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OK, the latest. I have resisted using any services available to veterans of the US military for 54 years. I had that “vacation” in Germany, with opportunities to visit other countries, Berlin when it was surrounded with fence and walls several times, and friends in France at the time.
Other veterans of my time were dealing with severe war injuries. I can’t forget those who died, so am glad I honorably served my three years of active duty when too many others were draft dodgers.
The whole thought process is complicated and just how I think about why I shouldn’t use services that men and women in my generation’s war and all that came later seriously needed more than me.
Whew! So when my physical condition warranted more help than friends could give or were available to give in the near future, I followed the dialysis nurses’ insistence that I try the available public transportation that is just around the corner from me! The veterans affairs people authorizes payment of all fees charged, the driver took care of getting the wheelchair I needed this time to get to the oncologist’s office, and he stayed in Scottsbluff till I needed a ride home. He had some chores to take care of related to his driver’s job, and showed up at just the right time to pick me up!
He answered many questions about the transportation service, too, was a pleasant fellow, and he convinced me having a wheelchair would make future trips easier since the vans have a ramp to up load passengers and their wheelchairs. I’ve looked for one already. The selection is huge!
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Getting to the appointment was conquering a mental roadblock and seeing that being a war veteran is not the primary justification one can use services available to all veterans. I recall, actually, how my brother, a US Navy veteran who served among other places in Thailand during the Vietnam War, used veteran services during times he needed transport to doctor appointments and treatments for medical issues. How could I not make the connection?
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I met Dr. Tjan and her nurse, Barb. I’ve had phone calls with Barb, who eased me through early questions and expectations. She helped me deal with confusion and stress, something I appreciate a lot! On top of it, once my driver took me to Dr. Tjan’s, she took over pushing me to the meeting with the doctor, which was when I learned she was “that Barb” who’d been so helpful and I now had a chance to thank her for all she’d done to allay my concerns up to then!
Dr. Tjan did the questions and family cancer history, my medications, and other questions. She let me know a surgeon from Regional West would see me in Alliance. At that time, I’d learn when I’d have the cancer removed from my breast and whether I’d need radiation therapy. Stay tuned.
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During the ride home, I had the low February sun warming me on one side and a wind noise on the other. The combination made it hard to stay awake.
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My cardiologist called from Rapid City. We sorted through a matter of which blood thinner I was on – none yet – and which one of two I would take. One requires lots of follow-up care, but is affordable. The other just requires taking it but is very pricey, the reason I didn’t want to take it. Dr. Bitar said he’d try to get a price break for me, though, it sounded like it would be a 30 day introductory price for a still-pricey drug. Jeez! Not to take a blood thinner is to risk a stroke. To take it might cost me financial issues!
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All in all, yesterday was a very productive day.
Pharmacy prices are ridiculous. Hopefully, the new doctors can help you navigate all the things you need to do.
I’ve made it clear they can prescribe anything they want, but U won’t take it if I can’t afford it.
Doug
Yes Doug, medical treatment and medication can be costly. I have used a VA Medical center a few times and was satisfied with the treatment they provided, pleased that it was free.
I need to look into what the VA can do for me. I probably would have looked into it sooner, but the company I worked with till 2008 had excellent health insurance at a very reasonable price for even the highest level of care.
Doug
Same here, Doug. Now that I’m retired, I’m on Medicare, that covers quite a bit. The VA Medical Center is a longer drive, but the next time I have to get new hearing aids, I’ll go there.
I am glad you are getting some much deserved help.
My husband is on Eliquis and the price has come down a lot this year.
I hate to know what it was! At over $585 for 30 days, the quote I got, there is no way I can think of taking it!
Doug
Doug, you served, so you are entitled to vetrerans’ services. You don;t have to be Audie Murphy to claim them, and no one should begrudge you the use of them.
I finally had that epiphany! I’m so used to not using them that it is gard to think of what I could be using them for because of my Regular Army service.
Doug
I understand that feeling that you shouldn’t use a particular service because others need or deserve it more, until you look in the mirror and…oh, I guess I do need it! Lol. It’s hard, but I am glad you’re being taken good care of. The blood thinner prices make me angry too. I recently was told I should get cataract surgery, but the replacement lenses recommended by the doctor are $2000. Each. So when the time comes, I will opt for the basic lenses that come with the procedure. I might not see as well, but I guess in our country 20/20 vision is for the wealthy.
In a heavily taxed and starving peasant-based world where only the richest eat, dress, and live well in gold-encrusted palaces, the tunes of Rameu, Lilly, and Charpentier eventually are repla cedwith with cries of “Off with their heads!” I hope we don’t go that far on America, but the oligarchs need to get in better tube with what the vast masses need just to survive. Five, six, or seven houses are not the typical world of anyone but the most out-of-touch world of the richest at the top!
Doug
I am glad you are getting the assistance you need, Doug, as you work through all the decisions. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Thank you Lavinia! I’ve had lots of concerned help since this process began. I appreciate each and every one if the people concerned!
Doug
It sounds like this will make your life a lot easier! It’s a no brainer! Sadly, many people have the same issue with the $$$$ blood thinner. Some companies have special programs for people on limited incomes.
I get one if my medicines at no cost. I’d rather live in a country whereall medicines and health care weren’t profit-based from companies headed by people lije fhe one family that told customers their addictive medication wasn’t addictive, leading to death and ruined lives!
Making money shouldn’t be forbidden, yet it shouldn’t be the primary function of pharma!
Doug
You are right. The early scientists who discovered vaccines didn’t charge for the formula. That wouldn’t happen today.
Many blessings to you, and I will keep you in my prayers.
It’s a big order! Thank you, Rasma!
Doug
Dearest Doug… thank you for your service.. and please please avail yourself of all that is available to you… you deserve to receive caring help… you have given to our country as has your brother. Andy agrees!!
…and I always pay attention to cats!
Doug
I understand your principle which is surely overridden by your current need
Yes, it took a few decades to see it wasn’t disrespectful or piggies.
Doug
Hope you can get everything sorted out well for meds and treatments and costs. We’re dealing with with costs of meds and scheduling of doc visits, etc., too. It’s always a chore.
That’s a fact! Best wishes for your “journey” through the wonderful world of American medical care! I hope to survive it, too.
Doug