The Headache of Healthcare

Summer is the time for doctor's visits in the Geriatric ward. Since the demands on my time are greatly reduced, it's easier to get everyone where they need to be. This year's patient is Pop. While I've been frustrated over the years that he hasn't done a better job of taking care of himself, after dealing with the healthcare headache for the past few weeks, I'm beginning to understand why.

My first complaint is the redundant paperwork that appears. Thankfully, the forms are now available online so a patient can complete them in advance. What gets me is that all the forms ask for the same information! I understand that every doctor must have access to this vital information. What I can't believe is that our technologically advanced society has not figured out a way to easily make each doctor's notes on a patient readily available universally. I would much prefer my doctor to see a complete medical history provided through official channels rather than depending on my faulty memory for vital facts.

Medicare and health insurance are a mess. On a recent visit regarding his sleep apnea, Dad was instructed to get new supplies for his CPAP. While checking out, we were asked if he would prefer a prescription to get the supplies from a vendor closer to home or from the on-site service. Since Dad likes to maintain some independence, he opted to take the prescription back across the bridge.

On the drive home, we decided to drop off the supply request. Imagine our surprise when our local vendor informed us that Medicare no longer permitted them to service Dad since he resided in the same county as the vendor. I thought I had misunderstood, so I asked for clarification. If we had lived across the county line, the supplier could serve our needs. Does this make sense to anyone? It certainly doesn't to me, but it truly illustrates the insanity of our nation's current healthcare system!

By this time, I know Pop is frustrated and embarrassed, so I keep my cool and tell him I'll figure it out for him. My phone call back to the doctor's office (part of a large hospital service) resulted in multiple transfers and endless voice mails. By this point, I don't have a lot of confidence that anyone will hear my message, much less return my call.

Imagine my relief when I meet two amazing employees of the hospital the following day who go out of their way to help. Since I had driven back into Memphis, they didn't want me to have to travel into the city again with additional information they required. I left the office with one of the women's personal cell number and instructions to send photos via text message of the equipment we need to replace. Within an hour, I receive a call telling me they have gotten all of Dad's info from the office next door and that our equipment will leave the warehouse the next morning. If I didn't want these helpful ladies to stay right where they are since they are such an asset to Memphis and their hospital, I would suggest sending them to D.C. to fix the healthcare nightmare our nation currently faces. One thing is certain -- the idiots in public office now are incapable of cleaning up the mess they created! And our national headache continues.

That's enough ranting for one post. I feel like I need an aspirin now!

Hits and Misses (July 6-12)

Here's a look back at the week that was.

HITS

• The week was filled with doctor's visits, but I'm happy to say that it looks as though we got good geriatric reports all around!  Mom began using my dentist a few months ago after the butcher in West Memphis wanted to extract her teeth. On Tuesday, we learned that the treatment she had done a few months ago was successful, her gums are strengthening, and her teeth are solid. There's still some work that needs to be done, but nothing that's essential at the moment. Mom got more good news on Friday that her eye pressure is good as we continue to monitor her for glaucoma complications. Dad hasn't gotten the results of his MRI back yet, but the procedure itself went smoothly. At this point, I'm thankful for that!
• On Tuesday evening, some great friends came for a visit to just check in and see how I was doing. It was great to laugh, reminisce, and enjoy each other's company. It was also nice to get to provide some answers about situations that had never really gotten cleared up. Robert and June, I love you dearly! Your friendship means the world to me.
• By now, you know that I love to eat and I'm especially fond of anything Italian. This week we
  
  tried a new recipe for Garlic Pesto Chicken with a Tomato Cream Penne. All I can say is WOW! The picture to the right doesn't do this dish justice at all. It really turns out quite beautifully and is yummy! We'll definitely be having this one again.

MISSES

• While Mom and Dad had good experiences with their doctors this week, I was rather disappointed with my own medical visit. I went in with some minor issues that I wanted to get checked before we leave town on vacation late next week (because there's nothing worse than getting sick when you're away from home). It became clear to me that my doctor is only interested in treating the immediate malady rather than investigating what's going on inside me and trying to help me improve the quality of my life. I'm tired of feeling as though I suffer from hypochondria and having my concerns brushed off. I'm starting the process of finding a new GP and plan to schedule a visit after our vacation.
• I've had an insane schedule this week. Between the doctor's visits, personal appointments, and tying up loss ends as the semester draws to a close, I've been hopping. My time management skills have been put to the test and they've worked! Nothing fell through the cracks and it's all getting done.....but I'm definitely feeling the effects. Vacation could not come at a better time for me.
• Waiting is not one of my strengths. I've spent more time than I care to admit in waiting rooms this week with my current novel (Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man). I'm waiting for news about last week's job interview. I'm waiting for the end of the semester. I'm trying to keep my cool and remain calm, but it doesn't come easily to me at all. But, here I sit, continuing to wait.

