Does anyone here like real bats (cc: Jilli)? There are insects in the picture, because a bat's gotta eat. There are no *r*chnids, as as far as I can tell, anyhow. [link]

I'm usually very good about being an advocate in my own healthcare. But, today I totally froze. I am a candidate for Xolair, but chances are really good neither of my insurance companies will pay for it without a fight. And the doctor said I sounded pretty good today. And my breathing test was better than last time.

So, after all this, he wants me to stay on my current med regimen and see how I do for the next six weeks, then we'll decide if we should fight for the Xolair.

I have a difficult time communicating with this doctor, and I just didn't feel up to fighting or trying to explain my reasoning why I thought we should go ahead with fighting for the treatment.

Should I call the office and leave a message saying that after thinking about it more I think we should try to start fighting with insurance? Should I call and talk to my PCP and ask her advice? Or, should I wait the six weeks?

If I recall correctly vw, you are comfortable with your PCP, right? I think I might call her, ask her advice and/or see if she'll advocate for you with the allergists (or pulmonologist, or whoever it is you saw). Maybe you could confide that you don't seem able to connect with this doctor and found it difficult to advocate for yourself.

That sounds like good advice. Having a doctor on your side would be a big help.

Yeah, I do really like my PCP. That's what I was leaning towards, but wanted a second opinion.

but wanted a second opinion

Owning more than five lawn gnomes is odd.

I have a difficult time communicating with this doctor, and I just didn't feel up to fighting or trying to explain my reasoning why I thought we should go ahead with fighting for the treatment.

vw, what *are* your reasons? Since your breathing test was better, and you sounded good, why would you need to switch to a different drug?

I'm NOT saying you shouldn't pursue the Xolair, but you don't sound like you need a new drug. Or did I miss something?

Owning more than five lawn gnomes is odd

But owning five lawn gnomes is just right.

Can you write or e-mail the doctor? You can just say, "The more I think about the last year, the more I think that trying Xolair would be a good option...."

I need an entirely different kind of advice. A friend's daughter is graduating and I'd like to get her something. I know that cash is always welcome, but I'm hoping to think of something else. She's going to a small college about two hours away. She loves The Lord of the Rings. Also, I need to be clever before Friday, when I go to her graduation party.

Owning more than five lawn gnomes is odd.

I have to agree 100% on this.

(My mom owns, at last count, 6 or so. Not counting the small one she has on her desk at work. As well as this t-shirt. Which I bought for her for Xmas.)