PFTs and Other Doctor Stuff

Had my yearly PFTs done about a week ago. Yes, my insurance only lets me do PFTs once a year instead of every CF clinic visit. That is part of the reason I am switching insurance. Anyway here are the results.

FVC 102.4
FEV1 93.5
FEV1/F 90.9
25-75 72.7
PEF 96.9
FEF 50 83.3
FEF 75 48.7

I am really pleased with these results, considering I had a bad cough for the weeks leading up to this test. Although I could not dig up my 2008 results, here are my 2007 results for comparison.

FVC 96.1
FEV1 85.6
FEV1/F 88.4
25-75 61.4
PEF 85.1
FEF 50 72.2
FEF 75 36.4

In other doctor news, I had to temporarily change PCP. My previous doc stopped taking my insurance. So, I met my new PCP. (PCP will be changing again with new insurance in January). Changing PCP was not a heartbreaking moment for me. I never cared for my previous PCP. I think she was in denial about having a patient with CF. Anytime I came in with a CF related problem, she would always say "Yeah, that's normal for you, you have CF." Ok, but that doesn't mean the problem doesn't need to be addressed. Other times she would try and treat me like I didn't have CF. If the CF doc thought I needed a special test, she would usually respond by saying "People in their 20's don't need that test." Generally, I just felt like she never listened and never really cared. The worst was when I needed to go on TOBI, but I needed her to order me a nebulizer. Her response was "that seems like over kill. Can't you just take regular antibiotics as a pill?" Oh, then there was the time I asked for a referral to a orthopedic surgeon for by back and she said "No you don't need back surgery." Five months later, I had back surgery. Yeah, that should of been enough for me. But it just seemed easier to stay. There just never seemed to be a good time to switch dotors. I regret not doing it sooner.

This new doctor seems really responsive. I went over all of my current health care needs. I would like to see all my specialist one last time before switching insurance. He gave me a referral to every single one (there are four). No questions, no making me feel guilty, no asking me to justify why. Hmmm, that is what I needed in a doctor all along. He also got me set up with a flu shot. While I am a little disappointed he will only be a temporary doctor, he gave me the names of a few doctors to check out under my new health plan. Hopefully, the transition will be smooth and I will find nothing but great doctors in my new adventure.

Friday Fill Ins

1. Sweet dreams HELP ME FALL ASLEEP AT NIGHT.

2. GETTING SICK IS HARD ON THE BODY, especially for me.

3. Silliness SHOULD BE PART OF YOUR DAILY LIFE.

4. THE DOGS ARE DRESSING UP AS THE TIN MAN AND THE SCARECROW this Halloween.

5. Outstanding or not I WILL STAY LOYAL TO MY OAKLAND A'S.

6. TO GO BACK TO BED is what I want right now!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to HAPPY HOUR WITH THE GIRLS FROM WORK, tomorrow my plans include TBD and Sunday, I want to TAKE ETHAN OUT FOR HIS BIRTHDAY.

New Health Insurance

I signed the papers today to change my health insurance. There are not a lot of providers accepting my current plan, at least not in the immediate area. I am tired of being frustrated with administrative complications with my current insurance company. Its is so complicated, I don't even feel like taking the time to blog about each issue. Let's just say, I am in need of a change.

Every year I think about changing health plans, but it never seems like a good time. I am always in the middle of a treatment and it's not a good time to make the transition. Last year it was sinus surgery; the year before was my back. By changing plans, I will have to get all new doctors. Even my CF doc. That is probably the hardest transition to make. I have been with this doc for almost 10 years. He knows me and my case; its hard to start that relationship all over. But my insurance has become so complicated that I cannot do any PFTs at his office. He is in San Francisco, about 60 miles from my home. The insurance company will pay for the visit with him, but no tests. They will only pay for test that are done closer to my home. So, I can only do PFTs once a year at the local hospital. I feel like I am being deprived of some basic CF stuff that should be part of every visit. Same with any labs the CF doc orders. I have to go back home, have the PCP order, arrange for testing. The results never make it to the right office. We spend more time at CF clinic tracking down test results, when we really should be focused on what the results reported.

With the new insurance, this will all be eliminated. I am switching to Kaiser, which is like the "all inclusive" health care provider. Its is still an HMO and I am sure it still won't be perfect. But all the services are provided within the system. My CF doc can order tests, I can have them done in his office, and all of my doctors will have access to the results. I guess I really don't know how to explain how Kaiser works, it is just a simplified HMO. Hopefully. If I don't like it, I can always switch back. But honestly, I don't think it can be any worse than what I have experienced with my current plan.

I've Got My Bracket Ready!

Today is the first day of Major League Baseball playoffs! I started a bracket challenge in the office. I put the Angels to win, although I am cheering for the Dogers all the way! The Dodgers didn't look so good going into the post season so I'm not sure what they can pull off.

Watching Yankees/Twins right now. How cute is Derek Jeter? I didn't name my dog after him for nothing!

CF Awareness

Check out RunSickBoyRun's blog today for a great educational news article on CF!

Friday Fill Ins

1. I have a history of BAD LUCK.

2. HOW TO CURE CANCER is something I wish I knew.

3. I'm eating (or recently ate) A VERY YUMMY SUGAR COOKIE COVERED IN ICING.

4. I'M GLAD I'M NOT on the road.

5. So that's it, that's MY LIFE.

6. A LITTLE IS better than nothing!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to HAPPY HOUR, tomorrow my plans include WIZARD OF OZ and Sunday, I want to SEW, SEW, SEW!

Office rivalry