I want to start with I have been very lucky in that I have not had major issues getting the help I needed. My insurance has covered mostly everything. There are a few things, however, that piss me off and make me curse the companies that are supposed to help in some of our most vulnerable times.
My Grievance with Those People
We all know I suffered from a ruptured brain aneurysm. That’s a big fucking deal for those of you that don’t know. People typically die from these things. I was blessed to have survived it — a blessing I never want to seem like I am taking for granted. I survived, but not without a few issues along the way. Obviously, the emotional toll this situation has taken would take me hours to discuss, so I’ll save that for another day.
One physical toll this thing has plagued me with is my ability – or inability – to walk on my own.
A quick little summary
My rupture happened on the left side of my brain, which affects my right side’s functions. So my walking is affected. I can’t feel my right foot standing on the ground. My right arm is also affected in that it stays numb. Even checking water temperature in the shower is difficult for me, because I can’t feel anything. My right hand was always my dominant side, but now it tries to overpower my left side in a non-helpful way. It is so strong, but not necessarily when I need it to be. It’s strong, but can’t always do what I want it to do. The communication between my brain and my muscles gets screwed up somewhere. Think of a man (or woman) that doesn’t understand you even though you are trying your hardest to communicate what you want. You say clap your hands and they do everything but clap their damn hands. That is my brain and muscles right now.
Knowing that my right side should be the side that’s affected the most is something I could process, right? Well, my left side is affected, too. My left leg has to do most of the work now. So, she is tired a lot of the time. She doesn’t get the same support (braces) as lefty so she is unhappy. That’s how I process it. She is doing so much work, but not getting the support she needs.
She is beginning to turn (for lack of a better explanation). She bends at the foot, so she isn’t staying flat on the ground. There are no exercises I can do to stop this, because like I just stated, the issue is with my brain not being able to get its message across to my muscles. So what would help? A special brace that has the ability to stretch my leg while I’m sleeping.
Back to my grievance…
Instead of the insurance company just giving me what I need. They are dragging their asses as if I am asking them for free healthcare (which should be a real thing for everyone). You are still getting your money every month. Helping me out with a brace isn’t going to break your pockets. Helping my body heal in a way so I can walk again is not going to stop y’all from getting your money every month from me or anyone else.
I have to get botox shots in my leg every six or so weeks. The shots help loosen my leg muscle which is what I need to help me relax and manipulate my leg to do anything I need it to do, like bend. Well, I have to get this medicine reviewed every year, which feels annoying. I get it, I do. Some people might abuse the healthcare they receive, however, this thing happened to me, I didn’t happen to it.
This is america.
I kept america lowercase for a reason (enter eye rolling emoji).
Listen, I totally get that some people abuse insurance, but that isn’t my gain right now. I wouldn’t even want to deal with insurance if I didn’t have to. I have run into many people in the social media world who need various treatments but their insurance denies them. It is sickening, really. People need wheelchairs, but can’t get them. Some people need really expensive drugs to save their lives or make their situation a little more bearable. Some people need to be a part of expensive tests to see gains in their treatment plans, but insurance denies them.
Why am I paying a monthly bill just for insurance to drag their feet on something that could help me?
The real deal is **clears throat** health insurance should be given to every citizen in this country for free. Point blank. Hard stop. No one should have to fight to get the help they need. Why am I trying to convince an insurance company that I need a leg brace when my doctor approved it? Why should someone with a rare disease have to convince an insurance company that they need a medicine to live? I get so annoyed with those companies.
Breathe, Jaleesa
I am done venting now. I just had to get that thought out in the open. Again, my insurance woes are so small compared to others, so I am blessed. I get mad for all the people I know this is happening to in really tragic ways. My heart hurts for those that I know don’t have the money to treat themselves with really expensive treatments/drugs. This country enjoys letting people down, doesn’t it?
Okay, now I need to watch something funny to laugh, because this conversation wipes me out. I am turning on “Family Reunion”. It’s lighthearted and easy to process.
As always, thank you for letting me share
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