For those playing the Jim in Florida Home Game, here’s a DATE!!!!
Hello everyone,
I have been meaning to send out an update for the last week
or so because it was appearing I was close to the point
where my paperwork was about to be submitted for approval.
All of my tests have been done, and I sent the last paper I
needed, a letter of clearance from my gastroenterologist,
was faxed yesterday afternoon. So, I’m thinking the nurse
gets it this morning, hands off my file to the insurance
handler, it’s submitted by maybe Wednesday or Thursday and
if I’m lucky, I’ll hear something in another two weeks or
so.
Well … Anita from Dr. Rosenthal’s office called me at
about 10:30 this morning to let me know I HAVE BEEN
APPROVED FOR SURGERY!!!!!! She said she sent it in with a
note asking for a quick decision, and in less than three
hours I was approved. How ’bout that sports fans?
I was in shock for the better part of the afternoon today.
Hoping I wouldn’t wake up and this all be the season that
sucked on Dallas. But sure enough, I’m wide awake, and it’s
real. I am so excited it’s beyond words. I now know how so
many of you felt, and how so many of you will feel.
It’s worth the wait gang. Whatever you have to go through,
and I’ve been through two years worth of BS and fighting to
get here … trust me when I say when that phone rings and
it’s your surgeon’s office calling to let you know you’ve
been approved; all that BS and fighting, the frustration,
anxiety, doubt, depression, weight gain … it all goes
away in that instant. Such a feeling of relief, and
excitement about the future.
Thanks to everyone who has supported, emailed, and prayed
for me. I wouldn’t have made it across the battlefield had
it not been for all of you … and Glory to God for helping
me through.
So, come June 9, 2004 I start my new life. What an
adventure to embark upon. No longer sitting on the curb
watching the parade go by. I will now be able to jump up,
take the baton and lead the parade to wherever I choose to
go. Amen!
I meet with the surgeon Dr. Rosenthal at Cleveland Clinic
in Weston, down by Ft. Lauderdale, the pulmonologist and
the anesthesiologist (and whatever other ologists I can
find lol) on Friday May 14. Yippie!
Hugs and much love to everyone,
Jim in Florida ºoº
Pre-op with surgery date set for June 9
5′8″, 418.8 lbs.
BMI 63.7