Medical care in today’s America is really no more than a Ponzi scheme. Just ask Rick Perry.
In my case, it seems that whenever I go to the doctor, I end up going to doctorS. Plural. Somehow, radiologists are always involved. What did folks do before they split the atom? I think all these tests is a Russian (Iranian?) plot to get Americans to wipe themselves out with radioactive dyes so that they — The Russian/Iranians — can take over our country and get up there on the CT Scan machine themselves. They are seriously cool machines. I want one for my living room.
Oops. I digressed again. So back to our hero in the U.S. medical system.
Me, I have a chronic condition that has a nasty habit of wandering around the temple that is my body. (I am quite sure it is a temple, because it keeps expanding.) So I do know the medical system, ummm, intimately.
No, no, no, the illness is not such a big deal. More than anything it is annoying. And gross. And time-consuming. Because when I go to one doctor, she sends me to another, who invariably says, “well you know, you really should see … and along the way there will be tests.” Needles will be stuck into veins, dyes will be injected, and incredibly disgusting potions will be consumed. The doctors don’t feel a thing, though. It hardly seems fair.
But I have something over most patients: Doctors are terrified of me:
I work in drug products litigation
And
I am married to a lawyer
Besides,
- I do my homework;
- I ask questions that I have thought about in advance;
- I write down their answers;
- I do not let them leave the room until I am satisfied;
- I call them with all those questions I forgot to ask the first time around;
- When they don’t call me back, I threaten to haunt them after I am dead.
That last one is REALLY effective.
Tomorrow, I have an appointment with a new specialist. So, I am taking bets here:
I wish that we all had your credentials for dealing with the health care industry, and I also hope that your health improves.
Oops. Chris, my reply appears further down.
NP – I saw it, and it’s very good advice!
It’s sad that going to the doctor is such a frustrating experience that many of us avoid going until we absolutely can’t stand the pain any longer.
If it were only that it can get painful — it’s when going is so bad that folks avoid it until it is too late that is the tragedy.
Good luck tomorrow! I have to go Friday. Again.
Thanks Susan, good luck to you too!
Thanks Chris! I suggest you lie. And use Google and Wikipedia. And look at any doctor like you think that HE/SHE is the idiot. These are all valuable tools normal folks can use in the battle against the healthcare system.
And saying that your spouse is a lawyer is GREAT!
I recently had a series of tests as part of my physical. Very intense and I’m glad it’s over. Hope everything turns out well for you. It sure can’t hurt seeing these docs and flashing the “lawyer card” at them. I seriously believe the FDA works to keep us sick and medicated.
Thanks, Tots.
I’m actually a fan of FDA — it is filled with dedicated, smart folks who try to protect public health. I mean that. But I don’t know how to avoid this cascade of doctors — you go to one and it multiplies into 2 and then 4 and then and then and then … makes me nuts!
They’re handling you with kid gloves, having that lawyer hubby and all.
Nice to hear that, “Doctors are terrified of you”. Keep them with that expression only.
I hope the specialist with whom you have an appointment tomorrow, not reading this post of yours. If so, then I am afraid…he must be thinking about what to do tomorrow. 
Good luck for tomorrow. Take care.
That’s why I keep my identity a secret! He will never know.
I’m also the person who pulls out a piece of paper with a list of questions at doctor visits. You’re saying they don’t love that and give you gold stars for being a good student?
They charge you more if you know what you want. And they HATE Google and WebMD.
I do the same thing. I purposefully try to tick the doc off so he/she will be so exhausted by my list of questions, they’ll get to the bottom of my problem just so I’ll leave them alone. Very effective!
My response to you (which was a recommendation to not tick off surgeons) ended up way down below. Word Press is messin’ with me again.
You’re my new hero. While I know most docs are well-intended, I think the medical system as a whole has completely lost its mind and don’t even get me started on the pharmaceutical industry! (Good luck with your tests)
Actually, I think that the problem is pretty complex. Doctors worry about law suits (although I know two prominent lawyers with good suits who weren’t able to go forwards), they want certainty (hence every test in the book), they want to cure you.
But as patients, we want instant gratification, a quick cure and no death.
