Mom's side of the story

Summer is almost Here!

2009-05-22T21:25:00.000-07:00

Well Kelley hasn't been posting lately so I will let you know what is going on. She is 10 months post surgery and doing well. It has gotten to the point now where I don't think she thinks of it very much any more and I don't think of it very much either. I just think she has a beautiful smile and she looks like a happier person. My oldest daughter was a candidate for the surgery also, but has elected not to have surgery. Her orthodontist gave her a "good" but not "perfect" bite, but she is happy with her choice. I have promise both girls teeth whiting after they had their braces off. They are both home right now for the summer break and my dentist is running a pretty good deal on whiting so they will get their teeth whiten next week. Hope to take pictures afterwards to share. On a personal note, I am so proud of my kiddos. Christina graduated from the University of Texas in San Antonio with a BS in Interior Design from the school of Architecture and my son Kyle is graduating from High School on May 31 and will be attending UTSA in the Fall. My son Clay joined the National Junior Honor Society and is doing very well in school this year. Kelley is most likely going to move back to Houston and go to college. Just a brief update, hopefully Kelley will update her blog soon.
Hope everyone has a wonderful summer!
Mo-Mo

Just saying Hi!

2009-02-17T19:28:00.000-08:00

I thought I would beautify my blog, even though lately there isn't much to talk about. Which is a good thing in the life of ortho stuff. I am so happy that everyone is doing so well, healing well getting braces removed, even getting engaged! The surgery group from Summer 2008 seems well and on there way to normal life's. I still enjoy reading the blogs from my advisory panel and the newbies. Keep up with the post and pics.
Here is a pic of me on Valentine's Day.

New Year

2009-01-21T12:45:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Everyone!

Spent the Holidays with my kiddos and hubby, and had a wonderful time together.
We went to San Antonio last weekend to fix Kelley's old clunker! It need a new belt and alternator, my husband gave her a small lecture on car care, yes you need to get the oil replaced/checked. Yes, you need to get the care inspected (expired 5/08). And please get your car washed and tires aired up. Hopefully she will be good to go for awhile.

So since this is an Ortho blog, I will also blog about Kelley's Ortho stuff.
I think Kelley is looking wonderful! She looks different than she did before surgery, which took a little getting use to a first, because I would look for the differences. So I don't know if I have gotten use to her "new look" or if she is healing and there is less swelling and she is looking more like her self. It is hard to explain. But she looks great, straight teeth, no under bite. She was worried about a gummy smile post surgery, but since having the braces removed that is less noticeable. Her neck is nice and defined just like she wanted. I don't see a need for a chin implant. (I want the neck lipo, but after how she explained the post surgery pain... I don't think so!) (I'm a chicken). So with all this over and done with, I very happy with her results ... I think she is too. And I am glad that I had all of you to help, her and me through this!
Thanks
Mo-Mo

Snow in Texas

2008-12-13T06:41:00.000-08:00

We got snow in Texas! This is a very rare treat for us, the last time it snowed was on Dec 24, 2004. These pictures were taken Wednesday night Dec. 10, 2008. Happy Holidays everyone!

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-23T19:06:00.000-08:00

I would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. I am very thankful for having my family get together on Thanksgiving. I hope Kelley doesn't feel too overwhelmed with all her family being here at Thanksgiving. She hasn't seen her brothers, father, aunts, uncle, cousins and grandmother since surgery. I'm looking forward to having everyone home and eating good food. I took a week of vacation from work and I'm thankful for that, Its a good feeling knowing that I don't have to set my alarm clock tonight. I'm thankful for my husband who also took a week of vacation to help me around the house this week.
Happy Thanksgiving! Mo-Mo

Girls Weekend

2008-10-15T15:17:00.000-07:00

Well I got to spend sometime with my "Girls" this weekend. We already miss each other, leaving is the hardest part! I got to see Kelley since I left her 5 days post surgery. We even went to Gringos! Kelley hadn't been back there since the night before surgery. The waiter who knows the girls came by and said I haven't seen you for awhile. Kelley asked him if she looked different and he said yeah, I wasn't quite sure that was you. Does anyone else get this phrase after surgery? And when does your new face become your old face? I think Kelley is still a little self -conscious. We spent time shopping, and got Halloween decorations and a pumkin. I could of used one more day there, I got Kelley's bathroom walls textured and ready to paint, I could of got it painted if I just had one more day! Well we had fun weekend, it just wasnt long enough.
Mo-Mo

KAM Surgery Wordle

2008-10-14T18:19:00.000-07:00

http://wordle.net/gallery/wrdl/248732/KAM_surgery

I thought you would enjoy this!

$$$ What's up with this!

