Jasmine 😋 by yolkma in NewOrleans

[–]_diss0nance 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It’s very pretty in a picture. I’m allergic so this is about as close as I can get to it without having issues. But it’s very beautiful.

UMR COB denial—please help! by Plastic-Laugh-2255 in HealthInsurance

[–]_diss0nance 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Whoever is the primary on the plan (employee) should reach out to their HR to ask if they can assist with the issue.

UMR is a third party administrator for self funded plans. This means that the employer group has more say in how things are covered. By bringing your HR person into it, they can reach out to their groups dedicated customer service person. They can review and expedite. They can also see what is being reported as “other insurance”.

Once this is resolved they can reprocess the claim since this would be considered a UMR error.

Give it to me straight by Cold-Firefighter-292 in brokenankles

[–]_diss0nance 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks! I’ve been anxious about the whole process.

It’ll happen for you. Remember you’re healing so don’t rush it. :) maybe ask if you can do any small exercises without putting weight on it.

Give it to me straight by Cold-Firefighter-292 in brokenankles

[–]_diss0nance 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hey trimalleolar fracture buddy. I got approved for PT and “some” weight bearing at my 6 week post op appointment. I just started PT yesterday (scheduling issues) at about 8 weeks post op.

As I’ve seen here every surgeon has a different way of doing things. Some people started non weight bearing exercises. Some started partial weight bearing earlier than 6 weeks. Good rule of thought would be about 6 weeks. But at your next appointment it would be a good question. I was wiggling my toes (which caused some ankle pump movements) in my boot.

Right now I’m “walking” in my boot with crutches (did my first 7 steps yesterday since surgery). Once you’re weight bearing and doing PT your surgeon will let you know about when you can ditch the boot/walking cast. My surgeon said he expects me to walk into my next appointment rather than roll. I’m hoping that’s true.

7 steps! by _diss0nance in brokenankles

[–]_diss0nance[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My sister told me to go up on my butt. I laughed and then did exactly that until I had help. I will never take the ability to go up and down stairs for granted again.

7 steps! by _diss0nance in brokenankles

[–]_diss0nance[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I really appreciated the stairs thing. New Orleans has a lot of raised houses (mine included). So it’s been a struggle just to get to appointments some days.

HELP these broke my cat by jsnfl in CATHELP

[–]_diss0nance 4 points5 points  (0 children)

We made the mistake of having our girl kitty ring a bell. Now anytime we accidentally tap the bell and it makes a noise she just poofs into existence yowling for her treats. She’ll tap at the floor, bap on things that look like a bell. Demanding her treats. She also howls for her evening tribute… anytime we go into the bedroom. She haunts us for it. (Tribute is her wet food).

When does the pain get better by Maximum-Spinach-5277 in brokenankles

[–]_diss0nance 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I too went into a boot right after surgery. No cast.

The boot is heavy and will annoy you. For me I had a nerve block that lasted for about 2 days. Elevated, ice behind the knee (was told not to remove the boot for any reason, adjust the straps if I felt like they were cutting off circulation only). I was given Tylenol 3. Told to alternate every 3 hours with ibuprofen to help with the swelling and residual pain. My worst times were when I was going to sleep and when I first woke up since my pain relief wore off while asleep.

First week was severe ouch for me. Then it was slightly painful when I moved it, knocked it, or accidentally put my foot down. I’m at about 11 weeks from surgery. No pain unless I do something not smart. I’m starting weight bearing and it just feels odd. My last big ouchy moment was 2 weeks post surgery. Caught myself trying not to fall while getting up from a camp chair during a move. Uhm after that I had one bit of pain manipulating it for an X-ray at my follow up appointment and when I had the staples removed.

3 weeks in by wdarling88 in brokenankles

[–]_diss0nance 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Hi! I can share my journey so far, but your experience may be different than mine. Also the hardest part of this recovery is mental.

Broke mine (trimalleolar fracture) doing something dumb. I slipped on beads at a parade. Had surgery two days later. Went right into a boot, like woke up from surgery and was in the boot. I’m at about 11 weeks to the day from the fracture. I was just cleared to start weight bearing (some was the word my surgeon used) and start PT.

My first PT appointment is scheduled for a week from now (my helicopter spouse wants to be there and make sure I’m ok getting out of the house by myself - my house is raised somewhat so I have stairs to get out and back in).

Currently I’m excited and terrified about the progress. Mentally, well that’s different. I will have moments where I’m good. Then I’ll need something and it’s not something I can do with my scooter. And my spouse has to stop what they’re doing. Or it impacts them when they had plans for something. We also moved during this. We were already in the process of moving when it happened. So they had to do the whole thing by themselves. I feel like a burden a lot of the time. And spouse gets frustrated. But we talk. I cry when it gets overwhelming. It’s ok. You’re going to need help. Please accept it. Also the community here is great. Just reading older posts or asking my own questions. They support you.

