Broke my back and need HELP.....

SixPapaCharlie said:
I care. Please excuse this question if it seems strange.

Do you own a plane? Could you sell it to help pay for medical bills?

Take care.
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Thanks this means a lot.

Yes I own two airplanes. They are going up for sale. Both are single seat EAB.

First is a Fisher Avenger with a Hummel built 42 HP 1/2 vw. The engine was just purchased from Hummel last spring. I sent Scott my 35 HP and he built me a 42 hp. I love that engine.

The second is a Sonerai II LS with an A-65 on her. She runs great. I have yet to fly her, she is a new to me airplane I purchased about a year ago. See has been in the shop being worked on since then. I am slow. She should be ready to fly by spring. I have a good friend who is an A&P who said he will help me to finish or get this airplane flying. I have another friend who test flies all new to me airplanes. I am not a test pilot, even on a already flying airplane, he does the first flights, just how I do things.

Those are my two airplanes.
 
Even if the news about my heart is good, the airplanes have to go. I am on a fixed income. We just can not afford all the co-pays and such that are coming. General Dr. is 25 bucks per visit and specialist like the back surgeon is 50 bucks per visit. I am not complaining about the charges, I just want to make sure I have these payments at the time I need them. In one week we have spent 100 bucks just in co-pays. Co-pays alone could break us by the time this is done, if this is ever done.

I am trying now to get into some water therapy. I need to go three times a week at 25 bucks a time. Not sure all this is doable but we must try. I will not go homeless again to fight my health. I will live this way before I let us loose everything again. Might be the best thing to do anyway, just deal with it. I am not sure there is much anyone can do anyway. But we will see.

Tony
 
H.A.S. - I appreciate what you're going through and wish you all the best.
 
1600vw said:
She told me it should be the surgeon who contacts the insurance about my medical needs not the patient.
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You need to see this through before fundraising.

Using gofundme to raise money is a good idea if, after all avenues are exhausted the insurance wont cover your surgery. Your gofundme page will only be successful if you put some time and money into it. Gotta spend money to make money. You need to hire a PR/Media firm to set up the page for you. This will likely cost $1000-1500 and should include a ~3 minute video

In the video/on the webpage, you need to include (in no particular order):

Bio of yourself. Include something about your financial picture. (disabled? minimal retirement savings, already sold off unnecessary property etc..) Description of your condition, from a medical and practical standpoint.

Video or written correspondence from your doctor detailing what surgery you need, why you need it, and how they expect the surgery will help you. Video or written correspondence from a lawyer or health professional explaining how much the surgery costs, and how much (if any) the insurance will cover. Exactly how much $$ you need. (ex. insurance will only cover half, I need to come up with $50,000 and I only have $5000 cash so I am trying to raise $45k)


If you do all of those things I believe you will be successful. Good luck.
 
I received the news yesterday that I have the wrong insurance for the back surgeon. I was told to contact him after I change insurance. That will not be until January of next year. Dr. Tsang who gave me the medical files and who I just saw, I waited 9 months to see her. She would not see me until I changed insurance. So on January 7th I was able to make an appointment with her for I did change insurance. Now I find I did not get the correct insurance or some crap. I can tell you this fight is getting old. How much is one person suppose to deal with.

One day I feel like there is hope then the next day they pull all the hope away. This keeps happening and I am getting sick of it.

How we deal with health issue's in America if you are not rich sucks. I have about had my fill.

Tony
 
PM me your address. I'd like to send something to help with your expenses. Very sorry to hear of all your troubles.
 
I would highly recommend contacting your state insurance commissioner. This is crazy the crap you are having to deal with. So sorry OP.
 
Flymeariver said:
I would highly recommend contacting your state insurance commissioner. This is crazy the crap you are having to deal with. So sorry OP.
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There really seems to be something missing in this whole thing - between the doctors, insurance, what you think is going on, and what's really going on. There should be SOME person who could give you the 10,000' view.
 
