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General => General Discussion => Topic started by: Kansas kymco on January 16, 2022, 05:57:22 AM

Title: Quick update
Post by: Kansas kymco on January 16, 2022, 05:57:22 AM
Have some limited movement in my left leg. Last week had just a tiny bit of movement in my left hand for the first time. Will have physical therapy and occupational therapy twice a week for each one.

No other way to put it this sucks.  Progress is terribly slow . Sure miss riding the scooter on the nice days we've had. A wheelchair is a dang poor substitute for my scooters. I've got a lot of support from friends , I owe them big time.

I hope everyone is doing well .  Stay safe and keep the rubber side on the road.
Title: Re: Quick update
Post by: Neil955i on January 16, 2022, 10:08:54 AM
Good to hear from you KK, just sorry the recovery is so slow for you. Stay positive any progress is good progress I guess.  Thoughts are with you friend.
Title: Re: Quick update
Post by: Ruffus on January 16, 2022, 10:59:22 AM
@Kk, good to hear from you. Like Neil say, any progress is a step forward. You will be in the saddle again.
BTW: give some techs from your chair and we try to pimp it a bit. 😉
Title: Re: Quick update
Post by: CROSSBOLT on January 16, 2022, 11:32:02 AM
Yeah, it sucks but don't let the suck side define you. There are so many that determination defines them and do extremely well at recovery. There may be a message in the malady....
Title: Re: Quick update
Post by: Iahawk on January 16, 2022, 03:33:00 PM
KK, good to hear from you! Any progress is good progress..keep working at it.
Title: Re: Quick update
Post by: john grinsel on January 16, 2022, 08:57:47 PM
I had a stroke---10-15 years ago---now, at 82, 98-99% ok----Mayo clinic---recovery slow, took me 6 months to put my own pants on--now only once in awhile, left foot drag.   Hang in there----my PT was designed for 350 lb fat lady who had never done anything, so it was too easy for me.
Title: Re: Quick update
Post by: CROSSBOLT on January 17, 2022, 12:04:28 PM
I had a stroke---10-15 years ago---now, at 82, 98-99% ok----Mayo clinic---recovery slow, took me 6 months to put my own pants on--now only once in awhile, left foot drag.   Hang in there----my PT was designed for 350 lb fat lady who had never done anything, so it was too easy for me.
Here ya go, KK! This is what I'm talkin' about! Old John is our own example of recovery!
Title: Re: Quick update
Post by: Kansas kymco on January 17, 2022, 09:50:10 PM
It's not only the battle for recovery. I have to deal with the insurance company.  I had therapy set up for 4 times a week but insurance will only do twice a week for 8 sessions then reevaluation.  Mind you they don't pay a dime until I reach my 4k deductible.  If I did 16 sessions like I planned for the month they still would  not be out one dime. It would be 7 weeks at 4 sessions a week before they paid one cent. Not only do I have to deal with my non- functional left leg and arm I have to deal with the insurance company. 

The medical bills are another issue. My insurance company takes 55 days from when they receive the last claim until they pay ( catastrophic coverage) only. So whatever they don't pay I'm responsible for. I've been sending them each a  $100. Bucks a month so they don't turn me in to a collection agency.

I feel like I'm being punished for having a stroke.

I'm trying to keep a positive attitude and get back to a functional human being ASAP  so I can get home and get on with my life.

I hope you can take advantage of nice weather and get some riding in,  I'll ride with you if only vicariously for awhile.

Title: Re: Quick update
Post by: john grinsel on January 17, 2022, 10:02:49 PM
US--Medical care ranks, last time I  checked 36th in the world in quality but number 1 in cost!----In Mayo they fed me frozen chicken dinners, real crap.  Having lived/worked in Germany/Japan/Korea/Italy none of my  employees ever seemed to have to worry or fight with insurance on their medical bills---they paid for their health insurance and the insurance paid the bills.  Something that doesn't happen here.
Title: Re: Quick update
Post by: CROSSBOLT on January 17, 2022, 10:57:26 PM
It's not only the battle for recovery. I have to deal with the insurance company.  I had therapy set up for 4 times a week but insurance will only do twice a week for 8 sessions then reevaluation.  Mind you they don't pay a dime until I reach my 4k deductible.  If I did 16 sessions like I planned for the month they still would  not be out one dime. It would be 7 weeks at 4 sessions a week before they paid one cent. Not only do I have to deal with my non- functional left leg and arm I have to deal with the insurance company. 