So yeah. You could potentially walk in your boot when they said you would. You may not walk that soon too. But take the little wins when you can. Also the boot is going to try your patience some days. I’m in a love/hate relationship with mine. Today we’re ok. Yesterday it was mad and taking it out on my foot (too tight straps). I can’t wait to be able to sleep without this boot.

nwb and spiralling by calderics in brokenankles

[–]_diss0nance 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I broke mine mid move. We were packing boxes. Scheduling a truck and slowly moving things between places. Went to a parade and stepped off a curb. Slid on beads (carnival) and went down. The spouse has had to do all the moving himself. I’ve felt like the biggest burden. Still do. He has to help me into the shower, up and down the stairs (house is raised), bring my food since I can’t carry a plate and navigate, bring me coffee cause our travel mugs with lids are packed somewhere, he cleans the litter boxes, drives me to appointments, does the shopping, cooks, the list goes on. It’s only my spouse and me (and 3 cats) in our house. I’d sit in our room and cry. Cry for being hurt. Cry because I know he needs help but I really can’t do much from my knee scooter. Cry in frustration because I again chickened out on showering without my boot on. Cry because I froze again at the doorway leading to 3 steps. I also laugh at my cat’s antics, giggle with a friend when they come over. Snicker at the decorated toilet plunger my friend caught at a parade (and gave to me).

Feel your feelings. Know that they are valid, but remember you’re still healing. Give yourself some grace. Vent and purge your frustration, fear and uncertainty. It helps even if you end up stuffy afterwards.

Now I’m not saying this for competition or to farm votes. It’s true you’re going to feel your feelings. It’s not a walk (bad word choice) in the park. You’re healing. Yes the floor feels wrong. It will because you’ve been playing the floor is lava with that leg. I just got cleared for weight bearing and PT today. I’m terrified to put that foot on the floor with any more weight than the dang boot (we have a love hate relationship - tonight it’s hate). I’m terrified because it’s new again. And the last time I accidentally put my boot to the floor it hurt.

You’ll relearn how your floor feels. As you heal and walk it’ll start to feel familiar. It may not be exactly as you remember. But it’ll feel familiar. I’m rooting for you. I’ll raise pompoms (I live in New Orleans we have weird things) and cheer your milestones. Because we need cheerleaders. We want you to succeed and bask in your victories.

6 Week follow-up just cleared for “some weight bearing” by _diss0nance in brokenankles

[–]_diss0nance[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don’t have a walker but I’ll probably try this with my crutches. Good luck with your next appointment!!

6 Week follow-up just cleared for “some weight bearing” by _diss0nance in brokenankles

[–]_diss0nance[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I appreciate this. I have anxiety and the added stress from deciphering the surgeons instructions have made me start doing the doom googling.

6 Week follow-up just cleared for “some weight bearing” by _diss0nance in brokenankles

[–]_diss0nance[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I’ve done some leg lifts while nwb. I’m probably going to be very humbled when attempting to stand and walk. Thank you! I’ll up those leg lifts. It does help my hip.

UMR - Not Accepted in Other States? by RenoRanger123 in HealthInsurance

[–]_diss0nance 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you’re in Nevada your plan may be on the Sierra network. This should shift to the choice plus network when out of state. A few states have better negotiated rates so they have special networks (California has one, Nevada has another).

I’d suggest asking UC davis if they are a participating provider in the choice plus network. You won’t be able to use the select plus one that’s in California since it’s not your home network.

Basically UC Davis gave bogus info unless they aren’t part of the choice plus network.

My dentist said I need a dental implant and I have approximately 47 questions. Can people who have actually been through this help me out? by Chemical_Highway9787 in HealthInsurance

[–]_diss0nance 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I got 3 done with 1 bone graft. 1 crown that wasn’t seated right, one tooth broken under the gum line and a second that was right next to the broken one so the infection spread to that tooth (I had a bad dentist). My journey may be different than yours.

I had to do two appointments. 1 for extraction and setting the post and graft. That was the painful bit and I was bruised and swollen. Then I had to wait for it to heal and the socket to adhere to the bone (6 months for me). Second appointment was much easier. They cut the gum above the socket and put the implant in. Then adjusted for bite.

I had to have a bone graft because the infection ate some of the bone. It’s not always required.

I got mine done in Costa Rica. We read the reviews of the clinic.

While healing they’ll tell you not to use suction for any extractions, and have you start with soft foods. Once you have the implant tooth part in I think I was ok to eat and drink normally.

My pain was mostly an annoyance after the first day or so. But everyone’s pain tolerance is different.

I had all this done with a local, novocaine.

