I was looking for something yesterday in a box of some memorabilia and ran across a picture of myself from many years ago. It was in fact a picture that my husband took of me one day as I was getting ready to go to work. I had my white nurse's uniform on, and on the lapel was my pin that signified me as an RN from the university that I had attended. I could not believe how much I looked like my dad. I laid the picture on my husband's night stand and he was like wow. It is a shame we grow old, but it was a reminder that at one point in life I may have turned a few heads. LOL! It was also a reminder of a career that had allowed me to help others. So, today I am wearing a t-shirt that my husband bought me a year ago that says " This is what a cool nurse looks like." Maybe I could scan that picture on the shirt for some laughs.
My husband after admiring the picture finally snapped back to reality and handed me an article from our local newspaper. The article was about the financial burden that medical issues such as cancer are creating these days on the patient and their family. This is a topic that we are too familiar with. The article addressed the fact that doctors now days have to discuss with patients the cost of treatment. I remember years ago that doctors did not ever say let me help you find a way to afford these drugs. Now days patient's really are unable to afford some of the treatment. Medications have become astronomical in price along with the growing increase in insurance premiums and the high out of pocket insurance expenses.
We are among those who have had their out of pocket expense raised two and half times what is was just two years ago. It affects the care that we receive, because we have to decide if we can afford to pay our portion on top of the monthly premiums that have also risen. I had to tell a doctor recently that a test she wanted me to have done was not necessary and I felt it was not going to change my course of treatment. The out of pocket expense was too great. My husband has had to curtail yearly visits to a cancer center, because of the expense and opted to get yearly well physicals which are covered under Obama Care Act. However, if anything is wrong we will have to somehow come up with the money. It is another burden to add to anxiety that cancer patient's and survivors face. We do a lot of praying.
How did we get to this point that are health is on the back burner due to the rising cost of medical care. Our life should be what we are investing in and should not be become a worrisome daily thought. The article pointed out that some hospitals are now offering financial advisors that help the patient get the best care without breaking the bank. I am so happy to see these changes and pray that no one has decide to just die, because they can not afford a medication.
On a final note I laid my head on my husband's chest Saturday and heard the sound of a fine tuned clock. That sound is his heart beating in perfect rhythm and we are happy to say that he medication is working. We may be able to escape some medical procedures if it continues. We give thanks and blessings to ourselves for getting to the cardiologist and blessings to him for helping us.
My prayers and thoughts to my family, friends and all the people of Houston Texas, as they recover from devastating floods. May the Sun shine on you all soon!
Life is beautiful !!!!!
Elizabeth:)
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