Inspirational Story -- Surgeon won't let wheelchair limit him

**Justin** · 06-26-2010, 04:20 PM

Surgeon won't let wheelchair limit him | Video | abc13.com

**Greg** · 06-27-2010, 01:29 AM

It truly amazes me everyday hearing stories about people like this who face an unbelievable challenge yet they, improvise, adapt, and overcome!

Thanks J

**Susanna** · 06-27-2010, 06:02 PM

That will be me if I lose the use of my legs before I lose the use of my hands due to the Systemic Peripheral Sensory Neuropathy. I already have total numbness in my feet, and numbness up to my shins. The biopsy's show that there is effect up to my thighs though I don't notice it on my left leg. But due to the DDD I have total numbness on my right side and permanent nerve damage in my right leg. The EEG shows that I already have signs of weakness in my hands but I still can feel in my fingertips and can grasp with no problem. So I am still hopeful that I will be able to be a dental hygienist for a few more years if I can get this nerve problem taken care of.

My husband lost his job at the beginning of the month and we will be going on Cobra next month sometime. He has an interview within the same company on Tuesday for a lesser paying position out of state, so we are hoping to keep the same insurance or I will be a pre-existing condition. Wouldn't that take all!! lol. He is also applying to other jobs in the state outside his company. Nothing within the company close by. A trial may end up being my only hope soon.

But I'm a fighter and I am not going to give up. I have had to fight through four fusions already and two frozen shoulders.

Oh, before I forget, Can someone tell me how to upload my MRI to a Dr. for a trial.

Thanks,
Susanna

**Greg** · 06-27-2010, 07:08 PM

Originally Posted by Susanna

My husband lost his job at the beginning of the month and we will be going on Cobra next month sometime. He has an interview within the same company on Tuesday for a lesser paying position out of state, so we are hoping to keep the same insurance or I will be a pre-existing condition. Wouldn't that take all!! lol.
Thanks,
Susanna

I hope someone can join in and correct me if I am wrong (or confirm if I am right....that'd be better) but when you transition to COBRA insurance I thought it was the same policy you had before except instead of you paying an awesome price you have to pick up the tab the employer paid (or something close to that). It would seem that you would be on the same plan as before so wouldnt have to start over with the yearly wait for pre-existing conditions. Here's a link about the COBRA that may help....if not there should be an 800 number somewhere you can call. It's worth a shot

FAQs For Employees About COBRA Continuation Health Coverage

There is a girl on her who was out of work for many months due to her pain, eventually was put on COBRA insurance and just had her fusions done on June 1st 2010...way to go NighButterFly. You should check her thread out as it may answer some questions about COBRA and you can see first hand that the pre-existing condition didnt apply. Plus she might be willing enough to help you with some COBRA questions it you asked realy really nicely

Here is her thread: http://www.spinepatientsociety.org/f...fusion-1518-2/

**Susanna** · 06-27-2010, 08:48 PM

Greg,
Oh, no, I realize that the Cobra will continue our insurance, It will cost us a bundle, which we don't have. We only have enough to pay for one month. We didn't get much of a severance package and we have lost most of our savings due to our last house not selling and going into forclosure. It has truly been a bad 2 years for us! I was actually referring to if my husband didn't get a job with the same company and had to take a job outside of the company.

Thanks though for the info. We should know by Thursday this week if he will get the "in company Job" in WI. We are praying for the best!

Susanna

**KBear** · 06-27-2010, 09:52 PM

Susanna, With insurance you get through a company, they have to cover pre-existing if you have had continuos coverage for a certain amount of time. Now this is not true if you are self employed and buy your own policy (that's my situation). So even if he ends up with a different company, as long as you stay insured, I am almost 100% positive that they have to cover you.