Matthew said:
There really seems to be something missing in this whole thing - between the doctors, insurance, what you think is going on, and what's really going on. There should be SOME person who could give you the 10,000' view.
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This is the medical industry/healthcare system that medical personnel swore didn't need fixed and fearless leader(ship) in D.C. tried to fix.

It's still broke and it should be fixed...how, I haven't a clue.
 
Clark1961 said:
This is the medical industry/healthcare system that medical personnel swore didn't need fixed and fearless leader(ship) in D.C. tried to fix.

It's still broke and it should be fixed...how, I haven't a clue.
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With hope that this doesn't get moved to the SZ, I am convinced that the ACA was screwed up on purpose in order to get people so frustrated that they would scream for a single payer system. The system we have now took the worst parts of both systems and combined them together.

And it's working. I'd almost prefer single payer to what we have now. We could have made changes to the old system to fix the parts that were broken without throwing the baby out with the bathwater. Yes, it would have been expensive, but not as expensive as this monstrosity.
 
My experience is that doctors offices ask for your insurance information before they even see you, at least if it's not an emergency. Your insurance provider may also have a way to look up the doctors in your network on line.
 
Most people will rely on their Primary Care Physician to help them navigate the system. I know my guy has been a big help when I've asked. But my reasons for asking for a little guidance have been very, very different than the OP's reasons. The OP might really need to go back to his PCP, check with whoever is the 'expert' on insurance coverages and treatment options, and schedule an hour or two to meet and clear the air. There might be some way they can give you a better idea of why there are so many obstacles, and they might be able to refer you to some kind of patient advocate.
 
The OP keeps saying he has insurance, but I wonder what type of policy it is. It certainly doesn't seem to pay for much.
 
PaulS said:
The OP keeps saying he has insurance, but I wonder what type of policy it is. It certainly doesn't seem to pay for much.
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I thought he said Medicare. Yeah, that's going to be limited in what it pays.
 
Bouncing around from doc to doc is frustrating as hell when all they had to do was read the chart for 15 minutes and decide to pass on providing care.

Sorry you are going through this.
 
Matthew said:
I thought he said Medicare. Yeah, that's going to be limited in what it pays.
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Yes I have medicare and a supplement.

Thanks for all the advice. I am trying to stay positive and work around the hurdles. But to make someone wait 9 months because of insurance just does not seem right. Then to say you must again wait another 10 months.

Maybe it will change and I will not have to wait. I will keep everyone posted you can count on that.

Thanks again.

Tony
 
1600vw said:
Yes I have medicare and a supplement.

Thanks for all the advice. I am trying to stay positive and work around the hurdles. But to make someone wait 9 months because of insurance just does not seem right. Then to say you must again wait another 10 months.

Maybe it will change and I will not have to wait. I will keep everyone posted you can count on that.

Thanks again.

Tony
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It sounds like my brother went through with the VA.
 
Here is what I don't get. Five or so years ago I drove to Colorado and saw Dr. Peters. He saw the condition of my lower back and told me it needed corrected. I told him all I had was medicare. He told me he did not care, but for him to treat me I needed to move back to Colorado. My family " Wife" nor I really wanted to go back to Colorado.

My point, why is it he would help me but I can not get anyone around these parts or Illinois to help me. Well they are helping me but its like pulling teeth to get anything done.

I have been living in hell for years and I need help. Maybe I Should contact Dr. Peters in California. I would have to do this all on my own. Maybe stay in a hotel. I do not know but I need help.

I am surviving everyday, but this is no way to live, and I can not believe with my records our health care providers are making me live like this. Now maybe everyone understands when I say we treat animals better.

I am almost at my breaking point. Keep calm is what I keep telling myself, just get through today, for what, tomorrow.

Tomorrow will just be a copy of today.
 
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Sell your planes and that hotrod in your garage and any other unnecessary toys and concentrate on repairing your health as best you can by using those funds to move closer to Dr Peters. You should be able to afford staying in an extended stay hotel for quite a long period of time using those funds. When you're better, you can start working on building up your toy collection again.
 
5 yrs can change things. Is his offer still open? Has your condition changed enough that his proposed course of action is still valid?
 
