Illinois ladies facing bc
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I probably have little input for this discussion since we lost our Ins. and we go to the V.A. We did for several years though have an H.M.O. I do not think they are bad --- especially for so many here who have "learned" to advocate for themselves. Many years back and I'm talking many here....HMO's were not so good as the network of Dr'.s and Specialists were small and the fee system was not conducive to sending people out of the system to specialists....now the specialists are a part of it. I think Marina gave some good advice --- look at all the Dr's who are in your network and make a decision based that way.
Also, are you not offered a time once per year to switch if you are not happy with how things are going? Only meaning that your choice does not have to be chiseled in stone forever. Also, I have to be honest --- I think your "life" was already mapped out before you started living it and regardless of HMO or PPO or V.A. or whatever you have, it will unfold just the way you planned it based on all the things you needed to know through the experience of having it happen directly to you. All any of us get to do is take each day and each life event as it appears and do the very best we can with it -- and what kind of Insurance we have is just an accessory. If we are meant to ( because it is a part of the plan we created for ourselves ) to survive until 82 or 92 or 102...we will -- and the KIND of Ins. will not be the deciding factor.
Saying all that though -- you deserve in life whatever makes you feel at ease -- whatever makes you feel a little more secure if you need it. Hope you don't agonize too long over this. As they say Que Sera - Que Sera --whatever will be, will be.
Work day tomorrow and I have to get ready for it. See you all sometime tomorrow then.
Hugs, Jackie
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Susan, I'm not really crazy..........YET! I sent you a similar PM to my post becauseI thought I had lost my post on the thread and that it didn't post. Then this morning I see that it had indeed posted! Dah!
I have lots to do today to get ready for the arrival of my kids tomorrow night. I'm really excited about the Peoria Walk and about having the little guys here for the weekend and won't have any preparation time tomorrow because it's the State Scholastic Bowl Tournament and I don't want to miss that.
I hope all of you have a good day. I may make it back later during one of my "breaks."
Rita
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Good morning
Mak That was a great way to explain how to choose.
Rita you have so much going on.
Looks like I will be here a couple more days. Cellulitus in other hand too.
Love Buddy
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"We have all been placed on this earth to discover our own path, and we will never be happy if we live someone else's idea of life."
James Van Praagh
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Looks like I will be here couple more dats. Then I may get a pick line for home IV, That will be funwith the dog and cat pulling it.
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Buddy, Wow !!! Turning out to be a rather long hospital stay, but hopefully you will end up with some control over this problem. This is just a quickie as I have to go to work. Hi to all and I do hope you all are doing well. Hope I at least get the chance to read at work. Depends on who has floor time.
See you all later.
Hugs, Jackie
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Rita, I always forget to look at that pm place. I feel so much better.I am so sorry Buddy that you are experiencing this!Jackie, I wish I could be calmer about insurance matters but Paul and were burned with a loss of insurance coverage when I was very young (a dumb mistake on my part to get the sign off before surgery) and we suffered significant financial loss because of my mistake, so that memory stays with me.Feel good everyone!Susan0
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Buddy.... Pleae know you are in my thoughts and prayers. IS there anything i physically can do for you?? Will this hand be totally healed now? i am so in awe of what this got to in an infection.
Zap...I worked in the medical field for a good period of time and saw close up and personal what happens ,like Buddy, with care from DRS if you have a HMO.There is so much to this and it all goes to what Drs get paid on etc. We will be paying for our own insurance when Chuck retires and we will be paying a significant cost for PPO but it is the quality of care we know we will be receivng and goin to those Drs we want. I have seen medical malpractices with HMO patients , not being sent to a speicalist from their Primary Dr. and cost them a accelerated disease and increased risk of being too late for a specialist!!!! That is my take on PPO versus HMO!!
Hope ALL are well and sending healthy thougths. Laura...Please keep taking care of yourself and doin your baths at night etc. Do not try to be on here and comment on all the posts. You need to focus on YOU right now and IF there is anything i can do, i am here.