It’s an expensive combination.
Don’t do that to a surgeon — or the techs or to anyone who will stick you with anything. Be VERY nice to them!
Your reasons why docs are scared of you had me laughing … and in someways a bit scared myself. Meanwhile, good luck with the new one on the scene.
Thanks for the luck — but don’t let me scare you. I know just enough to annoy the doctors.
Here in Denmark you can go to a doctor or to hospital without paying a dime.You don’t have to worry about loosing your home if you get sick.But of course we are a socialist country and very dangerous according to the presidential candidates in your country.Hope all goes well for you Elyse.
You are an evil socialist, I am certain. Any jobs over in Denmark for blog writers with pre-existing health conditions?
I’ve never been, but feel I know it because I love that (stupid, yes I know) movie , The Prince and Me.
Oooh, I love your style with doctors! Good luck with your new specialist. Tell us how it goes, and if you needed to use the “I’ll haunt you” tactic.
I didn’t need to use the “Haunt” tactic, but I did have to button my own lip. He was a Republican, grousing about Obama’s cuts to Medicare. Wait until the Republicans get a hold of his fees.
Doctors must feel about you like wait staff and restaurant owners feel about food critics for the local newspaper! Good luck (and luck does have something to do with the “science” of medicine).
I know a bit more than enough to make me dangerous. I also choose good doctors (I look at their credentials) and THEN I LISTEN TO THEM. I don’t get why some folks go to the doctors and to the tests and then ignore the advice!
Thanks for your nice words.
If only your post was not so close to the truth! We have to laugh about it or go crazy.
Thanks, Melanie. I just checked out your blog and loved the story of your father’s WWII service. Such a great story.
As for healthcare, yes, I laughing is the only affordable medicine.
Hi,
The medical profession must be the same the world over I feel, getting sent to one place after another, it must be in their DNA, they all seem to
do it.
Hi Mags,
Yes, it is in the DNA. I don’t mind it so much except when I’m on the receiving end. Or when I’m trying to have a life!
I have a love/hate relatiohship with doctors since I used to work in the medical field for 15 years and have doctor friends. I like it when they ask me “What do you think is wrong with you?” but it also annoys me.
Good subject!
Thanks, Les. I too have a love-hate relationship. I’ve worked in the field for nearly 15 years myself and it is filled with brilliant, dedicated folks. I just hate being on the receiving end. I am an “interesting” patient — each and every doctor says that. I know that means bring on the tests …
But I usually figure out what’s wrong with me just before I get to the doctor’s office. God I love Google!
Left an “other” answer, but really hope it’s “cure you on the spot”!
Well, you were right. He will be doing more tests. And I am sure that he is a good doctor, so I’ll do what he tells me to. I do follow what they tell me and it generally serves me well. I just said to Lorna that I don’t understand folks who go through all the discomfort only to ignore their doctors.
I suspect you are medically inclined.
I’m pretty sure that no matter what happens, it will cost lots and lots of money.
That’s OK. I’m making a fortune blogging.
Going to doctors is always frustrating!!!
You can say that again!
I passed on those award you nominated me and also an award to you , to say thank you for all the support. http://wp.me/p1RVT0-I5
Thanks Arindam!
So how did the appointment go???
OOh, I should have updated. I was right — there will be tests. Oy.
I agree with the Good Gatsby. After a fall I walked around 2 days with a throbbing wrist, I just didn’t want to go to the doctor. I also bring my own magazines. I think I’ll start bringing a picnic to make the waiting time (after I get undressed) shorter. Hope the appt. was good news.
There are more test involved. There are always more tests.
He might tell Elyse that because Elyse already did exhaustive research on the internet Elyse probably knows more about the condition than he does.
Hope your test results are favorable.
That’s true GOF, I probably do. But my insurance doesn’t recognize my brilliance and so I must go to another for treatment!
I’m sure you know more than all the medical providers you see, but we have to pay them for all the same info we got off the internet.
That’s true. AND they get to stick us with stuff. Hardly seems fair.
Aside from finding a theoretical know-it-all genius, do you have any ideas to reduce the frustration of this issue given your situation?
