Im bitchy, I moan, I groan.....anyway.
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Yeah Barbe...don't get me started. I got a third notice in the mail yesterday saying they were only paying a portion...I'm expecting the actual bills to start rolling in any day now and I just can't believe I have to prepare to fight over this. It's such bullshit. And because of my job, I have to be very careful how I handle it. I'll be walking through a mine field trying to resolve it. WTF.
Yes bookart...glad to see you getting out to our thread
On a happy note, I can bear full weight on my denied new ankle! I don't know how I'm going to pay for it, but I'm sure they can't take it back!!
Breaks over, back to work!
Connie...I hope it's a better day for you!
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THANKS! I'm very grateful to have you in my life too. Some ladies have sent me info that may correlate with some of these issues. I mentioned that stress is obviously a factor, just how big I'd like to think it is, would prefer, on the Solar system scale, stress = Pluto, small, insignificant but enough to count. Rather, I must be more like Jupiter, fat, swollen, lopsided, irritated and there are uncountable moons crowding my actions, thoughts, efforts. Constantly underfoot, tripping me up, confusing the whole system.
I love analogies. Love to use them. they help me make sense of things that aren't right, you know? Like countiing the cards in a deck before you deal. I like order. I prefer organization, with plans. when you get something that makes you sick, you lose the organization of your life. Especially if it's sudden and unexpected. Or severe and persistent.
I asked my PCP for help on Monday. He wants me back on Monday coming, then I'll see the new Inf. diseases doc. In the mean time, unless something blows up, I'm going to try and get some things done that will make me feel better. This was the best so I did it first. I just feed off the energy from all of you. the boob is swollen, it gets in my way. I've got goo to put on the booboo (HAH) and pain pills to make me not hurt so bad. It is a beautiful day, sun is shining, birds are singing, the dog is drinking from my little fountain. It's good. Thank God, its all gUUUUD! for right now anyway.
Let's change the subject. Not a cloud in the sky, slight breeze, it's getting hot this afternoon, upper 80's. not at all unusual. I sit in the shade with a fan and am very comfortable. My Hydrangeas are busting out, looks like the flowers are going to be a lavender color this year. My Oleander is about 15 feet tall this year and has white blossoms in bunches, it's pretty way out at the back of my yard. Theres a crepe myrtle that I neglected to trim up before the spring, it should burst into pinky-watermelon colored flowers in about a month.. On the other side of the back yard is a huge Mimosa tree that my Dear Son planted by the fence when he was, like, 9. He remembers because it prospered and has matured exactly the way he hoped. It stretches upward and southward providing shade to that corner. It lazes gently in the breeze and it;s soft pink blooms are young and thriving. I love to see it in full, crowded, bright pink tufted funky flowers.
Ya'll have a good day. Thanks again for the boost. I toast to you with my cranberry juice.
~Connie.
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Navygirl, In regards to the mail notices about the medical bills. If you can, send them $10 every month before the due date. this will prevent them from sending it to collections and screwing with your credit. you don't need that, nobody does. this is completely separate and will be refunded when the insurance finally pays.
1. If they paid for part of it, they are completely liable for the remainder of whatever portion they should have just paid but didn't and now you do have to engage in a little tug of war to get what you rightly deserve.
2. You send a small pittance monthly, to keep the local workers from getting involved. they will post the payment and your bill won't go rancid and you end up having 2 battles. PREVENT THAT.
3. Don't let it simmer. Get on the phone with a HUMAN, every single day,(at least 2-3 times a week. take names, and be REEEAL SWEEEET. Just say you're trying to find out if they have paid your claim, Pleeeze? This gives you the power and theres NOTHING they can do about it. Eventually, they will talk about you calling so much and they WILL pay..
This works. Its work, but it's satisfying. I promise. Don't get frustrated and yell at them cause they don't care, you have to appeal, often, and use your feminine wiles if you speak to a man. And use your common sense, woman to woman. WHATEVER WORKS.