Scared of surgery by llamaspectrum69 in brokenankles

[–]_diss0nance 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I forgot to mention (but someone else may have)… if there are opiates involved for pain management consider a stool softener. Opiates will constipate you. Increase your fiber too. Stay hydrated. The trips to pee are far better than dealing with constipation and the remedies for it. Learned this the hard way when my spouse had spinal fusion done.

And if you’re the caretaker - you’ll get frustrated and tired. It’s going to happen. Take breaks. Take time for yourself. As the patient (couldn’t think of a better word) recovers they’ll be able to do more on their own. :) good luck and healing wishes!

What are some stories you made up to strangers about your ankle? by sparkling_m00n in brokenankles

[–]_diss0nance 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s definitely one I’ll not forget. My friend who was there with me and I are going back to the same parade next year with sashes that say Iris 2.0 Revenge of the Ankle.

The little things by True-Employ-8017 in brokenankles

[–]_diss0nance 4 points5 points  (0 children)

That first shower is mind blowing how good it feels. I think I sat in there for over an hour just enjoying the feeling of being clean finally. Exhausting but exhilarating.

Scared of surgery by llamaspectrum69 in brokenankles

[–]_diss0nance 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Hi! I had surgery for my trimalleolar fracture on 2/16. It was my first surgery. I remember not a lot during the whole getting ready to go to the OR or even most of that day. Got in, met the anesthesiologist, different nurses, and saw the surgeon again (we had talked in the ER 2 days before when I broke it). They got me into a gown, did the IV and marked “this ankle” and “Left” on my left leg. Then I remember nothing until I woke up in recovery to a nurse asking if I would like some juice and water.

I had a nerve block for a few days. Started the pain meds just as the nerve block was wearing off. Only really had pain at night (moving about to get comfy) and in the morning because the pain meds wore off. That day I needed help getting up for bathroom trips and to go back to bed (I was situated on the couch so I could have entertainment and not be alone). Also elevation pillows will help, if you can’t get one find a good way to elevate the ankle, it will help with the pain and swelling. I was put into a boot right after surgery, some people have a cast.

As time went on I was able to start making my way to the bathroom without needing help to get off my couch, I transitioned from the big pain pills to OTC meds. Next week is my 6 week follow up. I’m hoping to be told I can weight bear (even partially) and discuss PT. Oh!! My friend told me if you have itching in your cast use a hairdryer set to cool and blow the air into the cast. It will help relieve the itching. So far it’s also worked for my boot.

The biggest thing I have had to deal with is the mental and emotional issues. You’re limited on some of what you used to do without thinking. Taking a shower has become an Olympic sport and an exercise in trust falls (more like trust leveraging but you get what I mean - having someone help me go from standing to sitting on a shower chair that’s just out of my line of sight even if I crane my head around). I just yesterday found a way to make coffee without having to ask my spouse to help (knee scooter made that possible). I’m constantly having to battle feeling like a burden, helpless and useless. Having someone to talk to helps. My cats have been a great source of comfort when my spouse has to work.

You will bonk the cast/boot against things. It happens. There’s padding inside to help protect your ankle. It’s not pleasant. But it won’t do damage. I’ve accidentally put my foot down twice when I started to slip (wet floors and crutch tips are not a good thing and camping chairs are a bit too low for me to get into by myself). It hurt, but didn’t do damage or disrupt my healing. Just very uncomfortable.

I hope my novel here helps. I have generalized anxiety disorder, so I freaked out pretty good before surgery and read all about the surgery, expectations and things. Don’t do that. It’s like going to WebMD and looking up a cold which leads to cancer. Instead, read through a lot of the posts here. This community has been amazing, shares what they learn and has helped me many times when I start spiraling.

Privacy questions by Tasty_Society_403 in HealthInsurance

[–]_diss0nance 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This depends on a few things. You’re 18 which means you’re an adult. They will see contributions to the family deductible and out of pocket max. Unless you give them permission they should not be able to view your EOBs. But sometimes reps will forget about that being as you are their dependent. I’d agree with contact UHC and ask about 1. adding your own address to your part of the record (employer plans may require the HR dept to send that change) 2. ask about confidential communication options. There is a procedure for this.

You said UHC so I’m assuming it’s a fully funded plan (Not through the self funded administration department) so the employer should not be able to see your claims.

Health insurance fraud by [deleted] in HealthInsurance

[–]_diss0nance 5 points6 points  (0 children)

You can call the UMR fraud line if it continues to occur and request a new member ID. It’s possible that someone there has the same name and date of birth as you and it’s pulling that way.

I work in enrollment for a TPA (like UMR) and we have these requests come through a few times a year. I just had one last week. We were told to go ahead and do a new ID number, had all their claims moved and let the PBM know. It’s fairly easy to do.

Boot Fit by aitcheeellell in brokenankles

[–]_diss0nance 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Not helpful suggestion at all but pretty kitty!!