Some battles are just not worth fighting.

[DesertEyes]

Some battles are just not worth fighting.

Yours truly hasn't been feeling too good. My condition has continued to deteriorate, which is the normal progression of this disease. Neuro wanted to run some tests to see exactly where I'm at. Nothing fancy, just bloodwork and a EMG, standard tests for neuropathy. The EMG would show if the "small fiber neuropathy" that I have has spread into "large fiber". Neuropathy always spreads, there's no way to stop it.

Diabetics commonly get the large fiber type. It damages the sensory nerves and blood flow in the extremeties. Starting at the toes and moving up the legs. With early detection, rigid diet and plenty anti-inflamatories most diabetics can get by without too much trouble and eventually die of old age. A few unlucky ones will have it spread into the small fiber type late in life.

The type I have is small fiber. That affects the autonomic nerves, usually starting with the control of breathing, blood pressure and heart rate. Most of us don't live long enough to have it spread anywhere else. When it does spread it goes up into the throat and head, as well as down into the stomach and intestines. That's what the tests were for, to see where it's spread.

Doc called the insurance company (Blue Shield PPO), sent my records so they would know every last detail, and got everything approved in writing. Waited a couple months in case they changed their mind, and then we did the tests.

Good news is that I have very little spread into large fiber. Just a teensy bit. Enough to make one of my toes be almost numb, enough to be causing circulation problems in the sole of one foot, but not much else. Not so good news is that it is definetly in my stomach and throat. I'm having trouble digesting, intestines are not absorbing nutrients like they should, and I'm having trouble swallowing. With that information we decided to switch me to a stronger anti-inflamatory called "decadron", because the kenalog I am taking is just not quite doing the job.

Can't raise my kenalog cuz it trashes my immune system. Last thing I need is some silly little infection to spread to my bad valve, or into my heart or lungs where I'm not getting good circulation. That happened a couple years ago and into the ICU I went.

Insurance company calls my doc and says they're not paying. Not paying _anything_ for me, in fact they're dinging her on _all_ statements, even simple office visits. They're demanding research papers demonstrating that EMG is a standard test. (by the way, it's part of the standard protocol of all kinds of medical associations from the AMA to the ADA) They also tossed her out of the plan, she can't take Blue Shield anymore.

We decided not to start on the decadron now because she won't be able to follow me. Decadron is actually a type of chemotherapy used for cancer patients, it just happens to have a side effect that knocks down inflamations like neuropathy. It's not the kind of thing I want to be taking without a neuro watching over me.

So now I'm off to find a new neurologist. That's more time off work, more visits, more co-pays.

I decided not to fight the insurance company on this one. I'm really tired, I feel like **** most days, and I'm still fighting several other battles from years back. If I had the energy, time and money I would fight every last battle, but I'm running out of all of the above. So this time I'm letting them off the hook.

To get my spirits up my g/f LC and I decided to get outta town for a weekend. She's looking up marathons and I'm dusting off my cameras. I decided that if you can't beat 'em ..... go party Oh yeah, speaking of which, we had a great Halloween. I was disguised as a hot dog and she was a bottle of Mustard. We went partying all over town and even walked into the wrong party cuz we had the wrong address!!!!!! Not to worry, they were nice people and we made some new friends.

Met one of the guys that bank-rolled the casinos when they first were built in Vegas. .... wow is he old!!! ....and wow does he have the best stories to tell. .....and wow does he have tons of body-guards all over the place !!!! and we also met one of the top entertainers here in Vegas ..... wow is she young !!!! ..... and wow is she loading up the cash by the barrel.... and wow is her hubby a gentle, kind guy who deserves a better wife !!!!

You know, I am _so_ having a great life. Vegas is such a fun town, and I've got so many wonderful friends. I know this ride won't last forever but it sure is one heck of a good one. Sucks to be sick all the time but everything else just rocks. Especially you recovery-noids who listen patiently to my rants (((((( hugs ))))))

Mike

[chloes1]

bless you ((((Mike))))

My mother is an old diabetic w/ all sorts of problems too. Her neuropathy is causing all sorts of problems with her BP as well as heart rate. It is horrible to watch.

I admire your spirit, nobody gets out of this alive. Might as well rock the joint while we're here!

[CarolD]

Mega : to you and LC as you continue
to celebrate life.

[Done_With_It]

{{{Mike}}}

I'm sorry your going through this, Insurance companies are unbelievable these days....
Glad you are hanging in there and had such a Great Halloween!!

[Sugah]

(((Mike)))

Peace & Love,
Sugah

[Freedom1990]

Oh Mike, I do understand with the insurance company BS. Mine has refused to pay my pain management specialist, who I HAVE to have, and in addition to the over 7 grand in hospital bills (they no longer write off the 20% my insurance doesn't pay and took me to court), I'm about 5 grand in the hole with the pain management specialist.

My disability attorney was supposed to see about having my back bills paid, but I just got notice two days ago that I lost my disability hearing. Attorneys were switched on me mid-stream with no explanation, I got one meeting with the new attorney one hour before the hearing, and he was not prepared in the least. Needless to say, they will NOT be getting a good reference from me.

I have already contacted another attorney and have an appointment next Monday morning.

I will be keeping you in my prayers! :ghug :ghug

[lizw]

Sometimes 'a good attitude' makes all the difference eh?
I got an MS DVD of this doctor speaking at their annual confrence and he says, happiness isn't a state of health, it's a state of mind.

You're a legend Mike.

[cmc]

(((Mike)))) ((((LC))))
Sending love & prayers.

[Impurrfect]

((((Mike)))

Hugs and prayers!

Amy

[DesertEyes]

You guys are the best, thanx for all your support.

Yesterday I forced myself out of the house and had a good time even though I felt awful. g/f took me out to dinner and it was wonderful. Slept 12 hours and now I feel almost human. I was even able to get outta bed without meds !!!!!

Devon? You keep on fighting. We're all here cheering you on. I got plenty of back bills I'm paying off a little at a time. I keep telling my docs that if they want to be paid in full before I die they should charge less

Mike :ghug

[Freedom1990]

Originally Posted by DesertEyes

I keep telling my docs that if they want to be paid in full before I die they should charge less

I'm going to have to remember that one!

I'm glad you had a good day. I've been holed up at home all week sick with some kind of crud, but I'm definitely out of the house for awhile today to get some sunshine, and I have an AA meeting tonight!

Continuing to keep you in my prayers! :ghug

[Anna]

Mike,

Your post made me cry and laugh.

You're going through so much, and yet your spirit is so strong and you're out there, loving life!

Huge hugs to you Mike (and to LC for taking such good care of you).