Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Success!!

Check from Steadman Hawkins arrived in the mail yesterday. I smiled and promptly went to the bank to deposit it. It's done and over and I am relieved that I didn't have to take any more drastic action. . . like crying and begging. :-)

For those of you who are in this same situation, know that the billing area in Dallas, TX doesn't really have a clue what's going on. When this whole thing started, they sent me a bill for the balance due and had no record of the fact that I had made an upfront payment. Also know that the insurance person in Steadman Hawkins's Vail office will refer any phone call you make to her to the Dallas office. They also don't keep good records of your phone calls to them. When you speak with someone, make sure to get their name and ask if they are putting notes into their system. And, most of all, be diligent!! Continue to call and ask them to resolve the situation. This is ridiculous I know but I think it's the only way to get things done. I have heard from another patient who has experienced something similar so I know it's not just me.

Now on to worrying about important things like Thanksgiving and Christmas and what kinds of things I am going to do with my 2 great hips!!

On a very fun note -- I bought a Zipfy. If you, like me, have no idea what this is, check out this link:
http://www.zipfy.com/videos/index.html

I think you will have to copy and paste into your browser. Sorry!


Can't wait to get out when it snows and try to kill myself or break something really important. :-) I haven't given up the idea of learning to snowboard this winter either. And, I still have promised myself that I will do my canyoneering trip to Utah sometime next year (that was my original goal after surgery).

The hip continues to be good!! Still an occasional adductor issue but they are becoming less and less frequent or severe. Workouts are good with no issues and my external rotation continues to improve. I am close to being equal on my right and left sides without really working to make it so.

It's becoming obvious to me that knee surgery could be in my distant future. My knees pop and creak and complain loudly during squats, lunges and climbing stairs. I am not anxious for any more surgery so I will put it off as long as possible but it's in the back of my mind.

6 comments:

Noell Blevins said...

That Zipfy looks awesome!!! Just up my alley... non-impact!!! Are you gonna bring it to Colorado so we can Zipfy together??
And.... yes, the Dallas office is CLUELESS!!! They didn't even have record that I was IN Vail! So my logical next question was then WHY are you sending me a bill?? Duh?!?
Happy T-Day

Kim said...

Heh, behind on catching up with you ladies. April-you are awesome with your Zipfy. Hope to catch up with you in Dec.

Tim said...

April,

I had surgery for FAI/torn labrum on my right hip last September with Dr. Maiers here in Indianapolis. Last October my left hip started hurting, and a MRI confirmed another tear. To make matter worse my right hip labrum re-tore last November. I am scheduled for surgery with Dr. Philippon in March for my left hip. Who is your therapist here in Indianapolis?
Thanks

April said...

Tim --

Sharon Odle at St Vincent Physical Therapy - 415-5700. She is housed with the Sports Performance staff which was a godsend for the last part of my PT. I love her but all of my initial rehab was done at Howard Head in Vail. I was there for 6 weeks after surgery. I talked with Dr. Maiers before I made the decision to go to Vail for Philippon. You are doing the right thing!! My email is almcz@aol.com if you have questions and want to contact me. Best of luck!!

karebear said...

Hi. My son needs FAI surgery. Can anyone tell me what it costs? I'm scared for anyone else to do it, but am doubtful I can afford Dr.Philippon. My son is a promising high school basketball player, college recruit. We live near Pittsbutgh. (And LOVE Indy. Travel there every year for cheer trips!) The optimistic comments on here have finally stopped my tears. Any info or advice would be so appreciated as we begin the hip club journey. Thanks.

Unknown said...

Hi April, I just had surgery May 24, 2010 for my torn labrum in my left hip. I would really like to keep in touch with you and others here with similar experiences so I can know what to expect. I am guessing my surgery was a success but I am sure it is too early to tell since I am still healing. Do you have a facebook account that I can connect with you on? Thanks ~Shawnda