Good luck, be sure to let us know when it works. might take months but it's worth it.
Connie
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Do Hydrangeas change colour every year? How to they know what to be?
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they can, it all depends on the acidity of the soil. I have lots of oaks and their leaves are very acidic to the point where some things just won't thrive. If the soil is acid, the flowers are on the blue side, if the soil is alkaline the bloom will be bright pink. They have varieties now that will get new flowers all season. Those are named Endless Summer.
Bet your growing season is short!
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I have a question - how late is too late to do laundry? My downstairs neighbor (apartment building) asked me not to do laundry at night because it makes noise. (each apartment has its own washer and dryer). I understand that 3 am, but 8 pm? There is nothing in the lease agreement, and I do not want to have complaints in my "file". And I never have heard my upstairs neighbor's washer or any noise from anyone else - this place is pretty sound proof.
Then, how early is too early? 7 am, 8 am? Not an earth shattering situation, but give me a break -- right???? Hugs for all, and That Sucks, as needed. Nancy
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Nancy...I don't think 8pm is unreasonable at all - if you're finishing up and not starting it
IMHO, this person is going to be a PITA about everything if they are already complaining about something like that going on at a reasonable hour. Did they say why it's bothering them? Like, they work the night shift and they are sleeping in the evening? Regardless of the reason, if it's that loud for them, they should talk to the landlord about sound barriers because you could do ALOT worse in an apartment than someone doing laudry at 8pm. When you live in a multi-unti housing complex you have to expect to give some on the noise level -it's just part of the deal. What if that's the only time you can get it done? Besides, it's better to run dishwashers and laundry equipment after 7pm because the energey is cheaper after peak hours! I'm so glad it's Friday! I do wish I was off the crutches though. We are getting out bathroom upstairs redone and I have an itch to get the hallway repainted as well! After that there will only be the carpet to replace and we'll be done all the major repairs and remakes! WooHoo...
Hope everyone has a GREAT day and a GREAT weekend!
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Wow, Navy - I wish I had the umph to get work done around the house! We currently have a bucket under the kitchen sink because it has a slight leak. I tried to get under there and fix it, but it was just too much for me - I'm still such a weakling. Fortunately, a friend has offered to come fix it, so it's just a matter of remembering to call him and hook up. But it frustrates me to see all the stuff I need to do and not be able to do it. I'm a DIYer and I hate paying for something I can do myself! It SUCKS!
I hope your ankle is healing well still and that you will be off crutches soon. And Connie - I'll be thinking of you this weekend, and will toast you with cranberry juice! Good luck on Monday with the doc.
Elaine
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Thanks Elaine, that's really sweet. Sux to be in medical limbo. Thank GOD I don't have to wait yet another week.
Nancy, If you need to do laundry in the evening, do it. I consider myself fortunate on the days I'm able to do the simple yet necessary task, most days my back hurts too much to do the lift and shove. If the energy comes over me at 10 pm, I let it. Surely you don't do it every night so they are complaining of one nights activity and you've only lived there now.. what? a month? Seems like unnecessary grumbling. Unless you threw your overalls with buckles intact into a dryer that runs right over their bedroom and they try to go to sleep unreasonably early. I don't think I'd let it worry me. Some people just have to say everything they think.
g'nite, Connie
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Connie, first, I'd thank them for the generous welcome to the building. Then I'd ask what "part" of the laundry they're hearing. Perhaps it's the water in the pipes, so drying would be okay. Then say that you are concerned about how much they can hear. Can they hear you on the toilet? Then as you turn to walk away, turn back and say, "Boy, that was a pretty bad case of gas you had last week! What did you eat to cause that!"
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Barbe -- I'm lmao as I read your retort.
Nancy, don't let the downstairs tennants get to you. Eight p.m doesn't seem all that late to me and I go to bed early on week-nights. On days that I work I will frequently start a load of laundry at 4:30 a.m. so your neighbors are lucky that you are not doing that.
