Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Trying to find #amwriting during times of churn

When life hands you lemons ...

... make a bourbon sling? That's the only thing I can think of at times like this.

I have some challenges coming up, medically speaking. Hopefully, it's all routine and no big deal, but I am, for the first time, dealing with The Medical Establishment.

O.M.G.

The paperwork, the tests, the bills, the insurance, the calls here and there, the insurance, the paperwork, the tests. Who handles this? Where do I find that? Should I worry about that? Is that normal? How long will this take? Where do I go for that and how long will it take?

Thankfully, there have been no emergencies, this is all regularly scheduled and relatively calm. I mean, most of the stuff I need to do has been scheduled for me, so I just have to show up and act somewhat intelligent.

I can only imagine if someone (1) has little or no grasp of technology or (2) has trouble managing mounds of paperwork or (3) is physically challenged and having trouble getting around.

So, when life hands you lemons, look on the bright side. It could always be so much worse. I'm one of the lucky ones. And by the next time I have a post here, this will all be behind me and I will be enjoying that bourbon sling, with my laptop open and I will be #amwriting again.

J L
(jayellwilson.com)


10 comments:

Leah St. James said...

Ah, "The Medical Establishment": The business end is a maze...and often a mess. I'm just trying to find out why my dental insurance only paid half of my last regular check-up, and it's been a hassle. (And I know how lucky I am to even have dental insurance.) Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way, JL, that you sail through everything relatively unscathed and that all will be well.

Margo Hoornstra said...

Put your head down and show up, as you said. The worst of it is the waiting and not knowing. Which, as you also said, will all be behind you very soon. Hang in there and trust. Prayers and positive thoughts headed for you as well.

Brenda Whiteside said...

Knowing you, JL, you'll get through it, but you might need two bourbon slings. By the way, never had one but even at 6am it sounds pretty good. Keeping good thoughts and if you need to vent, give me a call.

Rolynn Anderson said...

When I'm involved in a brand new environment, I prepare, as you will. Then I collar the brightest, most knowledgeable people and ask questions. Finally, I say, 'What are the questions I should have asked?' But you make a good point, JL, managing the paperwork alone warrants the skills of a college-educated accountant. Knowing your skills? You'll be writing a HOW TO pamphlet in no time!

remullins said...

Best of luck! I'm sure all will turn out great.

Diane Burton said...

I hope all turned out well, and your anxiety is behind you. It's natural to be anxious about any medical procedure. Rolynn's point is well taken--find a professional and ask about the procedure. Do research. Our son-in-law is a doctor. He's our go-to guy for medical questions.

We are so lucky we have Medicare and a good supplemental insurance. (BTW, I wish they wouldn't refer to Medicare as an entitlement. We paid into that, and Social Security, all the time we worked. Rant over.) We're also fortunate that we can afford the supplemental. Otherwise, we'd be paying the 20% that Medicare doesn't.

Let us know how the procedure went. Hugs.

Alison Henderson said...

I spent 37 years working in insurance, so I understand it pretty well. That doesn't mean, however, that the process makes any sense. When OG was in the hospital with his stroke 4 years ago, I was just as much a confused victim of the system as anyone else. I'll be thinking of you over the next couple of weeks and hoping for the best possible outcome.

Jannine Gallant said...

I wish you the best of luck. I feel your pain. My husband broke his collarbone last summer, so we maxed out our out of pocket deductible. After that the paperwork was simple since insurance just paid everything. Of course there was the little matter of the $6800 we had to shell out up front!

Vonnie Davis said...

It's all a big confusing mess, isn't it? Bad enough you don't feel well, then throw the forms, directions, changes in your lifestyle, and multiple appointments at you and you really get the full effect of the illness. I'm wishing you well. Hoping you heal quickly.

Andrea Downing said...

Ah, the Medical Establishment. When I lived in the UK there was none of this form-filling insurance business but then you might be waiting six weeks for your procedure--or longer in some cases. So think on the bright side. As for that Bourbon Sling--please have one for me, I'm on a diet.