I could use some moral support ...

[CountryKitty]

Glad to hear you're feeling better mentally and that the physical outcome is looking good. Thanks for letting us know.

[anniemcu]

Jerry, would you mind if I sent you a PM?

Certainly. Go ahead.

Thanks to all for your kind words of support. It's helped a lot, and I'm grateful.

I had an appointment with the surgeon shortly after I posted this thread. He reassured me the operation won't be a very big one. I'll be able to go home the same day (he would normally keep me overnight, but he's confident I'm strong enough, and he's helping keep the expense down. Researching online, I had been reading about three and four day hospital stays for the same problem.) I should be able to resume normal work, with no restrictions, within about 10 days after the surgery, which is a very pleasant prospect.

After taking several days' rest, I seemed to stabilize somewhat. The weather has cooperated by not making me shovel much snow, and I've been able to stay productive overall without having to do much physical work.

Some days, I'm not able to stand for very long, but other days, I can do a reasonable amount of active work. It's unpredictable. There are a great many people who have much more serious things to deal with, so I'm thinking of them and counting myself fortunate.

All in all, now that I've recovered from the snow emergency and we have a plan going forward, I'm feeling much encouraged.

Again, thanks for your encouragement and support. You're a treasure.

Best wishes,
Jerry

Glad to hear that the surgeon is upbeat and your physical recovery period should be short! Aren't you glad we're past the time of leeches?!? I'm still keeping you in my prayers too.

[buddhu]

Vibing away at you, Jerry. Chin up, mate.

[Jack]

*hugs*

I was just thinking of you last night, Jerry. I sincerely hope things get better, and better, and better. *hugs*

[gaelophisle]

Best wishes, Jerry, prayer for you.

[AnnaDMartinez]

Hang in there, Jerry, you woonder how you get through this stuff, but you do.

[dfernandez77]

You're a treasure.

Best wishes,
Jerry

Umm...

Actually...

Jerry... you, are a treasure. Especially in this little whistle universe.

[Jerry Freeman]

Hi, Anna!

Thanks, all. You folks are an inspiration.

I have stabilized enough to forego the surgery, at least for awhile. I'm able to work normally again with no problems. The heavy snow shovelling season is over, thankfully. We'll see how the summer goes, with roofing work, etc.

I still haven't figured out how to get the medical work done without getting overwhelmed financially, so I'll just keep going. I'm fine for now. Maybe the next administration will do something so self employed persons will have access to affordable health care.

Thanks again, and always, for your encouragement and support.

Best wishes,
Jerry

[izzarina]

Thanks again, and always, for your encouragement and support.

Best wishes,
Jerry

It's the least we can do...afterall, you're always there for us. Still keeping you in my prayers and thoughts, Jerry!

[pipersgrip]

how horrible, i will keep you in my prayers. i hope this will resolve soon.

[hyldemoer]

Jerry, I don't know if you mentioned (and you don't need to mention it) but if lack of health insurance or health insurance that falls short in coverage is an issue, talk to the doctor and hospital about it.

The insurance companies usually strike a deal with hospitals and dr. so they pay less than half price
but what my daughter discovered when there big parts of her medical expenses (surgical) her insurance company refused to cover was that
the dr.s and the hospitals were willing to extend a similar discount to her as an individual.
She had to ask.

The dr.s and hospital reduced their rates and seemed overjoyed that she was willing to make regular payments on what she still owed them of it
rather than she declare bankruptcy and they get nothing.

[anniemcu]

Jerry, I don't know if you mentioned (and you don't need to mention it) but if lack of health insurance or health insurance that falls short in coverage is an issue, talk to the doctor and hospital about it.

The insurance companies usually strike a deal with hospitals and dr. so they pay less than half price
but what my daughter discovered when there big parts of her medical expenses (surgical) her insurance company refused to cover was that
the dr.s and the hospitals were willing to extend a similar discount to her as an individual.
She had to ask.

The dr.s and hospital reduced their rates and seemed overjoyed that she was willing to make regular payments on what she still owed them of it
rather than she declare bankruptcy and they get nothing.

By all means, ask. We've found that they are often willing to settle for a whole lot less if you can pay a lump sum in cash.

[Jerry Freeman]

I've been doing all that, and some of the participants have been extremely helpful and generous (especially the surgeon, who has offered to work for no fee at all), but other parts of the process will still be too expensive for my resources as they stand now.

Best wishes,
Jerry

[Coffee]

I'm a little late posting on this thread, sorry for that. I have been praying for you though, and will continue to do so.

[cowtime]

I've been doing all that, and some of the participants have been extremely helpful and generous (especially the surgeon, who has offered to work for no fee at all), but other parts of the process will still be too expensive for my resources as they stand now.

Best wishes,
Jerry

Hang in there Jerry, we're all pullin' for you.

We went through similar stuff years ago-my husband desperately needed nose surgery due to lifelong allergies and we had to postpone it for three years, during which he could not draw a breath through his nose- miserable, and he is still suffering the consequences of this. Our health system and it's resultant lack of availability, even to the insured, due to high costs is one of the shames our country needs to face and fix.