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Hi peeps. I have gotten over being chastized for doing laundry at night. It turns out there is a sort of "law" that states you can use appliances from 7 am till 11 pm and for energy conservation, suggestions to do your laundry at night when the drain on the power grid is lower.
Barbe: I lol at your comment. Apparently toilet noises are not an issue... at least not yet !!!!
Bonnie: I got an overdue notice from an ER visit in March. It says my insurance did not pay and I owe. Monday morning will be a phone call to the insurance company. It is not like I planned the ER visit and forgot to get authorization... Know what I mean??
As needed: THAT SUCKS. Hugs, Nancy
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I wonder if we are the targets of all the mistakes, idiocy, leftover drivel, puddles of mud and actual lunacy of the major corporations, huge hospitals, bloated, festering and ready to pop under the pressure of being INSURANCE COMPANIES. ????
MAYBE.... just maybe we are the ones who are AWARE of these things happening because we have had SUCH an experience that it opened us up to the worms and wormholes as well as the joys and blessings.
So, jerks that can't help but complain to a new neighbor over Laundry, hospitals that don't credit co-pays, even though they say you can't get the MRI or the CT SCAN or even the BIOPSY until YOU PAY IT, so you do and then they bill you for it anyway. For the creeps that take up two parking places in the rain. the men who are too busy to drop the toilet seat, for the clerk that asks me to give money for BC, for the ins companies that we have to fight to get our legally rightful minimum coverage that we PAY FOR IN ADVANCE.... They cannot POSSIBLY lead lives full of family and adventures like getting tattooed for radiation. The people that run those ins. companies that rip people off will get theirs in the end.. HERE"S THE EVIL EYE <O> on them all. They will never know the real value of life.
So HOLD YOUR HEAD UP AND FIGHT. You all have proved that you have the power in your spirits. All you gotta do is believe that, and start calling the jerks on Monday. DO NOT RELENT. They can't help but do as you ask. I promise.
yeah, ok, sometimes I get really cheesy. My DDs love that. ~C
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GramE, I've been visiting a relative in a "retirement living" (independent living) complex this weekend. This place houses hundreds of elderly folks in 1- and 2-bedroom apartment-style units. There is a residents' self-serve laundry facility (2 washers, 2 dryers, folding table, lounge chairs) on each floor. In each laundry facility is a big sign that says the laundry is "open" from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. FWIW.
Note to all who need it: That SUX!
otter
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The press release is there on their website. They did let the media know. One TV station showed up and anyone who reports is using their stuff. So it is the same stuff. Girls are disappointed. They thought that the media would be there. They wore their finest hats and bobbles (every group had to be identifiable).
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Dream, I don't think the media checks the girl guide website, or do you mean the TV station? I still think someone dropped the ball on this. If a TV station did show up, then you got the coverage you wanted, didn't you? Do the girls understand that a TV station IS the media? 0
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What a week... The baby was sick last week with a cold and runny nose. We noticed a considerable decline over the weekend and on Monday it fell to me to take her to the Pediatrician. I postponed my PCP til Tuesday and took the sick baby in. She was wheezing, like asthma and they gave her a breathing treatment while she sat in my lap, crying. (Took me back about 23 years when I did the same thing with her mother!!) We went home with an air pump and nebulizer and meds. She felt so bad, I know you all can relate to having a sick baby in the house.
The stupid soon-to-be-Ex son in law began harrassing DD about missing his DOG. What a jackass. He hasn't even asked about the dog since he left them in January. It was just calculated to create drama once again. Unnecessary drama. He has been following her and she caught him twice this week. If I didn't feel like crap, I'd go downtown and take out some papers on him. Maybe I'll have the energy next week.
On Tuesday, DH accompanied me to the Infectious Diseases Doc, he was very nice and we liked him and what he had to say. His staff went to work with my ins and they got me set up with a treatment plan for this horrible UTI. This one's going on TWO months now. I was sent to the hospital for a PICC line insertion, NOT FUN, NOT PAINLESS.. then sent to an infusion place where I received instructions, meds, tools, the first dose of a 7 day course and sent home to DO-IT-YOURSELF-MEDICINE. i have to do the whole set up, flush the line, check blood return, mix the med and set up the drip once a day by MYSELF. What a world. and . . .