2008-09-22T18:47:00.000-07:00

Is it just me, but this happens a lot. My husband thinks it is a ploy to get more money. Have any of you had this happen. Case in point: open today's mail, Kelley's Doctor bill's finally arrive (2 months) well I get my Aetna EOB's online, so I have known for a while the amount I owe the Doc. Well, I open the bill and fall off my seat. The total bill is for $6091, they say the insurance paid $3045 and they are billing me the remainder $3045. Well my EOB shows the insurance paid: $1,531.22 my portion is $229.68. My husband thinks most people would just pay the bill. I have for years keep pretty good records of medical records, check them against the EOB. I have always had to bring it to the DR office attn. that they owe me money or are charging to much. I hate this, I feel like I'm having to do their job. It is very time consuming. Anyone else with these issues or I'm I just the lucky one.
Mo-Mo

Post Ike Update

2008-09-17T15:14:00.000-07:00

Would like everyone to know that we are OK. We had minor water damage due to roof and window leaks and a lot of tree damage. We have spent the last three days cleaning up. We have 14 houses on our street and all the neighbors have pitched in and went from house to house cleaning up the yards. We all have 1 1/2 acre plots so it is not an easy chore. We have amazing neighbors and it is a real good feeling knowing that you are not alone during this kind of thing. One of our neighbors, who had a whole house generator was cooking meals for all of us working and letting people sleep at their house. We didn't sleep there since we had a small generator, so we were able to run fans, a TV and refrigerator. We got power back on Monday evening. Parts of town are still without power. The grocery store opened up on Monday for a couple of hours. I went today and they had limited supplies, no dairy, some meat, some bread, not much frozen stuff. But they did have Blue Bell ice cream! so I got a gallon. I took some pictures and when I have the time and Kelley can help me, I will post them.
Mo-Mo

Hurricane IKE

2008-09-11T19:17:00.000-07:00

Just to let you guys know, we are going to stay and ride out IKE. We went through this drill with Hurricane Rita back in 2005. For Rita we ended up staying not by choice, but because we couldn't leave because all the traffic problems that occurred. This time we are staying by choice, even though we are under a mandatory evacuation by our city. Hurrican Rita was headed our way for a couple of days at a cat 4 Hurricane and then turned at the last minute and went east and we barely got any rain or wind. This Hurricane is now a cat 2 expected to strengthen to a cat. 3 and heading towards Galveston. Since it has moved so much already since yesterday, I'm hoping that it will continue east and go were Rita went near the TX/LA border. I will let you all know how we fair. If I get too scared we might bug out to San Antonio and visit Kelley and Christina. That is if the traffic isn't all backed up. We spent the afternoon picking up all the stuff in the yard again... We had to pick it up when T.S. Edouard was expected to hit.

Kelley Update: She went to the Dentist today for a cleaning and they were able to get all the staining off her teeth. He said she was looking good. I think Kelley looks great, as you know by reading her blog she isn't quite pleased with her look. Now I haven't seen her in person since she had her surgery, but from her pics I think she is so cute and pretty. I think she still looks very much like her self. I understand that its not the same face that she is use to looking at, but I think she will adjust especially when her lip relaxes more and she gains more feeling back.
I hope she likes what she sees, I makes me sad when she's sad.
Maybe Holly's right and jaw surgery patients should have counseling first, so they can deal with possible identity issues.

