Monday, March 12, 2012

Failure To Thrive

We have officially had this label put on Isaac.

The doctor told me that she knows it sounds scary, and doesn't mean he's going to shrivel up and blow away, but that instead it will be helpful to get the services and therapy he needs (especially fighting with insurance).

Speaking of insurance, I'm grateful we have it.  However, I'm so dang frustrated! With us being on recruiting duty, there aren't a ton of providers that are 'in network', or the one's in network don't specialize in pediatrics.  I feel like I'm constantly tracking down referrals and authorizations.  We were finally assigned a case manager, so hopefully she can help smooth the path, and make it easier to get what we need.

Even though I know he's fine.  And that we're doing everything we can for him.. I'm scared.  I just want what's best for him, and I want him better.  If our insurance would get their shit together, it would be much appreciated!

We have ear tube surgery this Thursday (he had 4 ear infections in 10 weeks), but its with an out of network provider that somehow got switched from being authorized, to point of service, meaning we have to pay 50% of the surgery.  I'm calling tomorrow to see what the total cost would be, to see if we can swing it.  It might be better then having to go to an in network provider and waiting a month for the initial appointment then 2-4 weeks for surgery.

I must say, he still is my happy boy!  And because everything is better when I see his smile, I'll let you have some moments of happy too!  Some of my favorite recent shots of him!




16 comments:

  1. He is so adorable! He will be "thriving" in no time.

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  2. It all sounds SO dramatic when you write it out like that... "failure to thrive"... He looks just amazing and awesome in the photo's - makes it very hard for me to connect those words with the boy if you get what I'm saying...

    Here's to things changing and him SUCCEEDING TO THRIVE!!!

    xxx

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  3. He's beautiful and with a smile like that it's hard to believe that he isn't thriving. I'm sorry you are having such a difficult time with your insurance. You don't need the added stress. Hopefully everything will come together and Isaac will be just fine. Thinking of you.

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  4. I know you must just feel scared and frustrated beyond belief, but I also know that every time you look at that little smile (which is seriously just the cutest thing ever), you must know that this too shall pass. Everything will be ok and you will make it out to the other side.

    Until then, know that so many of us are rooting for you and your family.

    BTW - Why must doctors be so freaking dramatic with their wording. Geez!

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  5. Ugh insurance companies can be such a pain to work with!! He is so cute, and I agree with the others, why do the doctors have to scare us with their choice of words??

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  6. I can't imagine how scary those words must have been to hear. But he is definitely one happy baby boy and so lucky to have you as his Momma Bear!

    Hope the insurance gets their crap together asap!

    Sending you guys lots of love, support, and prayers.

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  7. He is so dang cute! Look at that smile! My second son has a genetic disorder that caused him to be labeled with Failure to Thrive at 2 months old. He only weighed 6 pounds. He was being g-tube fed so we knew he was getting the proper amount of calories. The label is so scary and it made me feel like such a bad mom, as though I wasn't taking care of my child. But, it did make receiving services and interventions so much easier as far as insurance was concerned. The insurance companies are loathe to be blamed for denying services to a child labeled with FTT. He'll be thriving in no time!

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  8. That sounds so scary! Ack! But if something sounds scary just to get some freaking movement from the insurance companies, then I guess that's what you have to do. He does look like a very happy boy - and handsome! I can't imagine the stress though!

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  9. Well, he certainly looks like an extremely happy little guy! This insurance situation is completely crazy!! I hope you're able to get it worked out soon!

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  10. A label is just that, only a label, it does not define a person, but if that label means that the insurance company recognizes that there is a problem, then I'm all for labels.

    He doesn't look like he's failing to thrive! You're doing a good job and have a very happy baby.

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  11. Sending up some prayers for you all! He sure has a cute smile!!

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  12. Ask your insurance company to do a review of the surgery to see if they can cover it in network if it was originally going to be covered as in network. I have had this same thing happen to me, and the same last minute change, spoken with a supervisor and gotten the coverage to pay it in network. They will not do it unless you ask, do be sure and do so.

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  13. He is such a cutie! We are struggling to get weight on E and it is stressful. Sending you good thoughts for the tube surgery tomorrow.

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  14. He looks so alert and happy, and like he's THRIVING just fine! (Mom, I'm getting what I want, why are you so worried about me?)

    I know you are super frustrated with the insurance co and doctors and everything that's related, and I hope that (despite it's ominous sound) this label helps move things along more quickly towards resolution so you can move on to much more enjoyable things.

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  15. Sending hugs and prayers! You're his mom, you're going to always worry about him!!!! :). I think you're doing a great job! And btw...he's a cutie patootie! ❤

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  16. What a cutie - he certainly looking thriving in the pics! Glad you got the designation you need to deal with insurance - sounds like a nightmare! GL!

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