There you have it! Hope you have a great week.

Unexpected Interruptions

It's all about priorities. Every day ends for me with a plan of what needs to happen the next day. Music needs to be learned, papers graded, and articles written. Despite my best plans, life happens and I find my plans interrupted. A friend calls needing to talk. A parent needs to see the doctor. In that moment, I have to re-evaluate and consider my priorities.

I wish I could tell you that the choice is always an easy one to make. But it's not. Truthfully, it rarely is! Planning and structure are such a part of my DNA that altering my plans comes at great cost to me. The problem is that I have already identified the things I deem important for the day. When I face the challenge of re-prioritizing, I know that some "important" things are not going to get the attention they deserve.

Perhaps it's a sign of my own perfectionism or some narcissistic need to achieve. Maybe I am desperately trying to control some portion of a life that typically feels as though it's spiraling out of control. Whatever the real reason, I know this much: many things I thought were important pale when the truly important things disrupt my plans.

What are those most important things? It's not the paperwork or even the music -- both things that I tend to find comfort in. It's not getting to tick items off of my never-ending to do list. The things that are most important are people. Family. Friends. Those near and far that I treasure. Those who make me a better person simply because they are willing to walk beside me, speak truthfully to me, and still love me unconditionally. Special people are the most important things that interrupt my plans.

I've not always recognized how important people are. I've been guilty of taking them for granted sometimes. I've been annoyed by their interruptions. I wonder how many amazing adventures I've missed because I didn't welcome the interruption with open arms.

I'll continue to diligently plan my life for each day. There will always be a list of prioritized tasks to accomplish. But I'm adding a new priority to my list: the unexpected interruption. I look forward to their arrival because, after all, these people are the ones I treasure and they deserve to be my priority!

I think it's time to revise tomorrow's to do list. What unexpected interruption will come? I want to make sure I'm ready for the adventure.

When Things Just Don't Work Out

Sometimes things just don't work out....no matter how badly we want it...despite our efforts and reasoning. Even when we finally come to terms in our brain that the outcome was right, our heart still holds on to the desire.

On this late evening as I write, I'm facing one of these situations. Earlier this summer, I was offered the position of Artist-in-Residence at Oklahoma Panhandle State University. I went to visit the campus and fell in love with the people. I was excited to teach a new class. I longed to be able to move out of my parents' home and begin life on my own.

There was only one problem. The salary was only $21,000 annually. Yes, there were benefits to consider -- health insurance, retirement -- but there were also taxes and medicare to deduct from the salary. As I started to run the numbers, I realized I would literally be living hand to mouth. Should a crisis arise, there would be no additional money to deal with the problem.

For weeks, I stared at the numbers, searching for more corners to cut so my dream could become a reality. I dared to imagine the quiet solitude of my own apartment and the joy of having friends over for dinner. After spending several days wishing and hoping, I knew I had to wake up and face reality. The numbers were clear; I could not meet my monthly financial obligations on the offered salary.

When the job offer was made, I was clearly told that the salary was non-negotiable. Writing the email to decline the position was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. I have somehow equated having a full time position in my field as the ultimate validation that all the hard work was worth it. I suppose I think a position will finally declare me successful.

My brain knows I made the right decision. Honestly, there wasn't really a choice to make! It's just taking my heart a little while to catch up. So, it's back to the fray of writing cover letters, asking for references, and sending out resumes. I'm just hoping that the dream becomes a reality before I stop hoping and believing.

Hits and Misses (June 29-July 5)

Sometimes I wonder if anyone else out there in Cyber Land actually reads my posts. Either way, it's good for me to write and get it all out on paper. So....here's a look at the week that was.

HITS

• Because of a ton of rain on Sunday morning, my parents decided not to attempt the trip to Collierville. That meant that I got to attend church with both of the geriatric patients. I really do miss doing this on a regular basis. It was a great time at Marion First Baptist. We enjoyed Pastor Clay's continuing series on "What the Bible Says About...." as well as the Jubilation Jazz Band. Definitely a great start to the week!
• I was thrilled to get asked for a phone interview for a job. The interview was conducted via Skype on Thursday. I enjoyed speaking with the faculty members of this liberal arts school and think I made a good impression. Now they will begin the process of checking my references. I'm trying to not get my hopes up (since they've been let down already this summer), but a guy can't help but dream sometimes.
• It was great to spend time laughing with family on July 4th. We enjoyed a simple meal of burgers, hot dogs, and chips before eventually settling into the living room together. It was a treat to sit around with my siblings, Patsy, Jacqs, and Shane and laugh at Mom and Dad! It was even better to watch Mom get completely tickled at her own stories that she tried to tell. Truly priceless....and just what I needed.

