Love our healthcare system

[abelenkpe]

Mentioned a while back that we were in a bad car accident in November. Was checked out but all that seemed bad were various bruises, a cut on my nose and a couple black eyes from the airbag. Really I was more concerned about the kiddos than myself anyway. So grateful it wasn't anything more. Most of the aches went away within a few weeks but I've been having this stabbing pain in my chest. Call the doc and they schedule me for an appt fitting me in within a week. Which was awesome considering he had no opening for a month. They check my heart with an ekg and listen to my lungs and prescribe pain relievers full of opiates which I have no interest in because what if my kids need me in the middle of the night and I'm too zonked to be there for them? Can't take those things and drive to school or work, so they're kinda useless. A few weeks go by and I'm still in pain so I go in again. Doc decides to put in a referral for an X-ray. His office is right next to Cedar Sinai. It's been weeks and no referral. Insurance is still processing it. Doc has called on my behalf twice. Good thing I'm not dying or anything. I love having to get a permission slip from my insurance to get an X-ray.
I can't imagine what it's like to have a serious disease and have to navigate our healthcare system. Why does something that seems so simple take so long and cost so much? Is this typical or not even that bad and I don't realize it?

[NutmegYankee]

1. I'm on my own adventure through it.

Two herniated disks in my neck. The neurology doctor was quite clear that I will require surgery soon.

[abelenkpe]

3. Ouch!

That must be so painful! I hope they aren't making you wait long for appointments. I recall my grandmother having similar surgery and it helped her immensely. I hope your surgery is as successful!
Does it take weeks for you to get referrals for specialists as well?

[NutmegYankee]

5. The referral to the neurologist took a week. After that it has been quicker.

I'm waiting right now for the surgeon referral.

It was very agonizing the first week or two, but now the shoulder and arm pain has subsided and I'm been off pain killers for the last two days. The neurologist was shocked that I have the motor control I do have. I must have worked a little space around the nerve root for my arm. Even with that, I have some numbness in my fingers and the arm and hand fatigue easy.

I had an MRI which shows the herniation. At a follow up appt, they did a nerve conduction survey, which shocks different parts of the arm and neck to test the signal time through the nerves and a muscle survey which involves sticking a needle in different places and then having you push against something to test the nerve signaling to the muscles. Believe it or not, the getting zapped is worse than getting poked with the needle over and over again.

[abelenkpe]

6. Whoa. Numbness would make me nervous

So interesting isn't it? I'm always fascinated while at the doctors, not that I've had much reason to ever go. When I broke my arm it part of me was completely divorced from the pain and fear and just curious about how they would put it back together. But your neck and spine, that must be so stressful! I hope your surgery goes well and you are pain free soon.

I'm thinking our insurance is just kinda lame. Maybe I'll check the other plan options during the next open enrollment period.

[NutmegYankee]

7. Thanks! It's some scary shit.

The knowledge that I can be in agony from just a wrong move and I could lose arm strength at any time is really freaking me out.

[Autumn]

2. I don't know where you are at but be aware that you may want to

pay the Dr. bills as they come in if you are in a state like Colorado. Here the car insurance co of the person that hit you does not have to pay the bills for your treatment until a settlement is reached.

[abelenkpe]

4. Good to know!

Thank you! I'll check into that right away. I'm in CA. Thanks again!

[elleng]

8. We HAVE no 'system,'

as your experience demonstrates.

[Wounded Bear]

11. Truth...

We have a Medical Industry.

[area51]

9. We're not a civilized country.

If we were, the insurance crap you're going through wouldn't have happened.

[abelenkpe]

10. Yeah I honestly don't understand why insurance

companies have to be between me and my ability to receive health care at all. Now that our W2 shows how much we spend on health insurance it's particularly insulting. Why do I have to ask permission and wait months for care? I'm glad more people have access to healthcare now, but the process of receiving care is still a crazy labyrinth.