I'm not sure where I summoned the energy or courage to do this, but I was struck with the sudden desire to get the phone call to our insurance company over with today so we could start the ball rolling on getting a case manager assigned to our case.
The two people I talked to were very helpful and they said someone will call back in the next 2 days for more information so they can get a case manager assigned. I am so glad that first phone call is out of the way! Having fought for almost two years with a former insurance company to pay claims that it was clearly responsible for in the past, I find it difficult to imagine navigating "the system" all over again. I am reminding myself that ultimately, the former insurance company did finally pay all they owed--it was just quite a journey to get them to do so! Hopefully things will be different with the company we're with now.
Lisa
Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. -Psalm 31:24
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Friday, April 20, 2007
Sorry it's been so long since I posted!
I've had lots of e-mails and queries about how we're doing this week. As many of you are already aware, I work in a university counseling center as a counselor. Our situation with JB has (obviously) continued to be at the forefront of our minds this week, but with the Virginia Tech shootings, it's a little hard to be overly focused on our own situation. Our hearts go out to all the VT students, staff, faculty, and parents who are dealing with this tragedy first-hand: You are all in my heart and in my prayers this week.
As for things with JB, we're somewhat in a holding pattern until the end of June when we see the cardiologist again. Because my work load increased dramatically this week, calling the insurance company and doing some "detail work" had to be put off until next week, so I don't have much news. I did meet with director of our HR department late last week and was heartened by the caring support that was offered. It appears as though we have resources we weren't even aware of, which is a tremendous blessing. The HR director pointed out that we have the best insurance plan we could have given the circumstances. We thank God that He guided us to make the choice we did.
With my old OB's assistance, I was also able to set a first appointment with the doctor who will be my new OB at Vandy. I think I mentioned below that my favorite OB/GYN in the entire world, Dr. Donna Crowe, doen't have privileges at Vandy, so we have to switch. Losing the ability to work with her has been really hard on me, as she is fantastic. There are still a few kinks to work out with the transfer to the new OB, so please pray that situation works itself out well. Another piece of good news is that I don't need to continue to see a perinatologist since the problem is with the baby's health and not with my health. That's good because it's hard to be off work twice a month to see two doctors. It's REALLY good because all the time off I take now counts against my paid maternity leave from work later, so I have to be careful about how much time I take--two doc appts every month would really have eaten into my paid time off.
Some have asked for updated prayer requests, so here you go--some things to be praying about for the next week:
1. PRAISE for the help from Dr. Crowe and Dr. Liske in finding a new OB and making things easier for Lisa.
2. PRAISE for God's provision of good insurance.
3. PRAISE for a good benefits at Lisa's workplace (and for that matter, at Bill's job, too!).
4. PRAISE for supportive people who call and e-mail "just to check in" and send cards that make us smile.
5. For complete healing for our son during this pregnancy (we will ask for the moon since God made it anyway!).
6. For strength, guidance, and wisdom as we face treatment choices and decisions.
7. For good physical health and restful sleep for Bill and Lisa as we absorb this news and make decisions.
8. For God to show us the way financially so we can provide the best medical care for our son.
9. For the strength to let this child go home to God if it becomes obvious that this is God’s answer to our prayers.
I know those last 5 haven't changed since the beginning of all of this, but those will probably remain on our list for quite some time to come.
I hope everyone has a peaceful weekend!
Lisa
As for things with JB, we're somewhat in a holding pattern until the end of June when we see the cardiologist again. Because my work load increased dramatically this week, calling the insurance company and doing some "detail work" had to be put off until next week, so I don't have much news. I did meet with director of our HR department late last week and was heartened by the caring support that was offered. It appears as though we have resources we weren't even aware of, which is a tremendous blessing. The HR director pointed out that we have the best insurance plan we could have given the circumstances. We thank God that He guided us to make the choice we did.
