Checking in- My experience with Canadian healthcare...

[fudge stripe cookays]

Just in case you're needing some more ammo against your local freeps.

Many of you know that fellow poster reprehensor and I have been married some time. He is Canadian, and initially moved to the states to be with me 9 years ago when things were rosy. I got laid off in May, and even after 3 job interviews and oodles more apps sent out, still couldn't get anything. We were hanging on by our fingernails. Because of my pre-existing condition (MS), insurance needs were colossal.

We had tossed around the idea of heading north all during the Bush admin, but finally did it at the end of October. I could NOT manage to get a flu shot before we left with all that was going on. And just as we arrived here, they suspended flu shots in Alberta because of a shortage.

I packed up our entire 3 bedroom house while reprehensor was at work during the days, and inventoried the whole thing for customs purposes. Then, we headed west out of Milwaukee, staying in Minneapolis, Bismarck, and Great Falls (with a cat and a Great Pyrenees loaded into the back of a Honda Civic). We crossed the border on October 30, and I was on my way to becoming semi-Canadian, at last. We're staying at my mother and father-in-law's place outside Edmonton.

We've been running around all week trying to get paperwork done, drivers licenses, car inspection, get our goods through customs, and a medical exam for me for my permanent residency. So I was getting pretty rundown. The clinic where we went on Wednesday had loads of people sitting around wearing masks, so I must have picked up this thing then.

Thursday afternoon I was feeling a bit punk-- dizzy and such. I just figured my MS was acting up a bit. That night I started coughing. Friday I was feeling sick-- like I was getting cold or flu, but I had to help reprehensor take our car into town to get a U-Haul to bring all our goods out here from the PODs depot. I was in bed all day yesterday taking Robitussin and various remedies, rattling when I breathed, etc. I figured it was my yearly chest cold/bronchitis come to visit.

This morning I vomited, so r took me into the hospital in the suburbs. Not sure what to expect, I was in and out in an hour. Several of us who had flu-like systems and were wearing masks were taken into an alcove, with the intention of treating us separately. Then they asked us if we would mind having our consultations in the hall where we were sitting. None of us did. It was strange discussing medical conditions in front of strangers, but I had no problem with the circumstances. If HIPAA means paying tons more money for walls on an examining room, I'll take this, thanks.

I have a prescription for antibiotics and instructions to come back if my symptoms get even more serious. Which they still could, but I'm stable for now.

fsc

[Rabrrrrrr]

1. And it probably won't cost you a thing, either - or next to nothing.

And at the same, the Christian rightwingers in this country will beat their chests about how WE are the CHRISTIAN nation, while they apathetically watch their brothers and sisters die from lack of healthcare which could be easily provided for a few dollars a year.

[tmyers09]

2. There is absolutely no reason

we can't have that here. None. The insurance companies don't like it? Tough shit. The freepers don't like it? Don't use it. It'd get rid of their asses quicker anyway.

[Horse with no Name]

3. Good luck with your move

You made the right decision. I know you guys will be happier there in a civilized country.
I hope you get to feeling better soon!

[stevedeshazer]

4. Good to see you

Good luck as a Canuckistanian.

Don't forget to write! :)

[John Q. Citizen]

5. Get well soon and say hi to reprehensor! I became an overnight Canadian

with the law change last spring. My dad was born in Manatoba

I'm still here in the Missoula area where I've been since the early 90s, but I'm kind of dreaming on spending some real time in my new second homeland!

My 15 year old daughter and i went to the Montreal jazz festival last summer and it was great.

Take care!

[MagickMuffin]

6. I've missed you guys in more ways than one

I had the pleasure of meeting the two of you when you were involved in showing movies in Richardson. I live in Fort Worth and me and friends went to a couple of events there. I remember when you moved to WI, but had no idea that y'all moved to Canada. Hubby and I would love to move to BC, but since neither one of us are Canadian is would be rather hard to do since Canadians make it hard to do so.


Sorry to hear about your illness, but at least now you got you some of that "Socialized Health-care" that apparently is the scourge of the Insurance Industrial Complex, Lobbyists, and the republicon party.

Good Luck to your new Canadian Citizenship. And if rep. wants to adopt a cousin let me know :evilgrin:


Oh yeah, don't be such a stranger. :hi:

[fudge stripe cookays]

7. I remember you. :)

The night at FunAsia was a lot of fun!

I wish all my American friends had this option. I got lucky in so many ways when I found reprehensor, but his being Canadian has become our lifeline. I'm hoping it will continue to help us get back on our feet.

His parents have been wonderful as well. If I can get past the smell of well water for bathing, I'll be fine. It's been awhile since I had to deal with that (back in the days when we visited my granny down in Weslaco!).

Thanks for the well wishes, ya'll. Turns out I'm headed back to the hospital tomorrow, as I can't keep these pills down. :( But I expext to receive the same great treatment I got today.