I wish I did, but no, not really. There are way too many tests done, and even with ready access to doctors (there are two here at my office and they are quite helpful and willing to answer questions), the problem is different with different doctors. Some of them are concerned about malpractice if they DON’T order the tests. Some of them just bought or invested in the technology and have to pay it off. Some of them really believe that the test is necessary. There are other reasons, too, I’m sure.
Perhaps the only real solution is staying healthy. I’m working on that one!
Thanks for stopping by.
I agree with your assessment, however employers don’t like it when you say, I know what the problem is I just need a day of rest. No, they want a letter from the “doctor”, that’s when your process begins again. Also, why don’t doctors just read your records before they see you? It would elevate a lot of repeating myself. As a rule, I return that favor and ask them the same questions reworded until they get antsy. Minor joys of chronic illness.
Your tactic cracks me up. It’s the little victories in life that make it all worth living.
I am really lucky in that I work with good people and can take a day off (or a few hours, etc.) when I need to. But then when THEY need it I am there, so it works both ways. But it’s a small place.
As to why doctors don’t read your records before seeing you it’s because the way our insurance system (ahem) is set up doesn’t really allow them the time. They are often allowed about 15 mins per patient. I have a sheet with bullets that I hand them. They can look at it in a minute and then spend more time looking at me than at the records.
Thanks for stopping by!
Wow… so the phenomenon is found also in the US! Here in the UK the answer seems to be “take blood”. Blood tests for everything, Then you have to have another round to make sure the tests were correct. Then you (possibly) have to take a course of some pill or another- and then more blood tests….and round and round it goes. this of course, if you are lucky enough to have private medical care. In NHS ( National Health Service), they are so broke and demoralised, they don’t take blood for anything. Or if they do you have to wait 6 weeks for an appointment, after which they lose your results, then you go again after another 6 week wait, after which, they may or may not read your lab results…or send them to someone sitting in a cubicle in India (you think I am kidding! I am not!) who may or may not have a lot of experience in interpreting blood tests. Or most likely scenario is they basically just look at you and decide after a couple of months you are not dead yet, it cannot be that bad. So there…one side will bleed you dry and the other… well, they sure as hell don’t know and neither do I….lol.
I think that the phenomenon is everywhere. Just different. The answer is of course, to not get sick. I keep working on achieving that. Until I do, it will all be a pain in the butt!
Thanks for coming by. Suddenly I’m getting a whole bunch of comments on this piece. Odd!
Your fab blog is on the front page! You have been Freshly Pressed!
)
Congratulations on your FP!!
Thanks Georgette — I just realized. Suddenly I’m getting lots of comments.
Don’t worry, I’ll remember you when …
.
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Great post!
Thanks for stopping by, Batman!
Unfortunately you’ll probably be suffered to go through more tests than normal because of your profession. You could just do what I do and self-diagnose yourself through the Internet, but invariably you’ll always end up with cancer.
Yes, I probably do get more tests. Ugh. Then again, I don’t want cancer, which everyone knows is a direct result of internet research.
Thanks Rae!
Every time we move, or my Dr. moves, I go through the same thing to get my migraine med. – they want to make sure I dont have a brain tumor (for about $3500). The last one I told “Look, I’d be dead by now, Ive had these for 30 years!” Congrats, very funny post!
Ooh, that’s tough. Do you keep your medical records — now that you can scan them and keep them on your computer it is probably easier to keep track of them (I am paper challenged). Mine are so complex. But I keep a history on my computer (and my husband’s in case of emergency). You should keep your tests, especially if you move a lot.
Thanks for visiting!
yes, they try to hit me with “it couldve been missed/very small ” etc etc……Im sure theres a class where they learn all that stuff
They also need to listen to you — because they will practice defensive medicine.
Best of luck and thank you for the great post!
Keep up the awesome work!
Thank you! And I’m 1/4 German, so be nice! Although I do think I hail from the criminal class (circa 1900) because none of my ancestors would say why they emigrated.
HAW HAW! That’s awesome.
I’m sure they were very nice people.
Either that or serial killers. One of the two, I’m sure!
Yikes! Product litigation and married to an attorney? You can’t blame doctors for being a little gunshy. Talk about performance anxiety!
