jlfisher56
@jlfisher56
@jlfisher56
Posts: 64
Joined: May 02, 2017
Chronic Back Pain for Years
6 back surgeries (extensive cervical and lumbar fusions) with neurological complications. Left with chronic pain. Accident happened in Nursing career 1992 and worked with first fusions until 1999 (failed fusions). At my age, and as a former nurse educator, I never wanted to had to rely on medication/s for the severe pain. Having thoroughly exhausted exploring sites using non-pharmaceutical methods, using psychological methods, biofeedback, trying to accept my limitations, i.e., I still believe somewhere…out there…is hope. The strong medicine has caused gastroparesis, further complicating my health problems. They are too numerous to write and I will not focus on them. I am looking for “help” and guidance. If I can be of assistance to anyone throughout their trials, (perhaps similar to some of what I have gone through), I will.
Liked by Jen, Alumna Mentor, marychapman, Lmnl09, lioness ... see all
wisco50
@wisco50
@wisco50
Posts: 280
Joined: Nov 04, 2019
@wisco50
My insurance co. at one time told me right out that… "well, it is a business"!!! Who says that? I had called because they denied something else and I wanted to know exactly why. Then I told them that it's ridiculous to pay $875 per month for insurance that refuses to pay for anything that is the answer I got. I wasn't even being rude. You would think the customer service reps. would have better response. I know they're out to make money, and they seem to make plenty of it, but God, just cover something!! I never realized exactly how crooked they are as well a many doctors until I got hurt and got the hang of the "system".
It’s very frustrating! I remember thinking I was going to have to take a second mortgage or similar on my house to pay for my jaw joints/surgery. Then the hospital where I was going to go for my surgery – THEY told ME that they had an agreement with my insurance company for such surgery! MY insurance company never bothered to tell me that! 😳 I was having anxiety and stomach problems over it all – would have been nice to know so I could have “just” worried about such a major surgery, instead of also worrying about how to pay for it all!
Stephen
@wsh66
@wsh66
Posts: 426
Joined: Jan 31, 2018
It's not highway miles. There are 3 routes, and they all cross the Cascades Range. It's a scenic drive, but pretty much all 2 lane, winding roads, with the likelihood of substantial snow, 55mph. Getting close to Portland, there's a lot of slow traffic. Anytime we go over the mountains, it's an overnighter, which makes for an expensive drive to a doctor appointment. Theoretically, it could be done in one day, but it's too much pain to drive the 6 hour round trip. I will ask about the possibility of someone coming over here for the medication refill.
I've never been one to stand up for myself, or to self advocate. I encourage others to do it, but it's not easy to do it myself.
Jim
Buck up Jim. Only the squeakiest wheels are getting greased these days. Think about what you need to say before your in the room. Imagine the questions that will come and be ready with answers. You pay the bills, you are in charge.
Liked by Leonard, migizii, Faithwalker007 (Renee), wisco50
Faithwalker007 (Renee)
@faithwalker007
@faithwalker007
Posts: 264
Joined: Sep 04, 2019
It's not highway miles. There are 3 routes, and they all cross the Cascades Range. It's a scenic drive, but pretty much all 2 lane, winding roads, with the likelihood of substantial snow, 55mph. Getting close to Portland, there's a lot of slow traffic. Anytime we go over the mountains, it's an overnighter, which makes for an expensive drive to a doctor appointment. Theoretically, it could be done in one day, but it's too much pain to drive the 6 hour round trip. I will ask about the possibility of someone coming over here for the medication refill.
I've never been one to stand up for myself, or to self advocate. I encourage others to do it, but it's not easy to do it myself.
Jim
Jim, all I can say is to weigh the pros and cons.
You may call and ask if they can do a virtual appointment this month with you due to financial difficulties? Tell them you don’t have money to make the trip or whatever your reason is that you can’t go. Be courteous and polite and professional with your request.
ellens
@ellens
@ellens
Posts: 159
Joined: Aug 04, 2020
It’s very frustrating! I remember thinking I was going to have to take a second mortgage or similar on my house to pay for my jaw joints/surgery. Then the hospital where I was going to go for my surgery – THEY told ME that they had an agreement with my insurance company for such surgery! MY insurance company never bothered to tell me that! 😳 I was having anxiety and stomach problems over it all – would have been nice to know so I could have “just” worried about such a major surgery, instead of also worrying about how to pay for it all!
Our medical system, in which care depends on corporations' bottom lines, is so screwed up. At least Medicare is doing it much better (not medicare advantage which is private). Even with a gov't plan, Medicare, we need Medigap policies to get things paid for. Everyone except for the ultrarichies is liable to bankruptcy over medical costs.
Liked by migizii
ellens
@ellens
@ellens
Posts: 159
Joined: Aug 04, 2020
@wisco50
My insurance co. at one time told me right out that… "well, it is a business"!!! Who says that? I had called because they denied something else and I wanted to know exactly why. Then I told them that it's ridiculous to pay $875 per month for insurance that refuses to pay for anything that is the answer I got. I wasn't even being rude. You would think the customer service reps. would have better response. I know they're out to make money, and they seem to make plenty of it, but God, just cover something!! I never realized exactly how crooked they are as well a many doctors until I got hurt and got the hang of the "system".
Once again, our health care should not depend on a business!!!!
Stephen
@wsh66
@wsh66
Posts: 426
Joined: Jan 31, 2018
Our medical system, in which care depends on corporations' bottom lines, is so screwed up. At least Medicare is doing it much better (not medicare advantage which is private). Even with a gov't plan, Medicare, we need Medigap policies to get things paid for. Everyone except for the ultrarichies is liable to bankruptcy over medical costs.
Fact! Medicare is more efficient than any private American health insurer.
Liked by migizii
Jim, Volunteer Mentor
@jimhd
@jimhd
Posts: 2208
Joined: Aug 10, 2016
I'm grateful to have Medicare. When I retired on disability at 55, there was no way I could have afforded health insurance premiums. And the out of pocket cost would have been impossible for me.
Liked by Ginger, Volunteer Mentor
@qball2019
@wisco50
My insurance co. at one time told me right out that… "well, it is a business"!!! Who says that? I had called because they denied something else and I wanted to know exactly why. Then I told them that it's ridiculous to pay $875 per month for insurance that refuses to pay for anything that is the answer I got. I wasn't even being rude. You would think the customer service reps. would have better response. I know they're out to make money, and they seem to make plenty of it, but God, just cover something!! I never realized exactly how crooked they are as well a many doctors until I got hurt and got the hang of the "system".
Liked by migizii