Hugs,
Donna
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Awwe Thank you Donna You are so sweet. I have everything I need. I am doing just fine. I am getting kinda spoiled in here
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Oh Buddy, so sorry to hear that it's affected the other hand now but it seems like you are in the best place to get it under control! Hugs to you!
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Jut got home I think the longer u are there the higher you chances of catching merca so they tryedto get me out because i have open wounds cant wait to sleeep in mybed tehy are still tryig to get my le specialist referral approved
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Morning! Dark, rainy, chilly, thunder....yuck. BUT.....we really needed the rain! And I don't really care....have a hair appt at 8:30 and then home to clean up after the plumber. You know....where they come and change out faucets and you actually have to go under the counters first and take out all that stuff that you have been throwing under there for 9 years. Wow....what a lot of hair products I buy...and not just me either!!!!!!! But that is another story....
Buddy...so glad you are home at last! And you have a cellulitis in the other hand?????? Oh boy....and yes, that pic line will be so much fun with pets!
Ah...the HMO vs PPO debate.... Susan, I pulled out my calculator. $4500. a year increase works out to about $12. a day so that is quite a bit. In my opinion, HMO's are just fine....until you get sick! OK...just making light....the problem is you usually have to jump thru hoops to get to get the referrals to get to the specialists, simply because HMO's are a business and they watch their bottom line much more carefully than a PPO as there is more money to work with as PPO's cost more to the individual. Docs like PPO''s better because their reimbursement is higher than with HMO's. And yes, I do know this as I worked the ins. side for many, many years. For me, DH and I pay the much higher cost per month to have the PPO simply because I know I can pretty much go where I want, when I need to. I know that DH with an HMO would never have been able to try for a cure for his A. Fib as HMO's still consider the procedure he had as experimental. A lot of the chemo's that mets patients take or try....HMO's will not allow them. And yes, I do know this. They don't like to pay for MRI's or CT's either...
I guess to sum it up...just look at how Buddy posted..." Still waiting to get an LE referral". She is "still waiting", after all she has been thru. "still waiting". That's what scares me about HMO's. But that is just me.
But then....$12. a day increase in health ins. is scary too. And I am sure that it will go up too! But Susan, you have had no trouble with your insurance so obviously you have a great HMO! So for you, seems like it works just fine. Me...as long as I can I will opt for PPO. When DH retires some day and I still am too young for Medicare then we will see what I choose!!!! Cost will surely be a factor then.
OK....need to get myself off the couch and showered up. Toying with the idea of getting my hair REALLY chopped off....tired of the same old, same old. Have a wonderful Friday everyone!
PS: Hi Ginny!
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Ginny, hope you are peeking in. I miss you! Hope you are feeling okay!
Wendy, your response to the insurance is helpful. Thank you!
I work on this rainy day. The rain subdues the youngsters and in May that is not a bad thing!
Have a good day!
Susan
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GLAD you are home Buddy!!!!
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Climb up on some hill at sunrise. Everybody needs perspective once in a while, and you'll find it there.
-- Robb Sagendorph0 -
Good Morning Girls!
Budder - I am so glad you're home! Hopital infections can be horrible. Follow Dr's orders - Have you gotten a referral to a LE Therapist yet? The sooner you have a consult with one - the better! They will be able to teach you things you can do at home to get the ball rolling - so to speak.
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My arm is better! Whew...It's great to be able to post that the upper arm cording pain is all but gone. YIPPY! I can still feel a cord, but it has reduced significantly in size. My elbow, wrist and the top of my hand are still bad though. I am having an MRI of my elbow done this afternoon. The Ortho doc asked me if I had an ultrasound of my elbow to rule out a blood clot. I said I hadn't - and now of course it's in the back of my mind - so I'm a little nervous to get the results. Do you think a blood clot would show up on an MRI?
But...I no longer have to wear the cumbersome wrapping. What a relief that is!