Time to Think

2008-08-30T21:22:00.000-07:00

You know I've been thinking about the Liposuction and chin implant and I need to share my opinion. I just don't think she needs it, in fact, I think I will be upset if she does. I been looking at her pictures and I think it would be going overboard, I think you need to know when to say I think this is good, it looks natural. Not that I think she is going to do a Michael Jackson, but you know someone should of told him when to stop. I didn't ask her about how they do the lipo and chin implant but what about scars? I've seen lipo procedures on tv and it doesn't look pleasant. It isn't about the money either. I just think she looks good as is - leave well enough alone.

Just my opinion.
Mo-Mo

Dollar Sense

2008-08-26T18:35:00.000-07:00

Spoke with Kelley about her OS appointment. She got to ask her questions, everything went well and she doesn't need to go back until late September. Everything happy? Well, of course he recommends/suggests a chin implant and lipo if she wants it. We are talking more $$$. Heads up although I wouldn't trade any of my kids for all the $$$ in the world they sure can rack up some bills! We have college tuition, books, living expenses, etc. Braces not for just one but two kids, oral surgery expense. And don't think public schools are free. My high school senior cost me over $300 for fees/etc for school so far and that doesn't include school supplies and clothing. So when Kelley informed me about the $$$ to finish this project off, I just don't have it. I suggested that she wait until next summer she how she feels about how everything looks after she gets a good idea of how she will look, maybe even without the braces. I looked at her recent pic and I think she looks perfect. I wouldn't do anything else. Of course I feel guilty that I have to say no to the $$$ at least for now. Oh yeah and the Doctors/hospital bill haven't even come in yet. More $$$ just going out of my pockets to someone else. Well sorry to gripe, but that what I have you all for to listen. HA, HA. It's either laugh or cry!

T.S. Edouard - No big deal

2008-08-05T20:04:00.000-07:00

We spent yesterday afternoon picking up lawn furniture, which is no easy chore. You don't realize how much stuff you have outside filling up your lawn until you have to pick it all up and find room in the garage or storage building to put it. This morning we turned on the TV and the storm which wasn't suppose to reach Galveston until afternoon was already here. No big Deal.. some rain, no wind. So I had to go to work. I was kinda wishing for a "Snow Day" in the way of getting a day off. Oh well. I was the only one to show up at my office (small office only 3 of us). Well, Kelley went to the OS today. When I called her I could tell that she was upset. I thought there was bad news. I am somewhat of a pessimist although I try real hard to be optimistic. Well the Dr was busy, so she felt rushed, he told her everything look good, keep up what she was doing and see him in 2 weeks. OK, so I can relax, everything is OK. She just wanted to hear more, like you are free of bands. I told her that maybe the Dr is Conservative and wants her to stay in bands so nothing moves. I'm sure she will update her blog soon, so we can hear all the details. I told her to find comfort in the fact that she is doing good, and she can try some different soups and use the juicer that I got for her and her sister. I suggested egg drop soup to her. Anyone out there have a good egg drop soup recipe that can be made with out chicken broth? (Vegetarian: eggs OK)

What a Difference a Day Makes!

2008-07-29T19:42:00.000-07:00

Some of the twinkle in Kelley's eyes is beginning to shine again. She was smiling again, although it hurt when she did. I took her to her post-op visit today. The O.S. said everything was looking good. He added some more bands: two diagonal bands and one front and center. This was the first day that she didn't have that dazed over look. She still has some pain, but is taking plain Tylenol because the Tylenol w/Codeine was upsetting her stomach. I am still concerned that she is not eating enough. I know when you are in pain and dont feel well you dont wait to eat. I had to come home today, but she and her sister promised me that she wont forget to take her meds and eat/drink well. The Doctor said for her to get up and move around some. I went to the store and got her about a week's worth of groceries before leaving, so hopefully she will be ok.