I don't like it. The PICC line buggs me all day long, I don't have full use of my right arm. bubbles in the line are scary. I do it really carefully cause its intimidating and its important. I'd MUCH rather have a nurse come do it. I can't get it wet, so swimming is out.Showering is odd, I rubberbanded a gallon size baggie with the ends cut off to cover the line in my arm but some of the bandage got wet anyway. They don't tell you what to do if it gets wet, just to not get it wet. arrrrgh.
It's Memorial Day Weekend and I can't seem to do much at all without crying. My sister is still reeling from their home being burglerized, she and her DD are leaving for Sarasota tomorrow for an overdue visit with her grandbaby. Mom's too miserable and alone and mean to me, so I have no desire to visit her. Our oldest DD will be 30 on the first of June, Her Dad planned a dinner out with his mother and sister and us. When he told her family only, purposely excluding her current bf, She said she preferred a different restaurant and that her funky-bad choice boyfriend would be escorting her. Her Dad said, nevermind. .... great. Guess who gets stuck in the middle? me. I didn't plan it, I don't know what to do now.
On that end, I don't need to be doing anything except healing and I'm not real sure i'm doing myself any favors continuing to try an carry on when it's just too much. There's only just so much that one woman can handle and I feel like Im losing it. I don't really think anybody would blame me if I really lost it, but I don't want to be away from home, but I can't deal with much more. .I've been sick for 2 months and nobody really cares about it anymore. Maybe its the antibiotic, maybe I'm just so tired What if I just stayed in bed. .. then what?
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I'm happy to hear you're getting that UTI treated -- I hope this antibiotic works!!! And don't worry about the air bubbles in the line. When I was first getting chemo I freaked out when I saw air bubbles -- thinking of some TV show or movie where air in the vein can kill you. My nurse assured me it would take an absolute shitload of air to hurt you. Can you take a sponge bath so you don't have to worry about getting it wet? What about your boob? Is it healing finally?
I'm hunkering down at home too. You've had an outrageously stressful few (many) months -- more than anyone should have to handle. I say curl up in bed with a box of chocolates and some wine. You deserve it!!!
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I hope that the UTI takes a flying f*ck right now.
I was asked to come into work for a lunch. My boss emailed me and we set a date and hey something to look forward to. I wore my new blouse and looked sensational (both my daughters said so and they are not given to excessive flattery....) It was a pig-out restaurant but I controled myself so I had room left for desserts. It was a fabulous meal and I didnt feel like I was waddling out of the place. I got to see a few of my old workmates, one of which was retiring the next day. So I signed her picture.
On the girl guide front there is a book being put together called My Hero. And my name was submitted and accepted. One of 5,000 heros. I think it is a real honour.
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A very big honour Dream. Wonderful.
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It's a huge honor, and well deserved.
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THANKS, Sometimes I think that you all are the only ones that really understand. It has been a long long struggle and once in a while I get really bummed. I'm so ridulously tired of being sick AND its expensive as hell.
I don't want to eat, don't like cranberry juice but I'm suffering it for the good of the whole.
THANKS for the info on the bubbles in the line. I'm so nervous doing this at home that the stress is wearing on me. Having a baby in the house again after 26 years is huge stress and sleep deprivation and overloaded laundry room. She just requires so much attention and I've gotten fond of doing what and when I want, baby gets first dibs now, for everything. My funds ran out about a week ago and while I'll get some on the first, its exactly enough to pay for my medical COBRA at the regular high rate. Next month marks the "after the first 18 months" and they raise the cost by 150%.. I am depressed about that, but have only found one company that offers coverage with a fee to apply (??) A FEE? to apply to pay them for insurance? thats just messed up and it's not really insurance, its more of a negotited reduced rate and a reimbursement after you pay. Too iffy, too much detail to understand right now and we all know what happens when something sounds too good to be true. So, I quit taking his calls and suck it up and pay the outrageous COBRA fee. and cry some more, wondering where thats gonna come from every month for the next 7 months. Then Medicare will kick in. supposedly. That will be a whole new world. again.