The medical bills are another issue. My insurance company takes 55 days from when they receive the last claim until they pay ( catastrophic coverage) only. So whatever they don't pay I'm responsible for. I've been sending them each a  $100. Bucks a month so they don't turn me in to a collection agency.

I feel like I'm being punished for having a stroke.

I'm trying to keep a positive attitude and get back to a functional human being ASAP  so I can get home and get on with my life.

I hope you can take advantage of nice weather and get some riding in,  I'll ride with you if only vicariously for awhile.
Pay 'em 10 'stead of a 100. Does the same thing. And just WAIT for the first sign of refusal !
That kind of hassle would drive anyone nuts. Hang in there. Call me if you need anyone yelled at.
Title: Re: Quick update
Post by: Kansas kymco on January 18, 2022, 12:40:11 AM
Thanks for the words of encouragement.

I'm basically paying out a new AK 550 every month since the stroke.

If I was poor it would be taken care of. If I was rich it wouldn't be a concern. Unfortunately I fall somewhere in the middle. 

I just try to keep a positive attitude and hope for the best.

Title: Re: Quick update
Post by: Ruffus on January 18, 2022, 08:20:37 AM
@Kk, a shame to have to deal with this admin issues too. I cannot help you physically but write it down all what galls you. Helps a little bit to get rid of your anger.
AND, want to see you back on some ride whatever.
Title: Re: Quick update
Post by: pa-outdoorsman on January 18, 2022, 07:54:48 PM
It's not only the battle for recovery. I have to deal with the insurance company.  I had therapy set up for 4 times a week but insurance will only do twice a week for 8 sessions then reevaluation.  Mind you they don't pay a dime until I reach my 4k deductible.  If I did 16 sessions like I planned for the month they still would  not be out one dime. It would be 7 weeks at 4 sessions a week before they paid one cent. Not only do I have to deal with my non- functional left leg and arm I have to deal with the insurance company. 

The medical bills are another issue. My insurance company takes 55 days from when they receive the last claim until they pay ( catastrophic coverage) only. So whatever they don't pay I'm responsible for. I've been sending them each a  $100. Bucks a month so they don't turn me in to a collection agency.

I feel like I'm being punished for having a stroke.

I'm trying to keep a positive attitude and get back to a functional human being ASAP  so I can get home and get on with my life.

I hope you can take advantage of nice weather and get some riding in,  I'll ride with you if only vicariously for awhile.

The whole "system" stinks, for sure. We have a $6,500 deductable. Just paid out $650 for an MRI on my kid's knee. Waiting to see if he need surgery. Wife needs a surgical procedure on her leg. Both boys need wisdom teeth out. Probably going to be an expensive year for us. Like you said, insurance company won't pay a dime until I've taken $6,500 out of my own pocket. And the out of pocket maximum is only like $7,300 or something. So, by the time you hit your deductible, you are almost at the out of pocket maximum. And for this stellar coverage, I pay like $500+ each month out of my paycheck, plus my employer pays even more. It's a sham!
Title: Re: Quick update
Post by: Stig / Major Tom on January 18, 2022, 10:51:09 PM
We could fix that at The Ballot Box and join the rest of the Civilized world.......
.......how does one say, " fat chance !!" in French?
Stig

Kk. We're all pulling for you, young fellow !
Title: Re: Quick update
Post by: Neil955i on January 19, 2022, 11:56:48 AM
It’s reading stories like KK’s which make me so glad I live somewhere with a functioning free Health Service!  The NHS may have its faults, but it won’t bankrupt you at least.
Title: Re: Quick update
Post by: a99miata on January 21, 2022, 08:41:20 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qmsn_C7vSzk&ab_channel=JohnPrestonHealthcare
Title: Re: Quick update
Post by: Kansas kymco on January 21, 2022, 07:23:57 PM
Don't want to get into a political discussion about insurance.  Before affordable care act my insurance was 450 a month with a $ 2000. deductible.  After government involvement my premiums went to $900. a month with a $8000. deductible. 

