Hi,
It's been awhile again since I've posted or visited any blogs. Sorry about that.
Got some bad news the other day. It's been 6 months since I had the last Radio Frequency Ablation Procedure done at the hospital for the Sacroiliac joint. The nerves have since rejuvenated and are back to their angry selves - causing pain. Medicare has decided they will no longer pay for that procedure because they feel it's experimental. Never mind that I had 2 last year, which they paid for, and which got rid of the pain in the sacro joint. Now I'm up a creek without a paddle!
The doctor told me they have done appeal after appeal with Medicare, and they deny all of the preauthorizations. Other insurances are doing the same.
I did have a Cortisone shot in the Sacro joint last week, which only took the edge off the sharp pain. But sitting in a car continues to be a problem and getting into some cars is impossible. The ice pack and/or heating pad are my dear friends.
I have to meet with the doctor's Nurse Practitioner in 2 weeks, and meanwhile I have to start Physical Therapy again next week - never mind that I'm still doing PT on my own for my back. Sorry if I'm sounding negative - I guess I'm just mad! I did ask the doctor about paying for the RFA myself, but she said no! I suspect maybe it's a liability issue if I were to sue or something like that.
I shouldn't complain because there are many people in worse shape. But I don't deal with chronic pain very well. As my dentist says - may pain nerves are all close to the surface on my body.
The good news here is that the temperatures are warming up. We'll be in the 30's most of this coming week. Woohoo - good bye frigid nights - I hope.
I just had to share the picture at the top of the page. It was taken about 4 years ago when we took a cruise to Alaska. This was the scene as we left Vancouver, BC and traveled up the Intercoastal waterway to Alaska. Beautiful country. I will feature pictures from that trip in weeks to come.
Thanks for reading my blog.
Mary
I am so sorry you are having such a problem with chronic pain. I have never heard of RFA before.
ReplyDeleteThe picture at the top of the blog is marvelous! Such beauty we have around us!
Hugs,
Nellie
Mary, I am sorry that you are feeling so tough. It is a darn shame that Medicare won't cover something that is so beneficial for you. Makes me mad on your behalf. Sorry to be so late getting here.
ReplyDeleteHUGS!!!
I'm very sorry to hear about this. It seems so hard. I wonder why you have to do without the treatment just to save your doctor the anxiety of having you sue. They should be insured for that. If it was me I think I'd want to sue for being kept in pain when not necessary. Fingers crossed that better weather is on the way for you.
ReplyDelete