Who ever said to got back to your PCP had a great idea. They should be able to tell what back surgeons are on your medical insurance plan.

Take that list of Back Surgeons to the woman who said your issues were due to the Marfans. (BTW do you have a special issuance due to the Marfans?) Ask her who on that list you should see.

I don't think its an issue with having the wrong insurance for a back surgeon, it sounds like it might just be the wrong back surgeon under that particular insurance plan.
 
narchee said:
Sell your planes and that hotrod in your garage and any other unnecessary toys and concentrate on repairing your health as best you can by using those funds to move closer to Dr Peters. You should be able to afford staying in an extended stay hotel for quite a long period of time using those funds. When you're better, you can start working on building up your toy collection again.
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You don't follow my posts very close. Nor did you watch that video or if you did you missed it. That video was made because that truck went up for sale. I sold it 5 years ago.

In the 80's I completely changed my life because of my problems. I went back to school and this is how I ended up at Pebble Beach. Then in the 2002 my life was once again completely changed. Everything I had was taken from me and my family.

Then in 2009 I once again lost everything I worked for, that would be my truck. By this time the wife and I had nothing,we lost everything fighting health issues. My wife was sick with female problems when I became ill. She was back in Illinois in the hospital when I ended up in Colorado in the Hospital. But that is another story.

The airplanes will be sold. One was going anyway. Not much use for two airplanes. I am not selling them until spring. You do not sell a boat in the middle of winter. Same with a small eab such as this, one should sell it during the spring.

If one does not have ones arms or legs ripped off one can wait an unlimited amount of time for some help.

As for staying in an extended period hotel. You have no idea what I will be going through. One can not take care of ones self, I will not even be able to wipe my own A## nor get out of bed. A hotel is not a place for someone like this.



Tony
 
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write-stuff said:
PM me your address. I'd like to send something to help with your expenses. Very sorry to hear of all your troubles.
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If you want to help my cause, please deposit the funds in the Gofund Account I started.

Thanks
 
Spoke with my primary Dr. and asked if she has heard anything from either the back doctor or the heart dr. I was told not a word yet.

Tell me again this is not about money or lack of on my part. This is just wrong. My records show the problems I am having. Anyone with any common sense, they know I am living in hell.

Maybe the person who was running the VA hospitals are now handling Medicare cases. Does this not sound like what our military went through with the VA hospitals?

When does one say I have had enough and take matters into their own hand? How long does one wait? My patients are wearing thin. I am not waiting to go on vacation. How long must one suffer before something is done.

I bet if this was one of these peoples child or loved one, they would already have had some help, not sent home to wait for a call that never comes. Its been almost a month. This is not right, someone should be held accountable.

Tony
 
You know whats worse. Belonging to a community such as this for a few years. Then posting something such as this, then being called a liar, accused of scamming people, among other things. Then when it is shown that indeed what I was saying was true and fact. I hear nothing from those throwing stones at me.

I never wanted to post this. But I am up against a wall. Its this or what, I do not know. I am out of options. I have been turned out by our medical community in a time when I need help. I say its because of money and greedy people.

If it's not money, do I stink, color of my skin to dark? Not dark enough? Just what is it? Its in black and white, I need help, but I sit at home and told to sit and wait like a good puppy.

This is sick. People of the world this is America and how we treat our citizens, and you flock to this country in groves. Thing is, if you come here we will give you health care and make people who are born in this country suffer.
 
1600vw said:
Maybe the person who was running the VA hospitals are now handling Medicare cases. Does this not sound like what our military went through with the VA hospitals?

Tony
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And what do your two examples have in common?
They are both government run agencies.
And yet, people want to turn the whole healthcare system over to the government. Then what do we do in cases like this?
 
1600vw said:
Maybe the person who was running the VA hospitals are now handling Medicare cases. Does this not sound like what our military went through with the VA hospitals?

Tony
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And what do your two examples have in common?
They are both government run agencies.
And yet, people want to turn the whole healthcare system over to the government. Yeah, that'll fix everything. Then we can all be in Tony's shoes.
 