Yes, I am all powerful! Thanks for stopping by.
Congrats on being FP, Elyse! Yeah! I will have the shots ready when you want ‘em…
I am going to rue this day. Whatever will I tattoo on my body????
I tried to warn ya…
Enjoy!
Did you guys already leave without me? Great, now I’m going to have to go alone and wait until the next time I’m drunk and then it’ll probably end up being a Looney Tunes character or a cryptic Chinese character or a zodiac sign.
We did, Angie. I suggest you go out and get your WordPress in Chinese above Daffy Duck tat another time.
Me, I cheated. I did mine in Sharpie. But it is still pretty because I used pink and purple designer Sharpie.
Yeah. Well. Um…mine is in crayon. But they weren’t the washable kind.
But it looks good on you. And the school board will approve. That’s all that matters, isn’t it?
Great blog, thank you for sharing and I hope that your health will resume to “normal” as soon as possible… I just have to keep reminding myself that this, for me, is “The New Normal”. LOL
Getting old “ain’t for sissies” is what my Dad used to say. Me, I’m not usually so polite about it!
Thanks for coming by — love your blog name!
Thanks Elyse, look out, lol, your the first to comment and therefore my ‘first’ friend here… I’m following you, but not in a creepy way.
So… are you really leaving your marriage? My first marriage pretty much was decided over a song as well, it really woke me up to all that I had been missing. Take care.
Wow! Look at you, all Freshly Pressed! Congrats! And I can say I read and liked this post way back on February 1st.
Way to go, Elyse!
Thanks. I usually just go with “Dewrinkled” Freshly Dryer-ed! And you are always well ahead of the crowd, Sandy. Well ahead!
Not quite sure why all of you continue to go see them at all. LOTS of effective alternative treatments out there, though it does take personal responsibility to research.
Insurance runs the game and they and their doc minions see you as just a commodity. And, well, the IQ of an average doctor is only 118 (18 points above the average human, but 22 below what you need to get into Mensa). So, many of them are not as smart as you believe. And, given the fact that, because of serious infections that are now out of the control of the “specialists,” (specialists just chop you up into tiny, disconnected fragments) hospitals and doctor’s offices are actually very, very dangerous places to go. Not a smart thing to do anymore.
Actually, in spite of my grumbling, I have great faith in doctors. They have helped me, and I am alive and functioning with a disease that 50 years ago would have made my life hell.
Since I work in medicine, I also know a lot about medicines and how they work. So I do my homework. As you say, it takes a lot of personal responsibility to research. But no matter what path we choose, we need to pay attention and be our own advocate. Speak up is my motto.
I disagree, too, about alternative treatments. Herbs in particular make me nervous. They aren’t studied to the extent that drugs are, and there isn’t the threat of litigation hanging over the heads of the unscrupulous. It is a very effective deterrent in many instances.
I agree, doctors have kept me alive 33 years; when everyone said I should have died at birth. I may be a cyborg
; but a put my faith in modern medicine.
Also, herbs are not consistant, the potency varies from plant to plant and people reactions (as with any medicine) needs to be observed. The unreliablity should scare people.
Best of luck with your health. I agree medical care can be such a nightmare!
Thanks. It is a pain in the butt. Oh well. As they say, it beats the alternative!
Zoiks! And to think I knew you when! Don’t forget about us little people on our way to the top, Elyse!
I’d never forget about a cool surfer dude who can write. There can’t be too many like you around!
I find this funny, even though I will be a doctor soon. I’m willing to bet, though, that they send you to so many other doctors BECAUSE they are scared of you
In medicine we learn, “If you don’t know… REFER!”
Good luck — I have many good friends who are doctors and really do have a lot of respect for them. The amount of knowledge they must assimilate is incredible. Most patients have no idea.
And they are a bit afraid of me — my questions are pretty tough, and since I do medical research I do know how to find information that can help them help me. But I choose my doctors carefully, and if I don’t trust them, I don’t go back. They work for me, and I don’t forget that!
And if you can keep your sense of humor when I’m ragging on doctors, you will be a great one!
Congratulations on being Freshly Pressed, Elyse!
