3/25/15-First Out of the Gate

Having completed my intake and eval appointments at the advocacy center, today was round one with new doctors and a treatment plan - first out of the gate, so to speak.  It went really well, and later when I walked the furbabies, Bentley celebrated with a swim and then multiple rolls in freshly cut grass.  Good one Ben.  LOL.

Lists probably don't make interesting reads within a blog post, but I'm going to risk it anyway as a way to share today's triumphs.

I would be remiss if I didn't thank my chauffeur, Cathy.  You go girl! (Quite literally, grin.)  I also want to thank everyone who sent me well wishes for today and checked on me after.  I am infinitely blessed.

1. I met my case worker, ADO, for short.  She is the ultimate coordinator for my overall treatment plan, and ADO is a superstar in my book.  In our very first meeting, she:

• Gave me vouchers for discounts on local transportation.
• Resolved the issues with my insurance provider.
• Secured an appointment for me with a new primary care physician (PCP).
• Set me up with free transportation to-and-from the advocacy center on all future appointments.
• Referred me to a TBI "Wellness Recovery Action Plan" Group (WRAP) that meets every Friday, and
• Established monthly recurring appointments with my advocacy center physician, Dr. H. (Having recurring appointments vs. being seen on an as needed basis is an option that is left completely up to the case workers - thank you ADO!)

2. I met Dr. H who set the ball rolling for the medical help I've been needing.  You might recall that my fervent hope is to find health care professionals that will think outside the box and not just label me as someone with HS from a TBI.  Dr. H obliged.  Without me asking, in our very first meeting:

• She contacted my PCP to make sure they give me a referral to a neurologist that specializes in ... (oops, I don't remember).
• She went over my list of symptoms with me and identified which ones she thinks are seizures and which ones she thinks may be something else (TBD).
• She gave me an Rx for a new medication she thinks may slow the seizures.  If that one doesn't work she said there are several others we can try.
• For the other symptoms she will coordinate with my future neurologist to test for MS (didn't see that one coming), dementia &/or early onset Alzheimer's, and possible thyroid issues (interesting).  These are her guesses on possible contributing culprits in addition to the TBI and she wants to rule them out, and
• She ordered routine labwork which will be shared with my PCP so I won't have to pay for it again (thank you Dr. H!).

3. Cathy, Chauffeur and Friend Extraordinaire took me to:

• Get my labwork done.  There was NO waiting.  How often does that happen?!?
• Fill my prescription.  With my insurance, a 30-day supply didn't cost me a dime!  Woohoo!  (I'll say it again - This is not a political forum but my praises of gratitude are offered in prayer every day for Obamacare giving me this opportunity to get the medical care I need.)

4. Personal Celebrations

• I made this list as I went through my day (and believe me, it wasn't this organized, lol).
• It took me a long time but I wrote this post and am going to publish it even though it is now after midnight.
• In between appointments today I updated my contact list with my new healthcare team, and entered all of my upcoming appointments on my phone.  It ultimately took 2 hours but I did it.
• I took my bestie Leslie's advice and wore honker headphones (not earbuds) while sitting in the waiting areas.  I wasn't listening to anything but several times they served their purpose and allowed me a semblance of privacy which gave me peace and some ease as I traversed a packed day. Thank you, Leslie!
• I saw bluebonnets for the 1st time this year.  Another first out of the gate.

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