1600vw said:
You don't follow my posts very close. Nor did you watch that video or if you did you missed it. That video was made because that truck went up for sale. I sold it 5 years ago.
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Sorry I was wrong about the truck.

Have you been in touch with Dr Peters?
 
Tony,
There have been a lot of people on this board that have been trying to help you, or offer advice or just trying to sympathize with you and console you. Yet we all suffer your rants and complaints about how everyone is turning their back on you. How do you think that makes us feel?
1600vw said:
You know whats worse. Belonging to a community such as this for a few years. Then posting something such as this, then being called a liar, accused of scamming people, among other things. Then when it is shown that indeed what I was saying was true and fact. I hear nothing from those throwing stones at me.

I never wanted to post this. But I am up against a wall. Its this or what, I do not know. I am out of options. I have been turned out by our medical community in a time when I need help. I say its because of money and greedy people.

If it's not money, do I stink, color of my skin to dark? Not dark enough? Just what is it? Its in black and white, I need help, but I sit at home and told to sit and wait like a good puppy.

This is sick. People of the world this is America and how we treat our citizens, and you flock to this country in groves. Thing is, if you come here we will give you health care and make people who are born in this country suffer.
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narchee said:
Sorry I was wrong about the truck.

Have you been in touch with Dr Peters?
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That's ok. I miss a lot myself.

No I have not talked with him in a few years. He know my medical history. He told me he would help me but I must move to where he was. At the time it was Colorado. Now he is in Ca.
When he told me this I looked him in the eye's and said, I only have medicare today. At the time he knew me I had very good health insurance through Vail Resorts. He said he cared less what insurance I had. Now that is a good Dr. He cares about me.

Not sure why he is the only one, but it seems to be so. We all have seen in black and white I need help. Thing is, if you where to do this test on other parts of my back, I have other area's in just the same shape. I am in really bad condition, from my neck to my tailbone. My back is gone. I need at least three disc's replaced today. Five years from now who knows how many more.

We all have seen old rubber shock boots and how they crack out the sides. This is whats happening to my disc's. Its caused by a connective tissue disease and effecting every disc. One is completely cracked the others are 30%. These are the ones they checked. I would bet dollars to donuts I have at least 6 more just like them in the T area and C area of the spine. I have crushed T-6 and this is causing all sorts of problems today. Numbness in my left hand is getting really bad. At least I hope its my back causing this and not my heart. I believe its back related. But my lower back the pain is so bad I can not live with it anymore. Its 20x worse after that dog gone discogram. I am in hell.
 
JOhnH said:
Tony,
There have been a lot of people on this board that have been trying to help you, or offer advice or just trying to sympathize with you and console you. Yet we all suffer your rants and complaints about how everyone is turning their back on you. How do you think that makes us feel?
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My bad. I do not mean to come off like that. Some have been great. Sorry I should mention this. The negative always seems to come out over the positive.

It's very hard to stay positive when every day is the same. Tomorrow will be a copy of today just as today is a copy of yesterday. I am not sure how much longer I can go on.

What do I do? I guess haul my happy butt back to the hospital, for...a shot then sent back home...then a few days later I get this bill and now I owe them more money. It will be sent to collections. I have decided a long time ago my family and me too, will not go without because of my health. I sat in a garage for over a year staring at the walls. I will never do without again, nor will my wife.

So I sit here and suffer using this forum as my out. The computer is my rant. The wife is tired of hearing it. I can not blame her. My family is tired of hearing it, don't blame them. Just as I am sure everyone here is tired of hearing it. As they say... don't go away..just go. Maybe I should just go.

Sorry if I keep bring this up and won't again.

Tony
 
Tony, I do understand. And I'm not asking you to go away. Keep us updated on any progress as well as your setbacks.
Just please back off with the bad attitude. Some people are going to say things you don't want to hear. Try not to let that get to you, and don't take it out on everyone here that is trying to be helpful.

Good luck as you fight the system.

