Life Juice

It's always hard for someone to completely understand that I have a chronic disease. They hear it, they may know it....but they never really get it. I'm positive that this is something all Type 1's deal with and often. Why? Because we look like nothing is wrong. That's the kicker. Perception is reality & people perceive me as being a healthy young woman.

Yea...that's right! I said young!!! Shush!
















Here's my most recent battle with disregard. Many of you know that I was laid off in April. Being laid off sucks for everyone but especially for someone with a chronic disease. Being laid off means being cut off from assistance with obtaining medical supplies. Luckily for me, Doc B was beyond fabu, as he always is. He gave me as many free samples & refills as possible before I was completely denied coverage. Needless to say, it's almost February and I'm just now running out. I owe Doc B huge! The BEST Endo I ever had the privilege of knowing.

I started working in October which made me eligible for health insurance in January. Hurrah! I'll take it! I'll do it! I don't care that I made more on unemployment, I would have benefits! That's what matters most to people with chronic diseases. Not the pay. Not the tasks. Not the co-workers. Not the schedule. Nothing matters....just coverage. That's it. I would gladly shovel shit for 10 hours a day at minimum wage if I were promised health benefits. It's true.

I'm not saying I'd be happy about it but I'd do it. I wouldn't have a choice now, would I? Nope.















Well, January rolled around and I had a Dr. appt, I had the Pharmacist on stand by just waiting to hand over my meds, I had relief on the horizon, safety at my scarred fingertips, my good health just a breath away.....then it was gone.

Gone.
Gone.
Gone?

Yes. Gone. I was told that I wouldn't be able to get benefits because they missed the deadline. Ummm....what? You've had 3 months of knowledge that I was here & eligible. It's not like I was a big surprise thrown in your lap one January morning. I've been saying I couldn't wait to get benefits, that I was running out of meds, that I had a Dr. appt. I even took the day off for the Dr. appt. soooo....huh? Small town. Small company. HUGE disregard.

Once again....I had been douched. Then it hit me. People really don't get it. This isn't about getting a flu shot or breast implants. This isn't about getting my teeth cleaned or vitamins. This is about life juice.

Life juice.

Without it......there is no life.

Period. New line.



















It's funny to me that I came home and I was so happy that I found a job and a boyf. I thought 'I was meant to be home! This was meant to be! YES!' Only to have both of those things douche me 3 months later. Awesome how life lessons never end.

I have to laugh though because I'm totally Murphy's Law. I have known this over half of my life. I have grown used to laughing about it because there is, in fact, humor in everything. Even pain, loss, disappointment...and douching. Letting it defeat me would go against everything I am as a person so I don't. This, of course, after the tears dry and the stress lessens..a bit.

I carry on.

And kick life's ass.

I now have a new job, benefits on the horizon, a fab new Dr. & lovely Pharmacist waiting. Side note: New Dr. quoted Princess Bride. How could I not love him? New Pharmacist is a doll face who referred me to him & is always willing to help. Kudos to them both.











I have had unbelievable kindness from friends, old and new, offering everything from money to meds to cawfee. Mmm....cawfee. That's some pretty fabulous karma...to be loved. So, a big thanks to my life heroes. A big puffy heart to you.

And a big GFYS to those who just don't get it.

As a big believer in karma, I have no doubt that what comes around....goes around....so hang on tight.

















It's coming.

*Peace.

The Price of Diabetes

If you have been reading my blog then you know about the medical issues every Diabetic faces. A person with Diabetes of any Type runs the risk of numerous health concerns and none of them are pleasant. Not a one. Nevertheless, the complications are endless and the consequences are inevitable..for many. That’s why I always stress to try and maintain the tightest control possible. Although, I know that sometimes any control is next to impossible. Sigh. Stupid Diabetes. It’s all just part of the dreaded path we were dropped on and forced to follow.




















However, medical issues are not the only price a person with Diabetes pays. The cost of Diabetes in the US ranges in the billions. Billions. Imagine what that breaks down per person? Oh. You can’t? Let me help you…on average, a person with Diabetes pays approximately 2.5 times more for their medical expenditures than people without Diabetes. More than double….even with health insurance.

Talk about getting screwed from every angle. Ouch.















If you are brave enough to find out what your estimated costs are, the ADA provides a Cost Calculator. I chose my state, Nevada. Shelley Berkley is my Congresswoman so I chose her district and the estimated cost for Diabetics is…..drumroll, please……$520,900,000! Just so I can live a full life like everyone else. Yay!

Crazy, no?

Before I knew my insurance would pay for One Touch test strips, I would shell out $30 for 25 strips. Keep in mind that I test my blood sugar approximately 10 times per day. This time you can do the math. I loathe math. Bleck. The FreeStyle test strips that go with my insulin pump cost even more. With insurance I get 100 One Touch strips for $25 and 100 FreeStyle for $50. This just an example of what one piece of my daily routine costs me.




















Oh, and PS, I’m not really the one to complain to when you say you don’t have any money. Haha! No, seriously, I’m not. Especially when you are married with no kids or no major health problems and you’re moaning to a single mom with a chronic disease. Sorry. You know who you are.



It simply amazes me to think what I could do with that money had I not have the misfortunate DNA that makes me who I am. I know one thing…my Eff It Bucket List would definitely have a lot more items crossed off. Le sigh.



















The annual cost of living with and treating Diabetics has doubled over the past 5 years. Simply due to the fact that there are more diagnoses each year and medical supply costs have increased. The price for all diseases, not just Diabetes, is astronomical. I think it’s very important for people to realize just how expensive it has become.

Someone is certainly making a crap load off of the sick & chronically diseased. I guess this supports my idea that if they did find a cure, those ‘Someone’s’ would lose a ton of money. Especially since most Diabetics are on more than one medication. Billions, and estimated soon to be trillions, of dollars are spent treating over 135 million Americans that live with chronic diseases. At least there were 135 million in 2005. So, I can’t help but think money, greed, wealth is the reason I don’t have a cure.

But…that’s just my opinion.

It’s pretty sad when the diagnosis of Diabetes isn’t shocking enough. The cost of having the disease will literally blow your mind…and your budget…and your savings account.

Booo.
















*Peace.