Holding our breath

Well, the state I live in (TX) is an at will employment state. In other words, they COULD hire you on knowing the medical history, etc....but, they can also let you go for any reason, which is the case for me many times over. I have worked for employers that conveniently found a way to let me go once they saw how much their health premiums would go up once they saw that the policy would have to cover a transplant for my husband!!!

SO, there you have it.....

Mer

Mer , I got the paperwork today stating they need to have me evaluated by the doctor of their choice and will continue my review from there afterwards . Odd thing is the doctor doesn't appear to be a G.I or a Hepatologist . Having trouble figuring this mess out particularly when I just had my 6 month check up at the University 2 months ago . Oh well , looks like me and your hubby are in the same boat , Hope he brought his paddle . Hmmmmm , What am I saying ? If either of us get caught rowing we'll be screwed anyhow .

David , There is a few tender viddles left on me , You may as well have them along with the hoofs . Disclaimer : If you intend on eating either of theses parts it is at your own risk , All Ziffle tenders must be washed thoroughly and boiled immediately for human consumption . In rare cases these giblets may cause nausea , erectile dysfunction and a urge to annoy the crap outta people possibly resulting in your untimely demise . Now would you like that order with fries ?



A. Ziffle

Ziffle, he's likely a vocational doc or a primary care doc. I saw 2 of them and neither was a GI or hep doc. Remember, he is working for SS, not you. The first one I saw was a PCP. He walked into the room and without a "hello" or introduction said accusingly: "And why can't YOU work?!?" Needless to say, I knew he wasn't on my side. I explained to him that I WAS working, though only part-time. I don't even remember what his recommendation was to SS, as they sent me on to a vocational doctor.

Hugs,
Connie

Rick,

They sent my hubby to....get this.....a rheumatologist!!! Hello??? Makes no sense to me either!!! Talk about clueless....had they let me back there, I probably could have educated him a little about liver disease, because I am sure he has no clue!

Mer

My husband fought for his country - volunteered for the Army - volunteered to go to Vietnam (although he could have stayed out of Vietnam, he was an only child) - he was a helicopter gunner - after the service (physically) worked hard all his life. 

Just after we married, 19 years ago, he was diagnosed with Hep C.  The last 3 years were hell - ESLD - yes, I know from which I speak.  I woke up nights to rest my hand on his chest to make sure he was breathing - but he went to work everyday (sometimes 1/2 a day - but he went to work).....I did all the housework and raked the leaves....he needed his energy just to get up, dressed and to work.

No, we didn't ask for government assistance (and we could have) - although without a transplant - he was terminal (I still have a copy of the letter from his doctor).

My husband received a transplant February 3, 2011; and thank God, he is doing well - back to work 7 weeks after surgery.

My husband is a salesman of warehouse equipment - he still drives forklifts, climbs and checks conveyor...  64 years old and doesn't plan to retire until he is 66.....God willing, he'll be with us for many more years to come.

I was replying to your post, not accusing you of anything.......but I know how you like ruffling feathers (or hooves, you choose) so I expected this type of response from you.

Just a plain ole' Merry Christmas to all.

Pam

(P.S. I am an IT and work in education (full time), and have been complaining about this sinking ship for years)

Pam , I am aware of your husbands service to this country and as I recall when you first came on here I asked you to thank him for that . Does he not see a doctor at the veterans hospital without cost to him ? Is he retired with a government or military pension ? If he does and is still working you guys must be doing well off , Glad to hear that . Most guys I know around his age work either with a hobby or part time and not for the money , Mainly it's to get away from the " house " ( or maybe who's in it ) .

Ya know , I don't begrudge you for your health or success but there are others here who don't have the options you do at this point . I have yet to meet a doctor since I was diagnosed that didn't encourage some form of activity to maintain the best health possible , Raking leaves is no different than a brisk walk . I can rake leaves but I take frequent breaks and even lay down for a bit , I still get fluid build up if I remain on my feet for so long .

The problem comes down to this : I was told when I received the TIPS and repeatedly afterwards that it is a temporary procedure , It removes the symptoms but doesn't cure the problem and statistically the life span of the procedure last 4 years with a hand full of cases that go to 7 and beyond . I am coming up on year 4 and doing well . Do I drop my health insurance and SS that took me almost a year to get . I spent my savings on a down payment for our house prior to getting sick and spent the balance of what was in my accounts on doctors bills and monthly bills for a year after diagnosis while waiting for disability to be approved . My fiance' and I got married and she worked and took care of me at the same time .

I went from $ 800.00 dollars a week to nothing for a year . We live week to week and manage to pay our bills but if I need a transplant or I start going down hill again and start back to work , We lose it all and I will likely die before getting proper medical attention without insurance . My life hangs by a thread . Something you obviously know nothing of or you wouldn't have made the implication you did in you reply . I am certain there are alot of folks in our situation .

Thanks by the way for the acknowledgement of my crap stirring , I work hard at being a thorn in the buttocks of the privileged and or ignorant .


A. Ziffle

Post Edited By Moderator (hep93) : 12/11/2011 10:00:14 PM (GMT-7)

Okay, I think this thread has served its purpose and now is getting out of hand. So I'm going to lock it. Mer and Ziffle, please post again when you have the results of your reviews.

Good luck!

Hugs,
Connie