With my old OB's assistance, I was also able to set a first appointment with the doctor who will be my new OB at Vandy. I think I mentioned below that my favorite OB/GYN in the entire world, Dr. Donna Crowe, doen't have privileges at Vandy, so we have to switch. Losing the ability to work with her has been really hard on me, as she is fantastic. There are still a few kinks to work out with the transfer to the new OB, so please pray that situation works itself out well. Another piece of good news is that I don't need to continue to see a perinatologist since the problem is with the baby's health and not with my health. That's good because it's hard to be off work twice a month to see two doctors. It's REALLY good because all the time off I take now counts against my paid maternity leave from work later, so I have to be careful about how much time I take--two doc appts every month would really have eaten into my paid time off.
Some have asked for updated prayer requests, so here you go--some things to be praying about for the next week:
1. PRAISE for the help from Dr. Crowe and Dr. Liske in finding a new OB and making things easier for Lisa.
2. PRAISE for God's provision of good insurance.
3. PRAISE for a good benefits at Lisa's workplace (and for that matter, at Bill's job, too!).
4. PRAISE for supportive people who call and e-mail "just to check in" and send cards that make us smile.
5. For complete healing for our son during this pregnancy (we will ask for the moon since God made it anyway!).
6. For strength, guidance, and wisdom as we face treatment choices and decisions.
7. For good physical health and restful sleep for Bill and Lisa as we absorb this news and make decisions.
8. For God to show us the way financially so we can provide the best medical care for our son.
9. For the strength to let this child go home to God if it becomes obvious that this is God’s answer to our prayers.
I know those last 5 haven't changed since the beginning of all of this, but those will probably remain on our list for quite some time to come.
I hope everyone has a peaceful weekend!
Lisa
Friday, April 13, 2007
A Very Public Thank You to Two Special Moms!
I have been so blessed to connect with two very special moms over the course of the last week. They have provided so much support via e-mail and have been kind enough to describe our situation on their children's blog sites and ask for prayers for us. I want to take this oppportunity to publicly thank them for taking time out of their very busy lives to support me!
The first is Kelly, Baby Max's mother. You can read more about Max at http://julian-family.blogspot.com/. Kelly is one of the most inspiring Christians I have ever met (though technically, I haven't even officially met her in person yet!). Her parents attend the same church we do, and knowing them, I'm not surprised that Kelly is a woman of great faith. I have followed Max's journey since last summer or early fall (not sure exactly when), shortly after he was born. I'm not going to go into details about Max, because I really want you to take the time to read her blog in its entirety. His family's faith will be a blessing to you if you will take the time to read it.
The second mom is Faith, Baby Gavin's mother. You can read more about Gavin at http://gavinparker.blogspot.com/. Faith is also a strong Christian woman! Gavin has HLHS and has gone through two of the three major heart surgeries he faces. I also encourage you to read her blog. Gavin is adorable and I'm sure his courage and smiles speak to the reason health professionals continue to develop and perfect HLHS treatment techniques!
Please pray for both of these babies and their families. They need many of the same prayers we do, in terms of wisdom and strength to face each new day. When I get this blog site figured out completely, I'll make sure I provide a link to their blogs so you can check in on them more easily!
Lisa (a.k.a. Jelly Bean's Mama)
The first is Kelly, Baby Max's mother. You can read more about Max at http://julian-family.blogspot.com/. Kelly is one of the most inspiring Christians I have ever met (though technically, I haven't even officially met her in person yet!). Her parents attend the same church we do, and knowing them, I'm not surprised that Kelly is a woman of great faith. I have followed Max's journey since last summer or early fall (not sure exactly when), shortly after he was born. I'm not going to go into details about Max, because I really want you to take the time to read her blog in its entirety. His family's faith will be a blessing to you if you will take the time to read it.
The second mom is Faith, Baby Gavin's mother. You can read more about Gavin at http://gavinparker.blogspot.com/. Faith is also a strong Christian woman! Gavin has HLHS and has gone through two of the three major heart surgeries he faces. I also encourage you to read her blog. Gavin is adorable and I'm sure his courage and smiles speak to the reason health professionals continue to develop and perfect HLHS treatment techniques!
Please pray for both of these babies and their families. They need many of the same prayers we do, in terms of wisdom and strength to face each new day. When I get this blog site figured out completely, I'll make sure I provide a link to their blogs so you can check in on them more easily!
Lisa (a.k.a. Jelly Bean's Mama)
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