Ray McGovern: I Would Likely Be Dead by Now if it Wasn't for One Thing ... Health Insurance

[marmar]

via AlterNet:



I Would Likely Be Dead by Now if it Wasn't for One Thing ... Health Insurance

By Ray McGovern, Consortium News. Posted June 20, 2009.

My own medical emergencies have made me more conscious of the scandal in our country when it comes to health care.



Editor’s Note: Former CIA analyst Ray McGovern underwent a successful medical procedure to open a clogged artery near his heart.


Dear family and friends,

At first I thought the BEFORE picture of the arteries around my heart may have been doctored. There it was big as life...or imminent death -- the circumflex artery was 90 to 99 percent blocked.

(Hadn’t heard “circumflex” since studying classical Greek. It’s what we called the mark placed over long vowels; and, sure enough, that artery had the same form as that mark.)

Turns out the picture was not doctored. But, happily, I was -- by an excellent cardiologist who performed a cardio catheterization and emplaced a stent to unclog the artery. The AFTER picture showed a far happier circumflex with blood flowing freely through it.

I have not tried it yet, but I'm looking forward now to walking up that big hill from the Metro station without the minor distress. That was the only symptom I had had....and only twice, and both times the distress went away quickly. ..........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.alternet.org/healthwellness/140759/i_would_likely_be_dead_by_now_if_it_wasn%27t_for_one_thing_..._health_insurance/

[ThirdWorldJohn]

1. And the taxpayers probably paid for part of that insurance coverage. n/t

[Karenina]

3. And happy to do so. Ray is a national treasure.

[MasonJar]

2. Thank you for speaking out, Ray. I hope more do.

[Iwillnevergiveup]

4. K&R

Live long and well, Ray. We still need you.