This was supposed to be my DIY at-home sewing retreat week.

Well, that all changed with a single text from hubby last Saturday afternoon stating he needed to know which ER was in-network for our health insurance company. On Sunday, I drove to TN to fetch him.

Monday, we met with one orthopedic doctor, who immediately called his colleague who specializes in fine hand surgery while we were still there. Hubs had broken the bone in the tip of his left pinky finger. We left that office with an appointment to see the hand surgeon on Wednesday and hubs was tentatively placed on the outpatient surgery roster for Thursday.

Today, we met with the surgeon who will insert a K-wire into his finger joint tomorrow. She’s modifying the procedure a bit so hubs can complete all of his scans and tests at MD Anderson next week. He’s looking at a 6 week recovery time.

I’m glad hubs will be okay. One of the reasons I chose the Piedmont Healthcare network years ago is because of their level of care. Our experience this week definitely confirmed that decision.

Dealing with the insurance/billing part has been annoying. I wish there was a better way to coordinate billing among the various entities he’s seen this week. We have an HRA plan where we pay the first $1500 (at negotiated rates) before insurance pays. Every time a doctor’s office calls the health insurance company, they’re advised we haven’t met the deductible yet, so we’re responsible for paying that bill. It’s annoying to have to cover all the excess up front and have to wait to receive a credit back (at their convenience, of course).

Looks like Sadie & I will be taking a break from our school-based READ programs in April & early May due to special school events, spring breaks and three weeks of Milestones testing. We’ll enjoy the downtime. Not to worry – we still have 3 other therapy dog visits on the books for April.

It’s also turned out to be a good thing. Back in January, I was invited to join a monthly FW Club that meets on third Tuesdays. I passed on the opportunity to join due due to our weekly READ visits on Tuesdays. Yesterday, I was advised that a new opening in FW Club is expected in April. This time, I can be there! And all third Tuesdays through the summer. I’m so excited! The school has indicated that it wants to continue the READ program next year. Sadie & I would like that. Personally, I’d prefer to move our day to Thursdays. Hopefully, that will work, but I’m not going to worry about it until September!

Meanwhile, I’m dusting off my garment making books and tools as a former private student is returning and wants to learn the basics of clothing construction. I’ll share what I know and will gladly refer her to another teacher when she’s ready to move on. Who knows, perhaps I’ll make a little something-something for myself while I’m at it.