Coming Home

2008-07-26T20:59:00.000-07:00

Kelley went home on Friday at about 6 p.m. She kinda wanted to stay the night, they had been giving her morphine for the pain and was pretty sleepy, but the Doctor came by about 5 p.m. and told her she need to go home, that there really wasn't much more they could do for her and she would be more comfortable at home. He also said and another Doctor who had visited Kelley earlier, when I wasn't in the room said that they didn't want her exposed to bacteria that was resistant to antibiotics. That was a little unnerving. The Hospital looked old but clean. I have been very busy taking care of my patient. It seems by the time I get all her meds in her, coaxs her to have a little soup or ensure, refresh her water, get either the cold packs or heat pad, wet wash cloths, etc. It is time to do it again. She is in some pretty good pain, her nose is stuffy and her throat hurts alot. Her Post Op Dr. appt is on Tuesday so I have decided to take her to her appointment then go back to Houston. Hopefully she can be self sufficient by then or I will feel bad leaving. Her sister will be here, but she is in summer school and is busy. This is when it stinks to be far away. My son Clay (12) and I went to pickup some of Kelley's meds today, so we stopped at a health food store and got some supplements, something called 100% Protein (from Whey) and Source of Life liquid vitamins. The Doctor said that she really needed protein (in the form of animal protein) and she is borderline anemic.
Since she is a vegiatarian I think she need to be extra wise about her diet, especially during recovery, they also said that she should cousult a dietcian (would'nt hurt). Christina and I went out and got an inexpensive juicer, hopefully the two of them will get creative and prepare some healthy drinks. I would like to thank all of my Blog advisor panel members, what would I do without the advice I get from all of you.
Mo-Mo

What a Day!

2008-07-24T19:44:00.000-07:00

Well we got Kelley to the Hospital by 6:30. They got her ready for Pre-Op by 7:30 and took her away at 8:00, by 9:45 the Dr. call my cell phone (we to the Cafe to get some breakfast) and said that they were finishing up and everything well beautifully. We headed back to the waiting area and and Dr. Leibold came out and said everything went as planned, about 45 min. later Dr. Largent came out and said she did very well and that she could go home today!!! I told him no, I didn't think I wasn't ready for her to come home (I was scared,kinda like leaving the hospital with a newborn) Well she didn't leave recovery and get into a regular room intill about 2:30. I'm am so glad that she didn't come home. She felt nausea so they gave her medication. She was very sleepy. The shift changed at 3:00, by the time the nurse did her rounds by 4:00 Kelley got sick, Scary (Dark red blood) they gave her, her antibiotics, pain meds and stuff for swelling. By this time Kelley's swelling had doubled! I asked for some ice packs (they didn't have a order) but they got it eventually. In and out of sleep, I gave her some ice chips and some water through a straw. I went to get something to eat a 7:00 p.m. (Her roommate was having an enema so I thought I should go) by the time I got back she thought a sprite was a good idea (they didn't have any so I had to find a vending machine) She was a couple of sips through a straw (not sucking by buy putting a finger over one end) She felt sick again atleast it was as bad as the first time, but it started her nose to bleed. The Doctors made their rounds about 5:00, and they said let them know if there was any bright red blood. Well the blood from the nose was bright red. The nurse call the doctor and they didn't seem to concerned since it was just tricking and not gushing. By the time I left at 8:00 p.m. we got the bleeding to stop and he fell asleep. She has bands in the back but did not get wired in the front and she did not need the splint. So my question to Blog Land is all this normal? I hope she fells better tomorrow. Mo-Mo

Calm Before The Storm

2008-07-22T20:17:00.000-07:00

With the Tropical Storm out in the Gulf hopefully staying to the south we will be heading to San Antonio to be with Kelley during her surgery. Kelley spoke with the Dr.'s office and they said the insurance okay'd the surgery. I had to double check with the insurance company. I had called them on Monday and it still was being reviewed. But, today I did get the confirmation, surgery is a go for Thursday. I have magazines, a book and some things I think she might need, a hand blender, microwave neck heat pad, ice packs that have long ties (From my son's foot surgery... they are clean) some soups I think she might like. We had already shopped some when I was out there a couple of weeks ago. I'm sure there will be more things to pickup later. I will keep you informed about the surgery until Kelley is ready to blog. Keep us in your thoughts.
Mo-Mo