Thanks Paprika! Just don’t tell Angie — she’ll make me get a tattoo since they don’t give out keychains.
Your secret is safe with me.
Phew!
Peg-o-leg told me it has to be a tattoo of a large silver W for WordPress in order to be served at the methadone clinic. Long story.
My answer to your survey is “the doc won’t know what’s wrong with you, but will give you meds to take for it anyway”. Urgh. I am currently angry and frustrated with doctors myself. I am tired of being tired but don’t want to go see yet another doctor who just wants to medicate me instead of finding out what’s really wrong. Good luck to you on your tests… I hope you get some REAL answers and help.
Thanks! I am actually a fan of doctors — in spite of hating to go and hating the tests. I’ve been quite lucky, actually. But it is frustrating, especially when they can’t find out what’s wrong. Good luck to you!
Oh, well, I am so not a fan! I am not enthralled with Western medicine… but I think they’re great for trauma; we’ve the best surgeons and whatnot. I just think they push waaay too many pills to mask symptoms rather than discovering the source of the problem.
But then look at how our longevity has improved, and infant mortality, and a whole host of other things. I think drugs have a very important role to play, but, like you said, evidence needs to be there.
Congratulations Elyse!
Thanks, Frank. It’s kind of fun!
Dear Elyse, my suggestion for you is to stop going to western doctors, they are nothing but robots with a set program of how a body is and a calculator to rob you blind. They won’t look at you as a separate case.. Try acupuncture and herbs – it actually works. And by the way, where did you get an idea that Russians or Iranians ( for some reason they are the same to you ) are plotting against you and your health?! TV is bad fo you! And this is coming from a Russian – Please don’t loose sleep over so called Russian plots : )) Russians have their own problems. Anyway, I unlike this post, because I find it tactless to say the least, to blame other cultures without any facts. Not amused. Best, EL
No insult intended, so sorry that I offended. Sometimes my humor works, sometimes it doesn’t.
Great job! Btw, how did you create links (home, about, ect)?
Thanks, Joe. I usually do my posts in word and insert hyperlinks there. For example I open a window with my “About” post, click on the web address, go back to the new document and highlight the language where I want the hyperlink to appear. Click “Insert hyperlink) and paste the web address in the box. It’s simple enough for a technology challenged person like me can do it!
Actually, Joe, those are “Pages” go into the Dashboard and scroll down to “Pages” — then you can add a new one.
Move to Canada! Good health care totally compensates for the health risks associated with igloo living. And the myths about scurvy are absolutely unfounded- we can get vitamin C from raw seal meat.
I will give it serious thought! There is nothing like raw seal as the sun goes down, say at 2 p.m.!
LOL. I love it.
Glad you’re still around! And I agree completely about herbs. There is so little regulation of them that I don’t trust them at all. And the argument that “they’re natural” makes me crazy. So is hemlock.
Thanks for coming back.
Haha,my friend! You know, so much for anonymity!! I told you it would happen to you. So glad to see the old “Fifty Four and a Half” hitting the lights of broadway.
And … the OSCAR goes to … *very long pause* Fifty Four and a Half!!
It’s gonna be about 72 hrs of serious fame, oh, and answering a LOT of comments. hehehehehe
Thanks, MJ. Yes, it is fun. But I don’t think it will stick. Especially since they added below a link to “More Technology” and, ummm, well I fear folks will be disappointed!
One shouldn’t be allowed to practice medicine unless he has developed X-ray vision first.
That would be brilliant! Thanks for coming Joe!
I have three doctors in my family. They are the funniest people I know, but they aren’t joking when they tell me how much this or that is going to cost. Because they are joking instead at the fact that all of that money is going to them. Those evil evil men…
I blame the insurance companies. I think they are in it for the money and for no other reason. Most doctors actually care, I think. And hopefully, they are just being funny. Gotta hope, anyway! Thanks for stopping by!
I just subscribed to hear more from you! Congrats on being freshly pressed!
Cheers!
Thanks, Dawn! Welcome.
Congratulations on being FP! Well deserved.
Thanks Rose!
Good luck tomorrow.Doctors are also humans I trust them but with a skeptical approach! Congrtulations!