1600vw said:
My bad. I do not mean to come off like that. Some have been great. Sorry I should mention this. The negative always seems to come out over the positive.

It's very hard to stay positive when every day is the same. Tomorrow will be a copy of today just as today is a copy of yesterday. I am not sure how much longer I can go on.

What do I do? I guess haul my happy butt back to the hospital, for...a shot then sent back home...then a few days later I get this bill and now I owe them more money. It will be sent to collections. I have decided a long time ago my family and me too, will not go without because of my health. I sat in a garage for over a year staring at the walls. I will never do without again, nor will my wife.

So I sit here and suffer using this forum as my out. The computer is my rant. The wife is tired of hearing it. I can not blame her. My family is tired of hearing it, don't blame them. Just as I am sure everyone here is tired of hearing it. As they say... don't go away..just go. Maybe I should just go.

Sorry if I keep bring this up and won't again.

Tony
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JOhnH said:
Tony, I do understand. And I'm not asking you to go away. Keep us updated on any progress as well as your setbacks.
Just please back off with the bad attitude. Some people are going to say things you don't want to hear. Try not to let that get to you, and don't take it out on everyone here that is trying to be helpful.

Good luck as you fight the system.
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Thanks I needed this.
 
I think maybe I should get on with selling those airplanes. Ok that will give me lets say thinking positive 16 grand. Now what. Put that aside and wait for how long? Take that cash and go see Dr. Peters in LA. 16k won't last very long in LA.

I don't get it, Dr. Peters is the only Dr. in this country that will or can help me? Really? Does anyone else see a problem with this? Why should I have to travel across this country for the help I need?

I just do not get it. Someone needs to pay for the suffering I have been made to endure. This just is not right.
 
1600vw said:
I think maybe I should get on with selling those airplanes. Ok that will give me lets say thinking positive 16 grand. Now what. Put that aside and wait for how long? Take that cash and go see Dr. Peters in LA. 16k won't last very long in LA.

I don't get it, Dr. Peters is the only Dr. in this country that will or can help me? Really? Does anyone else see a problem with this? Why should I have to travel across this country for the help I need?

I just do not get it. Someone needs to pay for the suffering I have been made to endure. This just is not right.
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Tony -

Have you contacted Dr. Peters and requested a referral to a doctor local (local being relative) to your residence? It may not be "Dr. Peters" but it may be someone he knows and has confidence of the ability and willingness to help. Just thinking out loud.
 
pilot_dude said:
Tony -

Have you contacted Dr. Peters and requested a referral to a doctor local (local being relative) to your residence? It may not be "Dr. Peters" but it may be someone he knows and has confidence of the ability and willingness to help. Just thinking out loud.
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When I saw him last I asked him this. He had no idea.

OkieAviator said:
What's the answer then?
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Surgery. I need surgery. Disc replacement.
 
1600vw said:
Surgery. I need surgery. Disc replacement.
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Okay, I was a bit confused from reading through all the posts and trying to filter out some of the white noise type items.

I can empathize a bit, I suffered from Chronic sinusitis for about a decade. Not near as debilitating as your condition obviously but none the less was not pleasant to deal with. My treatment wasn't really about insurance or money because I would of easily paid hundreds of thousands of dollars just to fix it. It was more they couldn't figure it out.

It took 4 years, 5 MRIs, 2 surgeries and countless ENT and Allergist visits. I have it under wraps now through the surgeries and continuous allergy treatments. I guess my point is doctors are a bit gun shy on taking a patients diagnosis and any doctor you see will probably start from ground zero on their troubleshooting bit. My neighbor is one of the best pediatric orthopedic surgeons in the country. We had conversations about surgeries and he's told me that back surgeries are some of the most risky endeavors.
 
What I am not getting is this dr is the only one willing to bend over backwards for you and you "Haven't talked to him in a few years"

Call him up and tell him you are dying man.
It appears to be your only lifeline and you are not exploring it.

Tell him you will give him the 16k to come see you.

Right, the system appears to Effed up and it is killing you. The system is killing you. Call that doctor now. Right now. Log off POA and call that doctor.
 
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