I sure am glad that I can come here to bitch and moan. Means a lot to me.
~Connie
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THANKS, Sometimes I think that you all are the only ones that really understand. It has been a long long struggle and once in a while I get really bummed. I'm so ridulously tired of being sick AND its expensive as hell.
I don't want to eat, don't like cranberry juice but I'm suffering it for the good of the whole.
THANKS for the info on the bubbles in the line. I'm so nervous doing this at home that the stress is wearing on me. Having a baby in the house again after 26 years is huge stress and sleep deprivation and overloaded laundry room. She just requires so much attention and I've gotten fond of doing what and when I want, baby gets first dibs now, for everything. My funds ran out about a week ago and while I'll get some on the first, its exactly enough to pay for my medical COBRA at the regular high rate. Next month marks the "after the first 18 months" and they raise the cost by 150%.. I am depressed about that, but have only found one company that offers coverage with a fee to apply (??) A FEE? to apply to pay them for insurance? thats just messed up and it's not really insurance, its more of a negotited reduced rate and a reimbursement after you pay. Too iffy, too much detail to understand right now and we all know what happens when something sounds too good to be true. So, I quit taking his calls and suck it up and pay the outrageous COBRA fee. and cry some more, wondering where thats gonna come from every month for the next 7 months. Then Medicare will kick in. supposedly. That will be a whole new world. again.
I sure am glad that I can come here to bitch and moan. Means a lot to me.
~Connie
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Connie, I hope that they have finally got a handle on the UTI, because living with it for as long as you have really sucks. I got a PICC line two weeks ago, and although it made the chemo easier, I am hating it too. I was told that if it got damp it wasn't a problem, just to dry it off, but to be careful not to soak it. I have been taking baths, I put a towel on the edge of the tub and rest my arm on it. I also bought an arm glove for when I want to take a shower, I bought it a local pharmacy, less than ten dollars. Check it out at www.ajhargroup.com. It's a Canadian company, but I am sure that you could find something similar where you are. The IV nurse was impressed when I showed it to her. She said that they usually send patients to our local farm supply store to get cow gloves, apparently they are quite cheap too. I can't believe that you have to look after it yourself, though. Do it yourself health care, what next? Just a quick warning, if you see any swelling, or feel any discomfort, have it checked out. I developed a blood clot in my upper arm, and now have to inject heparin once a day.0
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STOP THE WORLD!!! Connie needs a well deserved break and would like to get off for a while! EVERYONE!! Step back.
You go girlfriend! Put your head down and have a good cry, eat a ridiculous amount of chocolate and then have a shower. Then, and only then, give your grandchild a kiss and call it a day!
I cannot imagine the amount of stress you are under right now and to have to worry about finances is just adding insult to injury. Come on up here and we'll take better care of you....
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I hoped to here from someone whos had a PICC line before. Sure do appreciate the info. Its very uncomfortable. we have HOT and humid weather... today I finally couldnt stand being a slug, it was a beautiful day and I had a little backyard pool just waiting to be inflated & filled and I did it. Its so cute. I know I cant get in it yet except to stand & walk around.. even doing that is risking getting the port side wet but it sure is a nice way to cool off. I wore myself out but so what? now its 4 am and im wide awake.
Im sure that having this line & doing the drip by myself, at home is a far better way than having to be in the hospital where I would be really lonely, have greater risk of other infection, burden the family and rack up outrageous bills. But there must be something in-between, a home health person could come by just to do the hook-up part and I could ask questions & unhook it all when its done. Just seems like a lot of pressure on the patient. Who is EXACTLY the one who doesnt need that. This is so typical of how our ins companies screw us over.
