Well, I still feeling like an emotional wreck. I spent yesterday adding a few things to the blog. Nothing much really, just a visual of my panic button and a button to vote for my blog. I also included a section for links to stories about others who were either denied treatment by their insurance company or just denied treatment in general for the inability to pay. The first story I put up is about Tammy Hyson. Sadly, she passed away this year. I will be adding more stories as I find them - but, I am having a hard time finding stories just like mine on the web. I know the people are out there - I just need to find them. I cannot possibly be the only one going through this. I am now trying to get maximum exposure for my story - which will give a lot of exposure to the issue of Americans being denied health care because of their inability to pay. Apparently I have much to do and it will be a good distraction from just feeling sorry for myself.
I got a letter in the mail yesterday from Ohio Representative Mark Okey. He has requested a copy of the Medicaid eligibility criteria so that he can personally confirm for me that I am not eligible. Ohio Department of Job & Family Services has not responded to his request yet - but I am sure they will in the next week. After reading his letter it occurred to me - perhaps not all of our government leaders are aware of the cracks that we are slipping through. I am sure that some are aware and have more pressing matters to deal with. But honestly, I don't think that Rep. Okey knew that there was that big of a gap that could leave so many people without medical treatment. I am sure that many do not know. I know that until October 24th I didn't know either. I hope my story and my blog help to create more awareness.
I am trying to have a more optimistic attitude today. It isn't easy. On one hand I feel like feverishly working my tail off to get my blog link out there, but on the other hand I feel like just going back to bed and pulling the covers over my head. I don't know if anything I am doing is even going to work. I have had people suggest that I email Hillary Clinton - which I have already done twice. I have emailed my story to Michael Moore and suggested a follow-up to Sicko - that is, what happens to the uninsured, with no money and who aren't eligible for any assistance. I want him to show President Bush that you can't just walk into an emergency room with cancer and get the surgery you need. I want him to show DeLay, who is either a blatant liar or completely delusional, that Americans do get denied health care in America. I have emailed a New York Times writer and a reporter from the Cleveland Plain Dealer. I even emailed the NIH (Nat'l Institute of Health) - they have grants and funds, though for research, but what area urologist wouldn't want in on something that they could get some money, do something new and get their name in lights. At this point, I will try anything. Someone has to listen - maybe I just need to scream a little louder..
On a good note - I think I am getting my sleep pattern back on track. When I get really exhausted, I could just sleep all day - and this throws me off. On Friday I did take a short nap in the afternoon, then fell asleep again in the recliner that night while watching tv. I got so worked-up trying to get my story out there yesterday that I didn't take time to rest in the afternoon - but I did get to sleep until 6:30 this morning. Beats the heck out of waking up at 3am. But, I do seem to do my best blogging in the middle of the night.
I also have an update on my nephew, Ryan. He got home from the hospital yesterday and hopefully is resting comfortably. Or at least as comfortable as you can be following neck surgery. We should have a report this week on the findings of the surgery - whether the Lymphangiomatosis is back or whether the damage was from before he went into remission. I know that they replaced the C6 vertebrae and that 3 ribs are involved as well. I will update more when I talk with my sister.
Well, it is time to continue the fight. I need to get busy emailing and getting my blog out there. Wish me luck!
I got a letter in the mail yesterday from Ohio Representative Mark Okey. He has requested a copy of the Medicaid eligibility criteria so that he can personally confirm for me that I am not eligible. Ohio Department of Job & Family Services has not responded to his request yet - but I am sure they will in the next week. After reading his letter it occurred to me - perhaps not all of our government leaders are aware of the cracks that we are slipping through. I am sure that some are aware and have more pressing matters to deal with. But honestly, I don't think that Rep. Okey knew that there was that big of a gap that could leave so many people without medical treatment. I am sure that many do not know. I know that until October 24th I didn't know either. I hope my story and my blog help to create more awareness.
I am trying to have a more optimistic attitude today. It isn't easy. On one hand I feel like feverishly working my tail off to get my blog link out there, but on the other hand I feel like just going back to bed and pulling the covers over my head. I don't know if anything I am doing is even going to work. I have had people suggest that I email Hillary Clinton - which I have already done twice. I have emailed my story to Michael Moore and suggested a follow-up to Sicko - that is, what happens to the uninsured, with no money and who aren't eligible for any assistance. I want him to show President Bush that you can't just walk into an emergency room with cancer and get the surgery you need. I want him to show DeLay, who is either a blatant liar or completely delusional, that Americans do get denied health care in America. I have emailed a New York Times writer and a reporter from the Cleveland Plain Dealer. I even emailed the NIH (Nat'l Institute of Health) - they have grants and funds, though for research, but what area urologist wouldn't want in on something that they could get some money, do something new and get their name in lights. At this point, I will try anything. Someone has to listen - maybe I just need to scream a little louder..
On a good note - I think I am getting my sleep pattern back on track. When I get really exhausted, I could just sleep all day - and this throws me off. On Friday I did take a short nap in the afternoon, then fell asleep again in the recliner that night while watching tv. I got so worked-up trying to get my story out there yesterday that I didn't take time to rest in the afternoon - but I did get to sleep until 6:30 this morning. Beats the heck out of waking up at 3am. But, I do seem to do my best blogging in the middle of the night.
I also have an update on my nephew, Ryan. He got home from the hospital yesterday and hopefully is resting comfortably. Or at least as comfortable as you can be following neck surgery. We should have a report this week on the findings of the surgery - whether the Lymphangiomatosis is back or whether the damage was from before he went into remission. I know that they replaced the C6 vertebrae and that 3 ribs are involved as well. I will update more when I talk with my sister.
Well, it is time to continue the fight. I need to get busy emailing and getting my blog out there. Wish me luck!