On September 25, 2009, Rassie was diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia. His symptoms: Swollen Feet and bruising. We never exepected a diagnoses of Leukemia. The Doctors and we ourselves, are very optimistic about the treatments available. We know that we have a long road ahead of us and we hope that you will support us on our journey to recovery.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

2nd Opinions

Rassie had an appointment today for a 2nd opinion on his work related injury.  The worker's comp insurance wanted a second opinion and the Texas Dept of  Insurance set it up.  The doctor who saw Rassie agreed 100% that Rassie will get better but he NEEDS physical therapy to do so.   Pretty much, Zurich, the worker's comp insurance was hoping they would say this is as good as Rassie is going to get.  They don't want to pay for expensive therapy treatments even if that means he will walk again. How ridiculous is that?  This doctor also said he was going to suggest the same thing as Dr. F......AQUATIC THERAPY!   We are hoping since this is a doctor the insurance company wanted us to get a second opinion through he will have a little more pull when it comes to Zurich approving or denying therapy. 

More news.   The more people we talk to, the more we are learning just how to handle this situation.  We've even contacted the ombudsman at TDI (Texas Dept. of Insurance)  We are accumulating very helpful information from lots of people.   One being, when the worker's comp insurance denies you some type of treatment don't just call and ask why.  Send a certified letter so you have proof that you contacted them and if all else fails send certified letter stating that you would like a benefits review.  It has to be set up before an actual judge and it usually gets the insurance company moving.  I just hate that its taking so long to get the help he needs and to learn everything we can do to get things taken care of.  So if you have any information to share, please do!

  Rassie is still having fainting spells.  Two nights ago he was feeding Lane at the highchair and ended up face down on the tray. AH! I try not to leave the room or turn my back but geez.  Tonight he fell off the couch.  I knew he was having his episodes and made him get on the couch to lay back in the first place. But then I had to run Scarlett to the bathroom and Lane cried so he leaned forward to check on him.  Bad idea, he blacked out and ended up falling onto the floor.  No worries, he wasn't hurt and it was a short fall but this has got to stop.  He has been off the med supposedly causing the episodes  for over a week now.  It is only supposed to take a week to get out of his system so I'm thinking its something else or a different med.

Rassie has another neurology appointment tomorrow.  He is having yet another nerve study done.  We are also going to ask more questions about the blackouts and hopefully get to the bottom of them.  Something is going on and we need answers.  I have to be with Rassie at all times.  If he has a blackout and falls the wrong way he can end up cutting off his air supply and suffocating himself. Very scary thought!

Thanks for all your well wishes, thoughts and prayers.  They are greatly appreciated.

God Bless & Good Night