Date: 8/23/2008 6:34:00 AM
From Authorid: 26303
Our system over here is so much better. Years ago the then government wanted to adopt the American system. I'm sure glad that it didn't go through parliment. If you live in the city, and go to the ER, it does take a long time. You may also end up in the hall on a trolley. But it's still way better than your system. I live in the country, and it can take a long time to get to see a specialist, and we have to travel to see them. But I would say that our system is still better than yours. We have the public health system, Medicare. People are put on waiting lists for operations. They can go private if they wish. I really feel for you guys. It seems that you get good medical care, only if you can afford it. What a pity, you have so many excellent doctors. Greed! I hope you get some relief from your pain, and that things turn out for you. I don't know about your other posts, I haven't read them. But I can understand if you are in pain, and feel like you are getting nowhere, you might get a tad upset. Hugs to you.  |
Date: 8/23/2008 6:39:00 AM
From Authorid: 64197
I feel for ya, really. My stepdaughter is in need of a doctor, but she has no health insurance. Doctors will not see you UNLESS you have insurance and she doesn't have a need to go to the ER. We are trying to get her insurance, but for some reason she is being turned down and we don't know why. She cannot afford to have anymore bills and we have our own medical bills and just cannot take on anymore. Yet, if she were not american, she would have no problem getting an appt with a doctor, go figure! Luckily if we do ever need to go to the ER we don't have the wait here that you seem to have where you are. You kept trying and finally got in to see someone, now you just need to make sure to follow through with a doctor. Maybe you could call the office of the doctor and ask them to put you on a cancellation list, so that if anyone should cancel their appt you might could get in earlier, it's worth a try. Good luck!  |
Date: 8/23/2008 7:18:00 AM
From Authorid: 4995
I don't know what's been said to you but I am so sorry you have been through all this. The health care system STINKS. And thats not the word I REALLY want to use. When I was suicidal and went to go for help at the nearest mental place they turned me away for no insurance and they were full up of people who had no insurance. Thats NO where near your situation but you need help,medical care,and a doctor needs to see you. You will be in my prayers.  |
Date: 8/23/2008 9:44:00 AM
From Authorid: 51876
A honest rant, give you that...public health sytems are different every where you go but yours sounds like a nightmare...Wish you all the best.  |
Date: 8/23/2008 1:24:00 PM
From Authorid: 62849
Well, if all these people are going to the ER because they don't have insurance, go to the regular doctor and offer to pay the bill.. It seems that everyone in your area refuses to go to a normal doc's office and instead goes to the ER for regular visits. Take your pick of OB/GYN offices in the vicinity, make an appointment and show up. No waiting- and if the first ER literally did nothing and billed you $10K, then a visit to the OB/GYN will be pennies comparatively.  |
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Date: 8/23/2008 2:33:00 PM ( Admin-5 )
This post has been edited. Comments that have been deleted have been copied and pasted back to Kaja in author only, so she can read what is missing that no longer applied to what has been edited out of this post... |
Date: 8/23/2008 5:02:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 15675
For the record some ADMINS deleted comments before I seen this post, I deleted two after I got here...mainly because 1 person didnt take my advice, and the other misread what I said. Nani my love, Im not saying EVERYONE at *A* county hospital is ghetto trash; Im saying AT THIS ONE. Because seriously everyone in there (the 4-5 times I've gone) is like 30% handcuffed criminals, 30% illegals, and then the rest usually have wounds/ailments that dont reek of law abiding. I never see people in there like I do at other ERs (including the one tonight) where they are just innocent people with something wrong and greatly concerned over something they couldnt control (like a Grandfather worried over his grandson's medical condition; and I seen 2 mothers with babies...never see that at THIS county). So no, not ALL counties are ghetto. Anyone who wanted to interpet my statement that way is just looking for a fight. For anyone trying to bait me into one Im not taking it; I have way better things to do then pick petty fights on USM with people who have no lives (and continually do things like this on this site).
