(no subject)

[violachic]

I really think the only reason I keep this journal around anymore is to give you all pointless updates on my health.

I have a sinus infection and bronchitis. This comes hard on the heels of that marvelous stomach flu that landed me in the ER a couple weeks ago.

I'm pissed.

As I mentioned a few weeks ago, I am really tired of my immune system being made out of aluminium foil. And I think someone is poking holes in it, too.

By the way, the next person who asks or lectures me about my diet is going to get a smack across the head. I'm tired of people assuming that just because I'm fat I must have a lousy diet. I eat lots of fruits, vegetables, and soy, and minimum of red meat. My diet is fine. So shut up.

Its my body that's broken.

I know that it is common for people with chronic pain to get sick more often; when your body is fighting something else constantly, it doesn't have the resources to fight off every single germ that comes near it. I also know that it is a good chance that I'm fighting psychosomatic illnesses- which I finally had to learn a couple years ago does not mean "its all in your head"- probably due to the chronic pain, and even still residual trauma/PTSD from three years ago. But without insurance- yes, kids, I have a medical condition that includes expensive prescriptions, and no medical coverage, thank CPT for that- I am reduced to treating the symptoms. Yes, it sucks. Yes, I deal with it.

Okay, I'm done ranting about that. For now.

But today, since it takes at least a week to get appointments at the clinic I usually go to, and all I wanted was someone to write me a prescription for antibiotics, I tried out the "Take Care Clinic", which is something that has opened in some Walgreens. I am often disturbed at the lack of Urgent Care facilities in the city, and I certainly am not ill enough- for once- for an ER visit. There is one of these clinics in the Walgreens at Western and Howard, not far from my house.

I am pretty happy with it. I will use it again, if need be. The physician's assistant I saw was nice, efficient, and helpful. I only had two people in front of me, and they were both done in less than ten minutes each. They do take insurance, but even without insurance the visit was $60. Try comparing that with what you'd pay at most regular doctor offices without insurance, and you'll see what a great deal that is. In fact, it is only a little more than I pay at the Resurrection clinics, even with my financial aid.

So yes, this is the face of the health care crisis in America. I come from a middle class family; I am relatively educated, intelligent, and have quite a bit of social capital; I am white. Not image that comes up for most people when they think of the folks who crowd free clinics, or wait for six hours at the clinic at Cook County Hospital even when they have an appointment. This is it, kids. This is me.

There is absolutely no excuse for this country not having a national health care system. None.

Comments

[j00j.livejournal.com]

Amen.

[seamusd.livejournal.com]

This is helpful because I don't have insurance and currently need to see a doctor, but have no idea where to go and don't want to pay someone over $100 for an examination. Where is this other clinic you mentioned?

[violachic.livejournal.com]

St. Joseph and St. Francis hospitals are both in the Resurrection network, and both have sliding-scale clinics. You need to apply for their charity care, and then its good for six months at a time. So it is a little bit of a pain, but totally worth it. I mean, its not the best health care ever, because it is a teaching clinic, and you see some medical student who has an overseer, but it is decent. The Walgreens clinics only really do the little things, like see someone who needs an antibiotic, or do simple school physicals, but I am sure if they get something they are not equipped to handle they can refer you someplace else.

[seamusd.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

[violachic.livejournal.com]

Good luck!

[sabotabby]

This is ridiculous. You are going to get sick—people are going to get sick—even in a perfect world, but there's no reason you should have to go through a financial hit as well. It's barbaric.

[bammba-m.livejournal.com]

back in my 20s i actually declined the health insurance offered by my employer. It cost $90/month and had a $1200 deductible. I made $7/hr. When i declined the coverage, our benefits administrator took me into his office and asked if i was sure. Because what if something happened to me? If i worked all the hours available to me, i might take home $10K/year. $2800 is a significant portion to be paying "just in case."

I lucked out and had a ob/gyn who managed to sign me up for every med study under the sun. Free health care, free regular paps/birth control, and every now and then i'd get some money for my time.

My last study that i participated in was an hpv vaccine. i was really happy to hear that the vaccine was approved and being given to people only two years later. Of course, i've no idea what hpv study i was in, nor could i have any way to find out if i was given a vaccine or a placebo. Based on my reactions to the injections, i'd say i didn't get the placebo. But there is no way to tell.


Anyway. Have you given any thought to changing your diet? *ducks and runs*

[andelku.livejournal.com]

Okay, not to be hateful or anything ... but did it ever occur to you that it's swell that you managed trade your body to science for health care, but that it's crazy that you should have to.

Also violachic's health issues are not the kind where diet is a major factor.

[bammba-m.livejournal.com]

Yes, actually. That was kind of my point.


Also, i know that violachic's health issues have nothing to do with her diet. i was joking, because she made a specific rant about it in her post.