Update +

From Jesse:
My apologies in advance if this update comes off more like a rant than an update, but it's hard to not want to rant about this situation.  We just got back from our second opinion, with a doctor (Dr. G) from St. Marks Hospital.  The doctor was quite understanding and after listening to our situation and telling us more about the PFO closure procedure he believed that since our neurologist said Lisa was experiencing transient ischemic attacks (mini strokes) that she'd be a good candidate for the procedure.  He said he'd even do the procedure on his day off so we could get it done ASAP.  Unfortunately in order for our insurance to cover it it'd have to be done in an IHC hospital, but he'd also have to bring her case before the IHC review board, which our last doctor (Dr. M) said was virtually impossible to get them to approve the procedure.  On that front, we've called the office of our first cardiologist multiple times the last few weeks to get an update but have been ignored, and treated very rudely.  I can tell where that staff gets their attitude from, when we went to see Dr. M we didn't listen to us and didn't give us much hope that he'd try very hard to get the board to approve the surgery.  Dr. M's office FINALLY decided to call us back today and they said that they weren't sure if it was ever put before the board but that it was highly unlikely it would be approved. Needless to say we were extremely disappointed.  I guess I'm naive but I honestly thought that if your doctor (neurologist) thought that you should have a procedure, then you would get it.  We're not talking elective surgery or cosmetic surgery here, it is a surgery that would prevent further strokes. This is a way for IHC to trim their budgets, and they're doing it to people who could honestly benefit from this procedure.  I know the Dr. M kept stating that there's only a 50% success rate, but who CARES?  How many procedures are done by IHC with less of a success rate?  Honestly, it's not like 50% of the people that have this procedure die or something, 50% see improvement and the others who don't no longer have a hole in their heart and have less of a chance of having a stroke.  I've never been so frustrated in my life.