And Beag the statement that I should 'just see a regular doctor and pay for it' obviously shows you missed the part about my epic saga with Planned Parenthood. My pain started 3 weeks ago, and I first called them 2 weeks ago. I thought my appoinment was yesterday (thus making 2 weeks of on and off pain) but it wasnt, it would be next week making it 4 WEEKS total of pain; and given my history and the blood showing up in my urine...I found that a little too long to wait. Thus why I went to an ER last night, and I must say Im glad I did because now I dont have to stay up all night worrying for another week wondering just how bad it is. And also the meds they gave me took away the pain, so I can get off this dang bed and go do the things I need to do!  |
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Date: 8/23/2008 5:56:00 PM
From Authorid: 62849
I understand you're in pain, and that the healthcare system and procedure around here is tough to stomach when you're in that kind of pain- I really do. I didn't miss the PP part- but they're not necessarily regular docs, either. A $10,000 hit to your credit (even with plans to sue the hospital) isn't better than a $200-$300 bill accompanied with near-immediate and real care (from a physician who deals day-in, day-out with this type of problem and can spot things quicker than a clinic or ER doc, thus saving you money on lab work and other testing). If you show up with $50 and tell them "You can have this now- I can pay you more, can we set up a payment plan?" If it comes down to it, let the bill come and call for a payment plan. If they still refuse, let it go to collections and set up a payment plan with the collection agency. It's not the best route, but it's a route (and a viable one). Also, it might be a good idea to use a credit card for this type of thing. The interest rates aren't wonderful, but at least you could get the care you need. I have the feeling you're looking for free care, and it's just not that simple- I wish I could tell you that there was a way to get free surgeries and prescriptions and medical care, because that would mean I didn't have to shell out money for some of my own ailments, or past surgery, or hospital stays. It sucks to have to shell out for stuff like that, but sometimes it's the difference between life and death. And trust me- if you go sooner than later, it will cost you a LOT less money in the long run. I know that first hand from two illnesses that would have killed me if I let them go any longer. I would have saved a lot of money (I am still paying off med bills, after insurance's "help" that would have been non-existent if I hadn't waited so long to get help). The system isn't perfect, but it will work for you and help you if you are willing to step up and do what it takes to get the help. |
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Date: 8/23/2008 6:19:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 15675
Oh trust me Beags, Im only looking for free care because I cant afford the exhoburant prices charged for care. My budget is so tight I dont have a spare $50 (much like Nani I find my other bills tight enough). I agree if it were possible to go a faster and less bloated route would be much more preferable; but sometimes it just isnt possible. Trust me I've spent going on 3 weeks now fighting and bugging every possible route available to me; its not easy, fun, or pretty. |
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Date: 8/23/2008 6:55:00 PM
From Authorid: 62849
That's not fair, though, and I'd tread very lightly crying about wanting free care when there are so many of us out here who go without things we want (like going to the salon, buying musical instruments and stuff, shopping, going to concerts and clubs, and other things you've posted about doing) so that we can pay for insurance, or pay off medical bills for care we wished we had been offered for free. Why you? Why not the rest of us? Elderly man who served in WWII, worked for 40 years after that, raised a family, dumped money into social security and paid his taxes for years and years, paid his dues and worked for pretty much everything he ever had? Absolutely give him free care. Young 20-something who keeps jobs sporadically, checked out of her hometown at the dot of 18 because she didn't "want" to live there anymore, and expects to get the same respect from this country as that elderly man above? Heh. Give me my tax dollars back. |
Date: 8/23/2008 8:50:00 PM
From Authorid: 17014
Beags has a good point- if you can afford to have your hair done, eat out, go to clubs, etc.(basically everything you don't need to survive), you can afford health care. It's called putting priorities in order.  |
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Date: 8/23/2008 9:38:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 15675
Well Beags dearest, I am glad you know how much money I have, and what Im spending it on...especially since I havent posted much at all these past few years. I havent had my hair done professionally in over a YEAR, I never go clubbing (havent done that in 2 years), I've attended 2 $20 concerts this year, and I havent seen a mall more than maybe 5 times this year. But umm I didnt know I needed to be personally audited to be treated for health problems. Im not saying "Oh poor me only *I* should have free healthcare!" Nooo. My point is we ALL should have it, including everyone you mentioned. Everyone on USM is so dang judgemental; usually blowing one or two comments out of proportion. I posted my healthcare rants here because I wanted to vent and speak with some people and see what they had endured; not be told Im a whiner who apparently spends all her funds on fun things and then whines when she doesnt have healthcare and only she should have it. Get off your high horse...(and any more comments like this I am not leaving on this post). |
Date: 8/23/2008 10:07:00 PM
From Authorid: 13119
there is no need to be so rude to Beags, I am going to request that your snide comment be erased.  |
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Date: 8/23/2008 10:16:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 15675
Magoo please just get a life. I am not being rude, I am replying to her accusations towards me, which are rude in and of themselves. Ya know what thats it the cattiness here...Im sick of it Im not logging back in. Go pick your drama queen fights with someone else. |
Date: 8/24/2008 1:26:00 AM
From Authorid: 998
No need to bring this debate into any personal attacks.  |
Date: 8/24/2008 2:11:00 AM
From Authorid: 36704
