It’s been awhile since I’ve posted. Honestly, it’s been incredibly hard to live in the US right now. Not just as someone with a chronic illness, but just having to mentally and emotionally process the level of devastation that’s happening on so many levels.
My illness had already put us on a cliff financially, especially when I finally had to leave work b/c I was just not functional. But as the months of COVID went on, we finally broke.
Since we only have private insurance, of which we have to cover thousands of dollars before it starts to kick in, I had to stop my Lupus and SpA care. I spent what little we had this month treating the C Diff that somehow came back … and only did that b/c it’s deadly.
Somehow my Rheumy found out and he called. At first I got soft lecture for not checking in for five months. I just started to cry and with shame had to admit we were broke and could not afford to pay him.
And, you know what he said:
“Kate, if I wanted to be rich I wouldn’t have been a physician. I do this because I want people to get well.”
He didn’t charge me for a full hour and we spent another 30 minutes just talking about the world. Then he sent a note to his staff that from now on I pay 1/2 the rate or whatever I can. And, to never be ashamed to tell him when I’m down and out because he knows me and wants me to, “get back out into the world and start kicking ass” (that’s a good expression here LOL). He said he believed in me.
I have never heard that from a doctor. Belief. In me. As a person. As a human. As someone who is more than her illness.
(Yup, here come the tears)
That was the first act of true compassion I’ve had in …. honestly I don’t know how long.
I still ask you wonderful people to pray for my country. I can’t explain it, but I know it’s disaster. Most of us here are equal parts heartbroken, angry and ashamed. And scared. Still very scared.
Love to you all. And as always, thank you for being the best outlet I have to be honest and open about myself. I appreciate you more than you'll ever know.
Written by
katidid
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
You have said so much about your struggle, our struggle as Americans and how much we all matter to each other here or behind closed doors in the doctor’s office.
Kindness shown to a kind person like you makes all of us smile.
It just goes to show in the midst of dreadful times someone, somewhere is there with a hand and so often it is a hand we least expect. How absolutely wonderful. I should imagine that you must feel that he has given your life back to you in so many ways, not just medically but in his belief in you. I would be on cloud nine.
You should never feel shame about not being able to afford your medical care. I never cease to feel priveledged in having free health care, however much we moan about the NHS at times if someone dared to suggest taking it away from us I think we would all bare our teeth. The cost of care for a chronic illness in the States must be beyond immagining. Added to all your personal concerns is the natural concerns of the chaotic nature of all our political lives not to mention Covid. Such times!
Well! I think you will probably be able to give yourself time to smile at the incredile kindness and lifeline that has been cast your way. I so hope it is the start of a new beginning for you.
Oh Katidid, so so sorry to hear all you’ve been through. It is completely beyond my understanding how a country like the US can have people like you having to stop your lupus care and treatments because it’s all about the costs, so wrong ☹️ . So it’s every American’s right to carry a gun but not everyone’s right to have necessary medical treatment 😡☹️
How absolutely lovely and heart- warming of your rheumatologist though. So nice to hear the positive stories too and there are so many out there who do care and want us to be as well as possible. Very pleased you have someone like that on your side.
Oh my goodness, I know it is reality in the US, to have to pay for your healthcare.
Being in the UK we are so fortunate not to have to worry about it.
Your doctor showed compassion and sensitivity to you when you needed understanding, I and sure you felt relief after your consultation with such a lovely person.
A true physician who put compassion and your health situation ahead of money. I’m so sorry you have had to suffer in this way, yet so pleased to hear about your amazing Rheumy! 🌟Huge prayers and positive vibes across to you Katidid - keep us posted, we are all here for you 🙏💐🤗😘
Wow, that's a life lesson right there. What an amazing Rheumy. How blessed you must feel. And you're also passing that kindness on - just by sharing this story you're making us feel more positive. I'm certainly feeling less sorry for myself fighting a shitty flare for what seems like an age. I have the NHS and am very grateful for that.
I'm hoping to try and get up today and, if I do, I shall raise a hurrah to your fabulous Rheumy for spreading kindness and caring so well for you.
Oh Kate, bless you. Your story made me cry along with you. What a wonderful Doctor and decent human being. How I wish that this lovely man could be cloned for all of us. I am so happy that you had this experience at a time when the human race is consumed with greed, hate and survival of the fittest. I hope that you are soon feeling much better. Stay safe xx
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
I need Relationship advice😊
Anyone have a new perspective on prednisone “ok” dose?
Up date on, just a kind request🤗
Volunteers needed for upcoming LUPUS UK online survey
