Today I spoke with my Neuro who told me the results of my Thoracic MRI from last Thursday. The news wasn't good. No shock there, I can barely walk. He put me on a second dose of steroids since the onset of this flare 7 weeks ago. I hope this one takes. He will elaborate on the results when I see him in 2 weeks. In the meantime, I am trying to stay positive and not freak out completely. Though I do wonder...do any of you know if BC/BS PPO insurance will usually cover wheelchairs or even scooters? Does anyone cover a scooter or donate them? I worry I'll never be able to afford one.
Thanks to all of you who listen to me vent on here and your supportive words.
And yes, my Eagles lost tonight - it was a game totally worthy of Monday Night Football though!
On a positive side - here is a cute picture of my nephew Marcus in his Eagles Jersey and with his Eagles Bottle!
My new goal is to live a life worth reading about. Not just all MS Stuff.
7 comments:
HI Lanette,
I can't imagine a second round of steroids in 7 weeks! My neuro says I was n such a high dose he doesn't want to put me through it again right now. One of the things I had was IV infusions of Solu-Medrol-high dose of steroids, and within a week, some of my symptoms (unfortunately not all) were gone. Have you done that course of treatment?
Your nephew is adorable!
Take care!
Abby
HI Lanette,
I don't know if this is your insurance company, BCBS of Tennessee, but if it is here's some information about wheelchairs and scooters in their coverage.
http://www.bcbst.com/providers/UM_Guidelines/Modified_MCG/WC_Options.htm
Abby - I was on IVSM for 3 days 7 weeks ago. My symptoms actually got worse after the steroids. Now I am doing a less high dose in pill format for a longer period of time...we'll see if that works. Fingers crossed!
Lisa - Thanks so much for the info! You are a fountain of information - you definitely deserve that "expert" title! :)
Hi Lanette-
I'm sorry you have to do the steroids again. They pretty much stink. But at least you're doing the pills this time. Hang tough!
Are you originally from Philadelphia or somewhere else in PA, or do you just like the Eagles?
Hey,
I found your blog through The Lemon Aid Stand.
I have BC/BS PPO as well, and they've been pretty good so far about covering virtually everything. May I ask what state you live in?
According to my "Explanation of Benefits" (and this is for BC/BS of Massachusetts, PPO), wheelchairs are indeed covered:
"Blue Cross and Blue Shield provides benefits based on the allowed charge for durable medical equipment you buy or rent from an appliance company (or another provider who is designated by BCBS to furnish the specific covered appliance. These benefits include equipment that: can stand repeated use; serves a medical purpose; is medically necessary for you; is not useful if you are not ill or injured; and can be used in the home. Some examples of covered durable medical equipment include (but are not limited to):
[...]
-Hospital beds; wheelchairs; crutches and walkers."
That's from P. 34 of my "Explanation of Benefits."
I believe they would cover a wheelchair for you.
-Xenu
Hi Jen: I am originally from PA. I grew up about outside Allentown/Bethlehem in a place called Center Valley. Then I moved to King Of Prussia area to work for 6 years before I moved to TN 5 years ago. I like it here better, much shorter winters and much more sunshine. I don't miss those grey PA winters from November till April.
And yes I am a huge Eagles fan - had season tix before I moved, so when i get to actually see them play down here I am excited and what a great monday night football game! :)
Are you from PA? Where?
Hi Xenu: Thanks for the information! I will check into it. I live in TN, but my BC/BS goes through CA. So I will have to check my EOB.
Hi Lanette--
I'm actually from New Jersey. I like going into Phillie with my south Jersey buddy.
I don't watch a ton of football (mostly at the end up to and including the Superbowl.) But I'm all for local teams! I love the movie "Invincible", with Mark Walberg, about the Eagles during the 1970's.
Talk to ya later...
Jen
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