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Hope the sun comes out for all of us today! Enjoy!
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Sorrry I have been missing. I havn't been feeling too good. I had treatment last Wedsnday and then Neupogan shot after that. I felt terribble with bone pain.Took some pain pills and that helped. Been having alot of issues with constipation. Also my nose has been bleeding alot But it is getting better. Just nned to quit picking at it.
We are heading to Darlington SC for the Nascar race, looking forward it. We will be leaving around 10am and won't start til 7:30 pm. It is a night race so we won't be back til around midnight. We got free pit passes so that is is exciting.
I will be getting a cat scan on Tues or Wensday and gettting the results that same day. I hope it is good...Well my dh is back with my food. I will talk to you all later.
Ginny
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Hello everyone! Happy Friday. I've been lurking lately- sorry about that.
Buddy, so glad that you are home. Yikes! That was one scary time you had.
Ginny, I'll be praying that your cat scan results are good. I'm sorry that your treatments are making you feel lousy- hope that changes. Meanwhile, enjoy your Mother's Day weekend!
Yay, Laura! Glad the arm is shaping up! Keep us posted about the MRI. Fingers crossed. I've been wearing my spanx for my chest, my sleeve, and my gauntlet for work lately. The chest is swelling up and down most days, but I feel like the massage I do and the total compression is keeping it out of my arm and hand. But my arm and chest just ache so much at the end of the day.
Wendy, glad you are doing better and posting again. Missed your wit and wisdom. Yeah, I know I don't post much, but when you don't post, IT'S AWFUL!
Blackjack- how are you feeling? Did they ever figure out what was causing the swallowing problem. I'm still having some problems, but not sure if it's worth following up.
Wow, I'm forgetting people- sorry about that, but I hope everyone is doing well today.
I have some good news to report- Saw my ONC this week. It's been 3 1/2 years since my diagnosis. He said that his experience is that triple negative will usually return within 2-2 1/2 years, if it's coming back. Since I'm a year past that, he said I can now have YEARLY appointments! Yes, I have graduated to the next level! Wah-hoo!
Off to the local Firemens Reverse Raffle tonight! Hope I win some cash!
Healing vibes to all those in treatment or not feeling well. Blessings to all!
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Hey Gang. Nurse just called and said my LE specialist as approved.BUT>>>>>>>
Its at the University of Chicago. Thats impossible for me. I live over an hour from there I was told its the only one in my HMO network. I called my ins and told them it would be cheaper to send me to one tahn to keep treating me for cellulitis infections. No luck. She told me if I wanted to go somewhere closer I would have to pay out of pocket. I have been in tears all afternoon. The only thing positive I can think of is .....at least I dont have cancer anymore. This really sucks.
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Jan Clare, what wonderful news! I know your step is lighter and your sleep is deeper. I am very happy you received such good news.
Buddy, sorry about the fact that you are in this mess. Paying out of pocket IS NOT AN OPTION! Plus you have the travel expense. Do you need to go daily, weekly, or what? I wish I knew what to tell you. The HMO thingy is getting clearer. If you live near teaching hospitals (aka urban areas) you may have a few more options. But maybe I am wrong about that. Wendy, your cost per day of PPO helps someone like me who needs to hear it that way as I tend to be CONCRETE when it comes to money. I shared your calculations with Paul along with your well-stated opinions and we are processing it all. I also asked people today at school. People really know what they are doing and think it through. One male teacher said he does an HMO but looked at a pediatrician first for his son and then chose a network that worked for his wife and himself, based on what was best for his son. You really have to be on top of things.
Ginny, so happy to hear from you and I am sending hugs you feel better.
Laura, you truly are a warrior. You just plug away at achieving wellness and that is admirable. I know it must be frustrating.
Rita, just soak up this upcoming weekend. Paul and I are hosting a crowd for Mother's Day here and I am loving it. All I actually have to do is clean up and prepare an olive/pickles dish. How grateful I am feeling right now.