I don't know why I'm bothering replying if you're not going to read it. You said you were no longer covered under the state's insurance. Now that the cysts are back and causing you pain and more than likely soon will grow larger and put you in danger, they need to be monitored. I would go down and re-apply for emergency insurance through the state. Then get either a gyno or even a family doctor, I personally recommend the family doctor they can track the cysts through ct's or mri's. And a family doctor can get you a referral to a gyno maybe a little sooner. Since the cysts are back you should re-qualify for assistance and the family doctor can track other health concerns you may have. Many doctor's offices even in affluent areas accept state insurance.  |
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Date: 8/24/2008 5:09:00 AM
From Authorid: 62849
It's a donkey, not a horse, and short as can be but boy does it work hard. And you wanted to see what people here had endured- that's a very good way of finding out how things work. We all do this on USM from time to time. Something that jumps out at me is Nani's replies in the last few post. She has basically told you this is difficult, but there's not an easy way out of medical bills and even though it hurts the change purse, you have to suck it up and deal with it. But you weren't interested in her experiences or advice, which I think is a little unfair. If you just want us to agree with you and have all of us vent about our bad runs in hospitals or with doctors, then say so. If you want real advice, prepare to take it. |
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Date: 8/24/2008 5:10:00 AM
From Authorid: 62849
Also, if you want free care, do what a lot of other girls your age, and in your situation do to milk the system so the rest of us can pay for them to live: get pregnant. |
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Date: 8/24/2008 5:14:00 AM
From Authorid: 62849
And I apologize for over-generalizing your hobbies. But your attitude hasn't changed in the last few years- how would I know your spending habits haven't? You haven't mentioned credit cards, which says to me either you're maxed out or don't have any at all (hopefully the latter). I did mention previously that you could get a credit card at least to get you in the door, to pay the fee they "need that day." |
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Date: 8/24/2008 7:27:00 AM
From Authorid: 13119
LMAO BCAR- its like you know you are targeted. How weird...... |
Date: 8/24/2008 12:58:00 PM
From Authorid: 16845
Well...I sincerely hope you find some way to take care of YOURSELF and your HEALTH...if your struggling so much maybe it's time to sit back and re-evaluate things (And I say this because A. you can't afford medical care, and B you 'wish' you made 2k a month) Now, I don't know how much you make, but....perhaps it's time to consider moving back to your hometown while you get your health back, and get back on your feet?...I know you probably won't like that idea. Free health care for one and for all is simply NOT the answer, but that in itself is a totally different debate.  |
Date: 8/25/2008 1:05:00 AM
From Authorid: 36352
Medical care is tough for everyone. Here you can't make over $232 a month for a family of 3 if you want free healthcare for adults, but I can get help for the kids and I never take advantage. We only go when we have to, I don't run them in for every little thing. For me I pay $50 at the clinic when I have to go and my medication that I have to take all the time I get for free through connection to care. Right now I am living off death benifits and activly seeking employment so money is tight. I recently fell and broke my leg and had to have surgery. $14,000 and no insurance. But I just set up $50 a month payments. You do what you haveto do, evn ifit takes forever to do it. The truth is that there is'nt much for the people in between. If you are dirt poor you can get help, if you are rich you can afford it, but then there is those in between that make just enough but not enough if you know what I mean and it is frustrating, but it is what it is. Find an affordable clinic and do the best you can.
Love and Smiles   |
Date: 8/28/2008 11:25:00 AM
From Authorid: 47218
Kaja, I couldn't pass judgment on your for this. I've had plenty of friends who've gone without health insurance at one time or another- lost a job, working for themselves or as a contractor without benefits. In fact, I did it myself for a brief time recently (and ended up paying a bit of a price for it, though it could have been MUCH worse). I've been there, many of us have, we can relate. However, I will say this- many people make the gamble with health insurance at some point, and some of them get away with for quite a while, while they're young. Unfortunately, you are not one of these people. As you've pointed out, you've developed a serious, ongoing (and potentially really expensive) health condition. You say that your budget doesn't allow for health insurance or any sort of care. We are not talking about a luxury here- we are talking about something that, for you, has become an absolute necessity, like food and water- you could potentially die if you don't receive proper care. That says to me that you need to figure out a way of including medical care into your budget, and that this should be your priority. You should certainly check to see what sort of assistance you can get from the hospital or the state-- at the same time, you have to ask yourself whether this is going to work as a long term solution. Are you going to get the care that you need under these conditions in the long term? If your conclusion is 'no' (as it would be for me), then maybe it's time to reevaluate your strategy. In other words- what do you need to do to get good insurance? Among other things, it could involve seeking a stable job with benefits, going back home for awhile till you get on your feet, enrolling in college and going with the school's group insurance program (though, not recommended unless you are serious about completing school). You have options and these are a few of them. In any case, I think it would be very unwise to keep trying to cut it without health insurance.  |
Date: 8/28/2008 4:19:00 PM
From Authorid: 64365
We read your posts, and we heard what you said. 16 hours in a clinic is a little far fetched. Half the replies that were here have been hidden or deleted...including mine. No one is going to lie to you. I darned sure am not. We all have things we have to go through, and I'm sorry that you seem to be going through more than your fair share of problems. I realize people die in clinics and ERs while waiting for medical care, and some don't get the adequate care they need. I hope you find a good resolution...and if you do, please let the rest of us in on it...I certainly could use a medical miracle right about now...  |
