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Edited on Fri Jun-19-09 01:39 AM by WillYourVoteBCounted
My brother had chest pains yesterday. He called me from the hospital today. He's doing well right now, had a stress test, sonogram of the heart, and tomorrow has heart cathetarization. He's in a nice room, there's a computer for the doctors and nurses to use, there's even a futon style bed for spouse or family to stay on at night.
I am SOOOOO happy that he has health insurance, thanks to his own hard work and thriving business.
I am hoping that this excellent modern health care will make the difference for him that wasn't there for my father at 60, my uncle at 55, and my grandfather at 55. So all we have to do is hope that this early intervention and vastly improved care will allow my brother to have a long and full life.
Its not his fault he had this - he has always exercised, never smoked. He has always been in good physical shape. So, we'll see what tomorrow brings.
Meanwhile, I knock on wood. I live on the hope that I can hang on long enough to get access to health care before my first heart attack or chest pains come - or inevitable illness comes. Heart disease has struck the women in our family too, even those in top condition. But so have other things.
I worry about when I get sick, not for my own happiness, but for the sake of my dependents. I would rather pass on then leave my family with a pile of hospital debt and lost shelter.
I am 7 years younger than my brother - will I make it long enough, stay out of jeopardy long enough, stay the devil from my door long enough - until the day I have health care, somehow?
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