Congrats on being freshly pressed.
Two of my most favorite people in the blogosphere, got in to that list with in a week. I could not ask for more. A big congrats to you. Enjoy your day…. 
Thanks so much!
Thanks Delizie — all went relatively well, actually. But your way of approaching Doctors is a good one. Like approaching folks on the street!
Thanks for your comment.
That was a nice article and in our country, You will see criminal doctors, I swear.
Looking at your link, I’m wondering if you are in India (from the “in”). But I’ve known some wonderful Indian doctors (I lived and worked abroad for 5 years). There are good and bad in every land. We just have to be careful to choose wisely.
Thank ou for visiting.
I’m getting aware about ‘freshly pressed’ just recently, and I have to congrats you for being chosen! No wonder why, since you just threw amazing style of writing! I just love reading it.. very communicative
Following you, I am. 
Thanks so much, I was quite suruprised. And welcome!
Reblogged this on WordPress Trends.
Thanks!
This was a good read. Very insightful, I must say!
Congrats on being FPed
Thanks, FR (my mother would wash my mouth out with soap were I to call someone “Fati”!),
I appreciate your visit to my blog!
Congrats on Freshly Pressed… lately every doctor I see mentions how my complaints are just a ‘normal’ part of the aging process.
Thanks, Nancy. I hope you managed to get some revenge when they say things like that. You know, whack them with your cane …the whippersnappers.
Elyse!!! How the hell did I miss that you got Freshly Pressed?! I’m so out of the loop. Please accept my apologies for not being one of the first to say CONGRATULATIONS! I knew it was coming soon for you, my friend.
Thanks Angie! I was actually hoping I could slip it by you. Because I just can’t figure out whether to get a ships anchor or a big heart with MOM tattoo’d on my forearm. You know, before we go for our hepatitis shots.
I think you woule enjoy my book, “The Mandolin Case,” subtitled “Country Doctors, Honest Lawyers, and True Music.” It is a medical legal mystery solved by musicians and a golf hustler. Right now it is a free down-load for Amazon Prime members.
Dr. Tom Bibey
Thanks, Doc. It sounds like fun. I will check it out.
Thanks for stopping by.
typo- should be “would” Dr. B
I have one word for you – Acupuncture! It’s the best kept secret of the medical community. It may take a few visits to start seeing results, but it really works on just about every ailment! And no, it doesn’t hurt. Congrats on getting Freshly Pressed!
Thanks, Michael. As long as they don’t refer me …
Elyse, Yay!!!! congrats on being freshly pressed. Great post!
Thanks Vickie! Twice!
Fresh pressed! Snazzamatazz Elyse
It looks good on you!! MJ
Aw shucks, MJ, thanks!
It’s great to meet another patient that is proactive about there medical care…. Some patients take meds without even knowing what the drug is used for!
There are getting to be more and more like us. In the old days, I went along and followed all advice. I will admit that I was happier just following orders. But I can no longer do that. I know too much (much of which I would rather not know!)
Thanks for commenting — why is your blog called “Frances Cannot Write”? I guess I will have to check it out later and see!
I try to steer clear of the doctors, but I must say I do have a good one now that will listen and make things right.
Dan
Good! Thanks for visiting.
That’s what I get for failing to check the Freshly Pressed page more often. BelatedCongratulations! Remember, I knew you when.
I will always love you, don’t worry. And I don’t check FP very often, so I miss a lot of my friends star moments.
Best wishes for a speedy and accurate diagnosis . . . but don’t hold your breath!
Sincerely, Alsofifty-fourandahalf
Actually, I am now doing great, thanks for your wishes. I have terrific doctors, just too damn many of them, alas. And you’re 54-1/2??? It was a good six months, I must say. But now I am old, but kept the name. Mostly because I am lazy, but also because I think the song in this post (from my b-day) is hilarious: http://fiftyfourandahalf.com/2012/01/17/people-my-age/
Thanks for stopping by!
I have a daughter with a rare medical condition and also live in doctor’s offices and hospitals. Added to the mix is the fact that I do p.r. for the pharma companies, am a friend of Google and asks endless, annoying questions like: “Do you know that for certain or did you read it in a medical book?” Yea, they love me. Just love me.
