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 Message 3 of 11 in Discussion 
From: MSN Nicknamegramanan3Sent: 11/19/2008 8:29 PM
I'll say a little prayer and keep my fingers crossed that everything goes will with you.  lots of love gramanan

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 Message 4 of 11 in Discussion 
From: MSN NicknameDarkShadow41Sent: 11/19/2008 10:01 PM
I still see a problem with the catheter though.  Because the new doctor would only be replacing the old pump I have my doubts that they will take over my case becasue they didn't do the whole job.  I'm still going to look into it; I just know that might be a problem from the first time I tried to find another doctor.
 
Shadow-Dan

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 Message 5 of 11 in Discussion 
From: DanSent: 11/20/2008 1:06 AM
I swear, Dan.  I love you like a brother.  But you do tend to see the glass as half empty, not half full.  I think it's the Minnesotan in you.   
 
Everyone I ever knew from Minnesota was the same way.  Everyone up there has the attitude that "This is going to go wrong because I don't deserve to have it go right."  I think it's those 11 month winters.    I mean, when it snows for 11 months and you got one month of poor sledding.... Welll...  It would tend to make a person a bit morose...    But try to look on the bright side, just this once.  (OK.  Just kidding about the 11 months of snow.  It's only about 9 months of snow and 3 months of poor sledding... right?  Heh, heh.) 
 
Let's assume, being that BC/BS is the largest insurer in the state of Minnesota and has the largest network, that you will be able to find a doctor who can replace the pump and take over your refills.  Trust me, the catheter will not, repeat not, be an issue.  See?  Glass went from half full to full, just like that.  And trust me again when I say, you're a good guy, and you DO deserve it. 
 
You remain in my prayers, guy. 
 
Dan

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 Message 6 of 11 in Discussion 
From: MSN NicknameNatzoSwiftSent: 11/20/2008 12:39 PM
Hopefully, Dan, things will work out just fine!!!  Dan is right....think on the 'bright side' ....don't think you ARE going to have a problem.  I know you've had them before...but we all have.  So just go in with the right attitude and think 'positive'....and things WILL go right for you.
 
Let us know how things go for you, Dan....you are in our prayers.  Good to hear from you......hope you will post more often.  It would be good for you.....we're all upbeat and will help support you...you know that.  Granted you've got to help a little....but we are HERE for you!
Hugz,
Dee                    

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The number of members that recommended this message. 0 recommendations  Message 7 of 11 in Discussion 
Sent: 11/20/2008 10:45 PM
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 Message 8 of 11 in Discussion 
From: MSN NicknameDarkShadow41Sent: 11/20/2008 10:49 PM
 
Dan,
 
We only have two seasons in Minnesota; Winter and Construction.
 
I called and talked to 7 different doctors offices and had appointments made for at least 4 of them.  Every one of them called me back and caneled the appointment or told me over the phone that they could not take me as a patient because of liability issues.  I've been kicked in the face so many times over this pain problem I don't bother getting back up anymore.
 
Shadow-Dan

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 Message 9 of 11 in Discussion 
From: DanSent: 11/20/2008 11:51 PM
Liability issues?  Libility issues?  WHAT liability issues?  Praciticing medicine is a liability issue.  What a bunch of weinie wimp doctors!!!  All of them have to sit when they go to the bathroom?  I mean, who let the gelding guy loose in the medical school?  (No offense ladies.  I'm speaking metaphorically here...) 
 
Try calling your local Medtronic rep and find out who supports the pump locally.  He or she will know.  They're his or her primary custormers.
 
Don't quit yet, my friend. 
 
Dan

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 Message 10 of 11 in Discussion 
From: MSN NicknameDarkShadow41Sent: 11/21/2008 2:23 PM
I'm not throwing in the towel yet Dan.  Sue and I are just plain sick of insurance companies and doctors and phamacists.  I've been taking Methadone for break through pain for about 9 years now.  I get it in liquid form because my body doesn't seem to absorb the pills the way it should.  I use so little of the stuff I end up throwing away most of the bottle because it expires before I use it all.  I got a refill last Monday and the pharmacist called me back to the phamacy and told me the methadone shouldn't be taken with the Klonopin I've been taking; another drug I've been on for at least 10 years.  I asked her why and she said if I get too high it could suppress my breathing.  I know she was just doing her job but implying I get high from it hit a raw nerve in me.  I've been accused of being a drug searcher or flat out faking it ever since I found out about the ruptured disk in my back in 1982.  You heard about me loosing my disability insurance?  The video they had showed me raking a pile of weeds but didn't show me slumped over the tailgate of my truck three seconds later because I could hardly stand.  And I have a brother in-law that never fails to get some remark in about me not working when ever we get together for holidays or other occations.  I don't mean to be taking it out on you; I'm just tired of the BS I have to put up with just to TRY to live a somewhat normal life.
 
Shadow-Dan 

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 Message 11 of 11 in Discussion 
From: DanSent: 11/22/2008 1:22 AM
"Too high" was an unfortunate choice of words.  What she meant to say was "too sedated".  Or what she should have meant to say was "to sedated".  The point was valid.  Mixing narcotics of that potency can be very dangerous.  Of course, I 'm not telling you anything you don't know. 
 
Oh yeah, by the way.  The methadone liquid may have an expiration date on it.  But if you keep it out of sunlight and in a cool place (like your refridgerator) it won't actually loose it's potency for a very long time.  I've kept some patches in my refridgerator against the possibility of withdrawal.  They expired two or three years ago, but I wouldn't hesitate to slap a couple on myself if I went into withdrawal agaain.
 
Dan

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