Finances can put me in a dark funk quicker & deeper than anything else. Seems like a constant struggle and I agree, its like pouring salt in a wound when one is sick. Like kicking someone when they are already down. My mother could help (but won't) and Im not one to play the lottery so winning a big sum is a pipe dream. Our home needs upgrades so badly. the carpet is 26 years old as are most of the "recent" improvements. its getting silly, if it werent so sad.
going to try & sleep. Thanks girls, you ROCK!
~Connie
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Hey all, Hope I didn't bum anybody out with my latelate nite rants. I felt better when I slept til almost noon. The pool breached one side cause I can't see level. it's got a deep end and it's only 7x7. HAHAHAHA pitiful really.
Hey, tomorrow is day 7 on the 7 day course of self administered IV antibiotic. wait 3 days and go to a lab to get checked out and if the UTI is gone I'm done. If not, which I suspect, I'll have to go another 7 days on the IV. I feel better, but it still burns.
Hope everybody enjoys Memorial Day in the USA tomorrow. It's a good holiday, valid. And for most of us it signals the beginning of Summer.
My oldest kid turns 30 on June 1. Guess I should quit calling her a kid, huh? ... and OH, GOOD NEWS... My nephew and his wife are expecting their 2nd child, making my sister and her DH very happy. they need the good news as theirs was the home that was burglarized about 3 weeks ago. They are actually getting past it. Priceless family heirloom silver set was stolen along with most of the beautiful jewelry he and their kids have given her over the last 30 years. She was doing a lot of cleaning to make it feel like home again and she found her 25th wedding anniversary ring in a purse!!!!!!! She was never so tickled to have not put something back where it belonged, it would have been gone like the rest of her jewelry.
Life goes on... ~Connie
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Connie, I just saw where you had a picc line. Several years abot my father had hip replacement surgery and while he was recovering in the nursing home, was taken back to the dr's office to get the stitches out. The nurse at the dr's office removed the stitches without any gloves and sent him back to the nursing home without any bandages covering the still ozing incision. Two days later he developed a fever, taken to the ER and was diagnosed with a staff infection. He was taken back to the hospital and started on IV meds through a picc line. The nurses taught my mom how to flush the picc line and he was sent home. Once a week, the home health pharmacy brought doses of antibiotics that my mom hooked up every 36 hours and it would take about 1.5 hours to go in. She did that for almost 4 weeks before the infection cleared up. She was very particular when she hooked up the antibiotic and when she disconnected it. It was a little uncomfortable for Dad but he said it was worth it to get rid of the infection.
Sheila
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Just spent a bunch of time catching up, and a huge that sucks to all who need it.
As usual though, most of my time spent reading, was spent laughing as well.
Connie, I'll be laughing about your 26 yr old carpet for days.
That is sooooo funny! I know it's not to you, but thanks for the much needed laugh!!Hugs everybody,
Traci
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Hey! Glad my old carpet made a smile. This is related and made me laugh, later on. When I was in treatments, recovering from surgery and getting on with Rads.. I was home a lot. One afternoon a nice young man came to the door and I spoke with him a while before I let him come in to show me how he could clean my carpet. I took him to our den where it really needed attention. He had filters that when he put his vacuum together and turned it on, he could easily pull the filter out and show me how much MORE ICK his machine could pull out of this old rug. He went on and on, replacing filters and vacuuming basically the same spot... Now, the rugs are old, but we have maintained their cleanliness as often as possible and it wasn't THAT bad, but I was overwhelmed by the presentation that I had invited into my home and got the giggles everytime he pulled more fiber from the carpet. Finally, I had to tell him to PLEASE STOP and I was laughing so hard it sounded as if I was crying and the poor little salesman was so upset... he called his manager and asked to be picked up right away.
Later, when DH came home, he could visibly see the paper plate sized thin spot in the den, and I got the giggles just telling him about how the guy though he was getting tons of filth out of our rug wihen instead he was getting actual fibers from a very old rug.. I didn't buy his vacuum.
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