It is much more important that YOU like THEM. But putting my medical researcher hat back on, not much is “certain” in medicine. You must go with “evidence based,” which is an intellectual concept until one is faced with a REAL illness.
My heart goes out to you. I’ve nearly always been the patient in the equation, which sucks. I’ve always thought being the patient was better than being the loved one. But watching your daughter suffer must be the worst. My thoughts are with you — I hope all goes well for her.
Really Good and Congrats on Freshly Pressed… lately every doctor I see mentions how my complaints are just a ‘normal’ part of the aging process.
I hope you slapped him/her! Just kidding. You gotta be nice to the docs — they have all those pokey instruments! Thanks for visiting.
Really Good !! But I still think that even if Doc thinks You are sick, he have to prove it with evidence.
good post. congrats for FP.
TechSmartLife
Thanks, Chaks!
My personal summary of the medical industry:
moneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoney
k thx bye
I disagree. I really do know and have some wonderful, caring doctors. And frankly if a really smart person could be a doctor (who helps folks) rather than, say a banker, then I don’t begrudge.
I’m from Britain where (thank goooooodness) we have the beloved NHS. I still found myself laughing away at your reference to potions! After one to many barium meals, CT scans, MRI scans and what not, I can relate exactly to what you are saying! I suffer with crohns disease (refer to my blog if you’d like to know more) and I know I will be visiting the hospital multiple times in the future. My bowel recently ruptured and I was given an ileostomy bag, and having something wrong with your intestines means you meet many, many, many different doctors! I know all the radiologists by their first name! I think it’s amazing what doctors can do these days, and I’m thankful I’ve mainly come across amazing doctors who are fantastic at what they do. Loved reading your post, thank you! – Roisin.
Oh dear Roisin,
I know about Crohn’s disease all too well. That’s what I have too. And it stinks, literally and figuratively. I would like to get my hands on whoever came up with the vile things we must drink!
Good luck with your trials. I will check out your blog, too. Perhaps we can exchange some, ah, recipes.
Elyse
Ah okay! A fellow Crohnie! Hello
oh I know, I’m going to invent a good tasting potion! Even the thought of it makes me want to boke, haha!
Thank you, it’s a very up front account of my recent time in hospital and everything that has happened, I’ll look forward to your future posts! – Roisin.
thankx for sharing! Keep up the good posts ^_^ Have a great aloha week!
Thanks for stopping by!
anytime!
U have some good post thats why LOL
My mom is 88 years old, and I am her caretaker, so I am quite familiar with the Health Care System (there are both good and bad things about said System). I spend a good deal of time taking mom from doctor to doctor (thankfully, they’re all located in one area that’s close, so I’m not going all over town!). One thing you learn is that for all their education, doctors aren’t always better informed than you. I like that you mentioned that it’s important to do research and ask as many questions as you need.
Hi John, thanks for reading.
Good luck with navigating the system, with and for your Mom (and no doubt yourself). It is a challenge! But you can do it. And you know your body better than anyone.
WOW! Freshly Pressed and on such a wonderful post! Congrats.
Elyse, as I’m sure you are aware, I’ve been dealing with the medical establishment (not for myself, but those close to me) on a pretty intense level for the past couple of years. What you don’t know is that prior to quitting my job to take care of these people, I worked for 10 years at a major medical facility here in Seattle. You nailed it when you compared it to a Ponzi scheme. Tests and referrals are how they make money.
I want to applaud you for such a refreshing and honest post on the state of medicine in the US. You also made some wonderfully valid points on advocating for one’s self when dealing with the healthcare system.
Thanks so much, MDR — I have missed you. I hope you are doing OK, and that you are breathing deeply and moving forward. It still sucks, though, as I know all too well. Much love, Elyse
And thanks for your nice comments about the post!
As a recently retired nurse, I must say I totally agree with your assessment. Unfortunately it isn’t any more pleasant for those of us inside the system, either. Within our flawed and fractured healthcare system resides the equivalent of the 99%/1%. Sigh…..
That’s a good way to phrase it. Single payer is the answer, I think. Oops, missed that boat!
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