MISSES

• The work week got off to a hectic start with another doctor's appointment for Dad. This one was the Sleep Disorder Center. It was a routine visit, but they did notice some things that were slightly disturbing. We don't know anything yet, but we'll be going in for more tests in the coming weeks. Things got crazier when we learned that Dad's medical equipment supplier in Arkansas could not longer fill Dad's prescriptions for his CPAP equipment due to changes in the Medicare laws. I'll be ranting about this a lot more in a future post....so I'll hold off here.
• This is the miss that I'll probably get in trouble for....but, oh well, it's my blog and my thoughts...like them or not. July 4th was wonderful, but we had some unexpected visitors crash the party. These were distant relatives of Dad's, but they are not people that my family has been particularly close to over the years. I don't mind people stopping by unannounced; I just prefer when they don't do it on holidays. Holidays are family celebrations. As the geriatric patients continue to age and with the prospect of me (hopefully) moving away in the not too distant future, these family gatherings are special to me. Drop by on a random Saturday unannounced....just not at lunch on the 4th or Christmas Day. As I continue to struggle with things, it generally turns out better for me when I'm able to prepare for situations in advance. I need to know what's coming before facing a group event. But, I also know that it's not all about me...
• On Saturday afternoon, I took the time to finally watch the film version of Les Miserable. What a hot mess that movie was! Casting of the lead characters was atrocious! The stage show is one of my favorites of all time. (Ragtime is the only other contender for the top spot in my book!) I saw an amazing production of Les Mis at the Pantages Theater in Los Angeles in the fall of 1990 as well as a great national touring company in the late 1990s in Memphis. I would rather have seen lesser-known actors who could actually sing the roles instead of watching Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, and Hugh Jackman croak their way through this spectacular score. I must admit that I was surprised that Jackman wasn't more satisfying in the role than he was; I've heard him sing previously and thought it wasn't that bad. Crowe as Javert is nothing more than a cosmic joke! 

There you have it.  Hope you all have a great week!

Happy Birthday, America!

As we celebrate independence, freedom, and liberty on this July 4th, reflect on these Presidential quotations with me. Freedom was not free. Let us never take it lightly.

The American Revolution was a beginning, not a consummation. ~Woodrow Wilson

This, then, is the state of the Union: free and restless, growing and full of hope. So it was in the beginning. So it shall always be, while God is willing, and we are strong enough to keep the faith. ~Lyndon B. Johnson

Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not themselves. ~Abraham Lincoln

Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed -- else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die. ~Dwight D. Eisenhower 

 

 

Some Passions Never Die

What are you passionate about? What is that one topic that will always result in you finding renewed energy and excitement when you meet a like-minded person? For me, that passion has always been effective ministry to children in our churches.

If you've read much of this blog at all, you know that I spent the past 14 years working for a church. One of my responsibilities was overseeing the church's ministry to kids. I certainly wasn't the best director ever. I made more than my fair share of mistakes in ministry. But I can confidently say that I always wanted to give the children in the local church my very best.

As is often the case, attacks on leadership from various sides are destructive. I left that position thinking that I would never again be able to consider working with kids. The attacks were too vicious; the pain was too great. I couldn't risk opening my heart to kids again only to be trampled by adults once more.

I've been away from ministry for a year now. Hurts are continually being healed and I am continuing on my personal journey back to physical, emotional, and spiritual health. It was thrilling to see a small sign of my passion returning during a recent conversation.

While preparing to leave campus, I noticed that one of my former students (now a member of the college staff) was planning an event. The nosey person that I am asked about it and learned she was working on an event for the kids at her church. I made a comment that I had planned similar events...and that's when ideas began pouring forth.

For the next 30 minutes, we shared ideas about ministry to kids. It was such a sweet moment to experience the joyful anointing of the Spirit as we talked. By no means am I at a place where I'm ready to dive back into ministry of any kind yet, but how thrilling to realize that my days of effectiveness are not passed. New days are ahead for me. I don't know when or where they will happen, but I'm joyfully looking for them with a renewed sense of hope.