People Trying to Help

It is a shame when the first time you know anything about being cut off on the number of times a year you are allowed to be seen by a doctor, is when they cut you off without notice and embarrass you in front of the people trying to help you.

Of course I read every piece of material with regard to medicaid that came before me. I read about 12 visits. I interpreted that to be 12 visits to my Primary Care Physician [PCP]. My PCP makes referrals to specialists as he deems necessary. I was just following the road ahead.

I have an appointment next week with a Rheumatologist that's been on the books for 3 months. It's a shame I'm going to have to cancel it...

Nothing + Nothing = Nothing

So now we've seen what these past 3 months of effort brings to a Medicaid patient. Nothing.

It does not matter that a Neurosurgeon orders a test, that the patient then begins the process at a learned man's direction. Many, many phone calls. Excruciating pain. Doctor visits. More pain. Faxes. More phone calls. If it involves Louisiana Medicaid, it amounts to NOTHING AT ALL.

I am no closer to a diagnosis and treatment after 3 months of effort than I was 4 years ago, AND I must wait 3 more months, according to Medicaid, before I can see a doctor and we can start the dance all over again.

One must ask, Why Bother?

Fill in the blank, check the box. Move to the right...

Pain Management

NOT covered by Louisiana Medicaid. Anyone surprised by that? Can you spell T-O-R-T-U-R-E, Mr. Levine?

The Tethered Cord

Have you ever heard of an Obese Filum? Okay, the technical term is Fatty Filum, also known as Tethered Cord. Obese Filum just sounds cooler.

I had never heard of any of them until the Neurosurgeon told me that that was part of my problem.

Seems we all have this thing very similar to a rubber band in our spine that stretches when we bend in any direction. When you straighten back up, it pulls back into shape and helps to align your spinal cord. Another genetic thing, I understand.

Mine doesn't work. Knowing what it is now, I realize that mine hasn't worked in many years, if ever. I have ALWAYS had problems reaching down to tie my shoes, could NEVER do jumping jacks, certainly could not bend from side to side. Explains all those 'D's in gym class, why I couldn't play football, and why I never owned a Frisbee or climbed a ladder, eh?

There is a great rundown here: Tethered Spinal Cord

Again, the Neurosurgeon's request to do something about it was just DENIED by Mr. Levine's Medicaid.

Oh, and here I am. Essentially unable to move from where I sit and no relief from Medicaid. Does it help to say, 'Help, Mr. Levine. Help'?? Sorry, I forgot. I won't die from this, so It's benign.

Would it be fair to observe that you would like for me to hurry up and die Mr. Levine?

Oh, and I wet the bed until I was 14. I know why, now.

Bowel Incontinence, Diarrhea or Constipation are common. Urinary Incontinence, Frequency or retention are also common. Imagine that?

Thanks for all of your help, Medicaid.