Susan
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Just checking in to say hi to everyone. Loved seeing Wendy's post this morning. Things a bit hectic at work so I did not manage to be on the computer long enough to say so.
Buddy, that is awful about the LE txs. at U of C. Is there someone who could drive you there ??? Someone you could stay with that lives close during the week ?? Well, just some ideas here. So discouraging, but I hope some good answer will fall out of the woodwork somewhere. If I lived closer....I would drive you there. Once you learn how this is done you could probably do a lot of it yourself.
JanClare, it is always nice to see a post from you. Just when I have almost forgotten you I spy this picture of a really neat lady looking sort of over her shoulder and I start into anticipation because I know I will enjoy your post.
Susan, hope you are able soon to decide what you want to do. We had few problems when we had an HMO, but we did live around areas heavily populated with Dr's of all kinds. How wonderful to have a big/nice Mom's Day celebration.
I hope you all have a great one. Mine will as usual be a working one which bothers me not one whit. For a long time, even well before my C diagnosis, there were things that had to be done.....and we were away from my children and his children, and neither of us had parents to do for after 1998. Each day to me since I moved back home in 1997 for the most part has been a cause for celebration as my awakening spirituality helped me to appreciate that our time for joyfulness and happiness and helpfulness, and livingness is always. Though it is nice to "celebrate" special days or times that have been set aside just for that purpose, and most wonderful to share them with people who are very dear to you and you to them -- sometimes that just does not happen. It is ok because for me, I may work part of the day but when I do I am making it, if I can, that very day and time better for somone else in some way. I find that I never give all of myself away and only seem to add. I am not sad, nor do I feel any great loss. I do not envy those who are able to be together and am just happy for them. It is a part of my joy and livingness to have feelings of peace that others will find joy, comfort and loving togetherness at special times.
Sorry --- I get on some subjects and my thoughts just piled up and spill out and before you know it....I've gone a bit overboard.
Ginny, I hope you have a great week-end, and Marina, and Carolyn, and well, just all of you.
I'll be thinking of all of you and hoping that it is perfect . I'll be checking back in tomorrow -- see you then.
Hugs, Jackie
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Buddy....Maybe i could bring you as Univ of chic is really a good place! I am leaving for NY however next Sat for a week.and if you can wait ,make the appt for after that, i would go with you. You need to get help and paying is NOT something anyone should have to do?! Let me know. IS your sister able to go if it is sooner?
Laura...GLAD to hear the cording has improved!!!!!GEESH!!! Is this a wake up call to know it all can still occur after a long time after surgery!!!!ISo awesome how you take it all and took care of it.You educated yourself and did it!!!I would imagine that of there was a clot of sorts it would come out in MRI.!
Ginny...Sorry you are goin thru the sickness issue. Sending hugs. Also for constipation ( my biggest hurdle for years).. try drinking up to a gallon of water.. i know.. but it is impt to get it all moving. Natural magnesium and fiber is what works for me. Also, eat more veggies, and fruit ..less meat and dairy.
Had my recheck bio meridan test yesterday and it is amazing how it shows all that is balanced and not within your endcocrine system. Since i have been on the homeopathic protocol, the overall issues that have not been balanced are. The main culprit yet for me is my adrenals.. and is the main reason for my sleep disturbances still. ALSO.. my skin is very dry and have some wierd rash on my legs because of this dehydration. I have to drink a gallon of water to add the hysdration i obviously need and some drops to add to my water to help in this area. AMAZING.. how this has transformed my weak areas and where it is in just 4 mos. I also am goin to get a shot down the road to help in msome of my joint issues. Not sure what the shot is..lol.
Ladies, any plants out there , take them in tonight!!!frost scare coming..yikes. IT is soooo windy and chilly today., Good dayfor Lifetime movies...lol.
ALL enjoy the weekend.
Hugs,
Donna
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"May I never miss a sunset or a rainbow because I am
looking down."