Jargon

2008-07-16T07:03:00.000-07:00

I took Michelle's advice and call the insurance company this a.m. All I got was a lesson in jargon and patience. First I get automated menus, so I soon as I can in my best robotic voice I ask for a medical representative. OK, I get connected to an representative that can't help me, but she does inform me that the "status is pending", What the heck does that mean? So she gives me a ref. # and a phone number and sends me on my way. So with this info I call the ph. # and speak with someone else. I say I'm calling for a "predetermination" (since this was the jargon used previously, I always thought it was "preauthorization") the person on the other line says this is the wrong number for "predetermination" and she tries to send me back to the first ph #. So I say well this is the # they gave me. She looks up the ref # I give her and "OH" this is for "precertification", What ever!!! don't they all mean pretty much the same thing? So she also tells me that the "status is pending" and that the nurse is reviewing it. She tries to connect me with the nurse...I wait (they were playing some pretty good music so I'm not to irritated) after about 3 songs, the rep comes back on and tells me that she didn't answer (No kidding!) Then she says well we have 15 days to do this (which she said was past) and 15 more days to do this (we are at -9 days) So she suggest I call back on Friday. So what do I know now, not a whole bunch but some insurance jargon. I will be calling them back on Friday, I will keep you all informed.

P.S. Cure for Overcoming Panic (previous blog) Mikes hard lemonaide and soak in Hot Tub. It worked!

Overcoming Panic

2008-07-15T17:11:00.000-07:00

It funny how human nature is. Kelley calls me all upset, which of course gets the Mom feathers ruffled. The Doctor visit didn't go well, she didn't get to ask her pre-surgery questions that she had, and the Dr's office ladies haven't heard back yet from the insurance company. So what do I do? Well, first I try and calm Kelley down, then I try and get at least half the story straight, then I hang up and PANIC! I'm thinking what kind of surgeon is this! He can't even file some molars without slipping. What if he slips during surgery. Let's just call this whole thing off! I'm 200 miles away what can I do? I dont tell Kelley this because I dont want to make her more upset, it is just irrational thoughts. I remember one time I was scuba diving and my rented mask keep flooding with salt water, my eyes were burning, I felt like I could'nt breathe and what my mind was telling me was go to the surface now! But I kept it together and just keep clearing my mask and remembered to breathe with my mouth and not worry that my nose was filled with water. Thats kind of what I did today. Just remembered that everything will be ok. I did call the Doctor's office and spoke with them and they said that the insurance company should respond within 42 to 72 hours. I will call back on Friday and see if there is any progress.
Thanks for listening (reading)
Mo-Mo

Stress

2008-07-14T07:40:00.000-07:00

I know that any type of surgery causes stress on the patient, but it also causes alot of stress on the family. Not to get to personal but...this is stressful! I get calls from daughter #2 that is having the surgery, calls from daughter #1 who lives with daughter #2 and how they are having communication problems (arguments). I know that this is not normal. I really think everyone is getting stress out and everyday stuff is getting blown up. I know that I'm worrying about all this, every mom worries about their children and this is pretty major! Plus we get to worry about the financial part also. Every time I start to get wound up, I try and get distracted in something else. Let's all take a deep breath together. Ok I feel better.

Talk w/Insurance/Dr. office

2008-07-11T11:31:00.000-07:00

I call our insurance company because Kelley gave me some bills that were rejected from the insurance company. Comes to find out the insurance company said they had no record of those bills. They surmise that they were sent in under dental instead of medical. So I call the billing phone number on the bill and they said that the reason they got back was that she wasnt covered. (which would make sense if they did try and file with dental. Since we have a different company for dental) Well she is a covered dependent, they suggest I call the Dr. Office. So I call them and they say the same thing. So... they determine they better resend the bills to the insurance office again. So I ask if they have heard back yet on the predetemination/preauthorization from the insurance company. And they have not... all this 2 wks before surgery! (Heart Attack) The insurance is suppose to pay for (85%). No way I could pay the whole thing! 15% is stretching things. They said they should know by Monday. When I was there and spoke with the office lady on Tuesday (7/8) she acted like "oh yeah we work with them all the time..." Hopefully, no problems this time. Sorry but just need to vent!

My Own Blog Site

2008-07-10T20:52:00.000-07:00

My daughter Kelley know as blogger "Kam" suggested since I have so much to say, I should get my own Blog site. So here I go...not sure if I'm doing this right but I will find out I'm sure.