Number 18

The last time I had surgery I was 18 years old and a senior in high school. Now I am 28 years old, out of college and working as an Intervention Specialist. I am planing on having surgery number 18 soon. I do not remember being so anxious or nervous before, but that is exactly how I am feeling now. I think it is because in the past, all I had to know and care about was the day of the surgery. Everything else was left to my parents.

For the most part, I never thought to ask them about my insurance or out of pocket expenses. One time,however, I asked my parents if they ever had to cut corners to pay for my surgeries, and they said no because the insurance took care of everything.

Now that I am a big girl, I have to take care of all the costs and deal with the insurance company on my own. It has not been an easy process at all. I find myself adding up costs and calling my insurance provider, doctor and hospital trying to get three simple answers to three simple questions: how much will my surgery cost, how much will my insurance cover and how much will I have to pay?

To be honest, I am not liking the numbers that have been given to me to date. I am having a difficult time wrapping my head around the situation. I cannot believe that this surgery will cost so much.When compared to my other surgeries this surgery is not as delicate or relevant to my health, yet it is still so expensive.

I am currently talking to my cousin in Bogota, Colombia, a surgeon, to give me an estimate of how much it will cost to have an out-of-country procedure. If airfare and the cost of surgery is less in Colombia than what it is here, I will go to Colombia.The exchange rate is already in my favor (for now).

As things stand today, I wish I were 18 again because that way I would not have to deal with any of this nonsense! But alas, I need this surgery, however minor it is. I still freaking need it.