My back surgery...

[The Chairman]

I drove Ethan home today, so I've been mostly off-line. Also, the internet was down from when I woke up until we left. Finally getting home, I was really knackered, so I took a nap from 4:30 to 10ish pm. I was a bit hungry, so I'm eating some Mexi-corn, Mandarin oranges, and watching some youtubes. Hopefully, I can go back to bed around midnight.

As far as my back; it's been four or five busy, busy days. I really overdid it and that resulted in some back and leg spasms. I've backed down as much as I can and am doing well. I've actually been able to bend over and pick things up off the floor. I even picked up a 50-pound box without straining much at all. I have all sorts of projects lined up, the storm has passed, here's hoping that I'll enjoy some drama free days to get these projects DONE. .

 

[The Chairman]

It's been a while, and really, that's because things are improving just a tiny bit at a time. I'm really doing great at the moment. I'm ready to go diving, probably taking my gear to the water by myself. Not sure about fins, and I might need help with fins.

I took a shower today. Big whoop, right? Getting in and out of the bath is a cinch now. I actually finished the shower, did all the after shower stuff standing fully erect, I never felt a need to lean on the counter or to sit, then I put on underwear while standing (that's a first since surgery), finished getting dressed, then I fed the cats who were judging me for taking a shower as well as getting dressed first, I continued in the kitchen making a quick breakfast, finally sitting not because I had to, but because I wanted to so I could eat. That was over a half hour standing without any need to lean or sit. It was only about five minutes before surgery. Again, I never felt I had to lean or sit. I'm not ramrod erect, but then I never was. I think I'm back to pre-injury erectness. More importantly, I've been off of oxycontin for a few days now. Yes, I can get uncomfortable, but I haven't been in pain. I'm using an impact massager on my neck and back. It's wonderful and it resolves those feelings of being uncomfortable. I've gone from being unable to work outside to being lazy and wishing to avoid the heat. I hate the heat. I feel I'm 95% healed. I'm not ready to pick up 4x8 sheets of plywood, but I'm really close! Come on fall.

 

[The Chairman]

FWIW, @cardzard and @ROXANNE keep checking up on me as I've missed the last three ScubaBoard excursions because of my back. To be clear, I could get on a plane tomorrow to go anywhere in the world and be diving in the morning!!! Bring it on.

AND, I feel I'm fully able to do a rescue. I actually stopped teaching Scuba because I didn't feel I could do a full rescue. I had no business teaching if I couldn't effectively assist my student should they need it. After I get a bit quicker in the water, I might start teaching again. I might.

 

[The Chairman]

FWIW, there are a few spots left in our ScubaBoard Invasion 2025: Belize. Those who have wanted to dive with me, now have that chance again. While this might be one of our more expensive trips, it's a huge savings for going to Belize. I'd love to see you there, as I return to the ScubaBoard Invasion series. [/shameless plug]

Caveat: I don't make a dime on these Invasions, but we all certainly have a lot of fun together. It's a big diving party.

 

[Scuba_Jenny]

I was really looking forward to go to Belize, but the price was a bit out of my budget. Hope ya'll have a great time!!

 

[The Chairman]

I will miss you @Scuba_Jenny!!!

 

[The Chairman]

Wow. I just checked my bill this morning and I owe $1,170.00 for my surgery. No, I don't have that to spare, so I signed up for their payment plan. It seems fair, but I had to see how much of the bill was mine. Wow x2! The total bill was $360,086.31. I could never have afforded this on my own. Medicare is amazing. I'm paying 0.32% of the total bill. That's less than a third of one percent of the total bill, which is simply mind boggling. How I wish all Americans had this kind of healthcare.

 

[scubadada]

Wow. I just checked my bill this morning and I owe $1,170.00 for my surgery. No, I don't have that to spare, so I signed up for their payment plan. It seems fair, but I had to see how much of the bill was mine. Wow x2! The total bill was $360,086.31. I could never have afforded this on my own. Medicare is amazing. I'm paying 0.3% of the total bill. That's only three tenths of one percent of the total, which is simply mind boggling. How I wish all Americans had this kind of healthcare.

Even more interesting, what did Medicare pay on the $360K charge?

 

[The Chairman]

Even more interesting, what did Medicare pay on the $360K charge?

It won't let me take a screen shot, but it indicates that insurance paid $358,916.31. There are no outstanding insurance claims awaiting a response. I've probably hit some max out of pocket for the year. I am in the dreaded donut hole, where meds can be quite expensive. This will be the only year I'll have to worry about that. I have to fill my Eliquis today, and it's going to be $150 or more. Only one more month on that and I'll be done! Yay! I was given a co-pay card, but when I went to activate it, I got denied.

 

[The Chairman]

Happiness is a warm kitten!
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