Now for some good news, today I was able to walk 100 feet with the hemi walker and the therapist following with the wheelchair.  Not graceful by any means but I was able to stand upright like a man, even for a short while.

I can complete understand the high rate of suicide among stroke survivor's and disabled veterans.  You go through your own private hell. I sure have a lot more empathy for the disabled. 
Title: Re: Quick update
Post by: Iahawk on January 21, 2022, 07:35:41 PM
Great to hear you’re making progress! Walking? Way to go. YOu are certainly making progress..and feeling down is completely understandable, too. Normal feelings. There is help for that, in talking to people and even medication in the short term. Don’t let the bad days outweigh the good. You are making more progress than you alluded to initially.

And in the meantime, how about that crazy power drive for the wheelchair? That would get a little wind in the face and hair.
Title: Re: Quick update
Post by: Kansas kymco on January 22, 2022, 01:39:48 AM
Iahawk I bought a electric wheelchair to make runs to the dollar store and Dillons in good weather.  To get that 100 feet took 3 rest stops of sitting down in the chair.  And walking is kind of a stretch,  more like hobbling. LOL  it's extremely frustrating trying to get the body to respond.  It's retraining the brain to operate the limbs. 

I use the Nu- Step to try to build the leg up pushing it until the leg starts shaking uncontrollably.  Physical therapy is working on the leg and occupational therapy is working on the arm and hand.

I told therapy I'm extremely motivated to  become functional.

If this isn't to depressing I'll give you updates.  Even if I don't trust my balance in the future , a 3 wheel CanAm Spider might be a alternative . Then I could go on ROMEO rides again.  Never say Never.
Title: Re: Quick update
Post by: Stig / Major Tom on January 22, 2022, 03:51:48 AM
Kk,
I've been around many injured soldiers since the 60's..and seen the most remarkable recoveries....or adaptations by men with
 unimaginably damaged bodies.
With your spirit and determination....I'd bet on you, my friend!
Please do keep us posted.
Tom
Title: Re: Quick update
Post by: Kansas kymco on January 22, 2022, 04:42:36 AM
Kk,
I've been around many injured soldiers since the 60's..and seen the most remarkable recoveries....or adaptations by men with
 unimaginably damaged bodies.
With your spirit and determination....I'd bet you, my friend!
Please do keep us posted.
Tom
Therapy told me a hemmoragic stroke is one of the most difficult things to recover from. I will do my best to regain functionality.  Talking about a true inspiration read the story of Randy Travis. 
Title: Re: Quick update
Post by: randyo on January 22, 2022, 06:37:10 PM
I've had HSA qualified health ins. ever since it has been available, right up till I started Medicare @ 65, I always contributed max to the HSA, still using it.  The plans I had, max out of pocket/yr was never more than max contribution to HSA, just got to shop around, but being single does give you more options than family plans.  Now, I have a Generations Advantage plan, so good so far, I go under the knife next month to replace a battery
Title: Re: Quick update
Post by: john grinsel on January 23, 2022, 03:31:10 PM
Something if you get around to riding bike again---First I was able to walk/get my pants and boots on, alone---I dressed up in my Darien suit /jacket and pants---3/4 helmet/heavy gloves and then bicycle!   wanted to be prepared in case I fell----got past the bicycle test.  When I tried my scooter, 600 Silverwing, made sure plenty of run off space around=ok, most difficult to re-learn, up hill turn to the right, but practiced and later gained skill---on these uphill right turns, I know many scooter riders with nothing wrong, cannot do these turns feet up! Such is our easy lic. system in US.