-- Sara June Parker0 -
Interesting -- we are in for a couple of quite cool days and then rain predicted for Monday with a slow warming trend. Well, could be worse, but sure not what I expected and I am wondering what it is like in the Chicago area. Nothing to do but keep going but so far....( praying for better ) it is starting out to be still pretty un-predictable.
Sun is out and that is nice so all is not topsy-turvy. Hope you will all have a fantastic day whatever you do.
Hugs, Jackie
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Where do I start??
ZAP you so wise to check out your options. If you have a good HMO network and you can save money thats wopnderful.
JACKIE What a wonderful amazing unselfish caring person you are. How I wish I could be more like you. Your satisfaction out of helping others is inspiring.
DONNA You are too kind offering to drive me. I would not dream of it. It is much too far. How very sweet of you to offer. Thanks for the Frost warning. I had not heard about it. YIKES
Laura You continue to amaze me. Here you are taking care of me while your still taking care of you. Thank you fro trying to help with the insurance. What was teh LE site to look up again.
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Buddy, you are like me --- everyone has the same capacities -- some times we need help like you do right now and sometimes we can give help because the opportunity is just there and a need has to be filled. I hope you might rethink Donna's offer. It may do as much for her as it would for you. I have been basically a helper ( in different ways and in diffetent times ) most of my life. It has meaning and satisfaction for me and it is like a smile that usually comes back -- if I had a lot of money I would donate to worthwhile things and help that way. If I was stronger, I would go to places like devasted cities after earthquakes -- but I am in my corner here in southern Illinois and do what I am able to here and will continue as long as it feels right -- because for me it is the right thing to do. Doesn't matter who does these things or anything.....just as long as needs are met by someone. Everyone here does wonderful things and I count you right along with the rest. Because it is the right thing to do. Those who are stronger at any given time reach a hand back to those who are not --- it is the love and unselfish caring that get us all through life. I know you reach back when you can --- so huge blessings to each and every one of you on this thread.
Hugs, Jackie
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PLEASE vote TODAY for Billy (this is LittleC's nephew)!
Billy has a serious heart condition. He has an opporunity to be featured on the cover of Parents Magazine. BUT HE NEEDS YOUR VOTE TO WIN! The link is only good for today. PLEASE VOTE for BILLY. You don't have to register - you just have to type the words "find your purpose" after you submit your vote.
THANKS FOR HELPING!
http://photos.parents.com/category/vote/id/7/w/18/y/2010?page=86
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oh THANK YOU Laura!!! He is such a happy go lucky kid too considering the 10+ heart surgeries he's had since birth.....
He needs a LOT of votes to get to the top.
The top ones just aren't budging.
THANK YOU EVERYONE THAT VOTES!
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Buddy, get the details (number of sessions, days of appointment, etc) for the University of Chicago place and then figure out the how to do it. I cannot commit to a weekly appointment, but I most certainly can drive you one day if I know in advance. I take it you do not or cannot drive. Donna is right when she says that the University of Chicago would most probably be a very professional place to go to. Let me know.what is going on.
Rita, thank you for the pm. I too miss my mom right now. She was so troubled the year before her death that i welcomed her death as I knew she would never have wanted to live as she did (Alzheimer's). Now I would do anything to spend some time with her no matter her condition. Funny to be 62 years old and to miss your mom so much. I know my two daughters both miss her so much too. Maybe tomorrow I will take some time to reminisce with them. She was so good.
Edited to add I voted for the sweet child.
Have fun!
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ZAP your unbelievable. Still wokring after being retired taking care of the kids quite often and now offering to help me. I want you to know how much just you offering really means. I greatly appreciate it. There is absolutely no way I would let you do this. Its far too much.and too far. But I am so emotionally touched by you and all the others girls willingness to help. There has got to be another way. Maybe I will insist the Ins company provides me with the transportation. I know its a fat chance but why not try.
Little C you got my vote. He is a dandy.
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