19 November 2005
Modern Medicine
So i go to the doctor's office for a followup on my visit of some months ago.
Actually, there's noting to follow up, because Kate's insurance won't pay for the meds i need for the chronic fungal condition i have, which may actually trace all the way back to Viet Nam, for all i can say definitely.
First thing one of the doctors at the clinic prescribed was an oral medication that (A) requires close monitoring of liver function and (B) costs $13.98/dose -- taken daily, for a year.
Not covered.
Okay, so we try this anti-fungal nail lacquer.
Not quite so expensive, but equally Not Covered.
So Dr. Fogarty says to try tea tree oil.
Meanwhile, my blood pressure which was like580/225 (slight exaggeration) three months ago, and is now 110/80, with which Dr Fogarty is Well Pleased.
I had been on a course of Mobic for the inflammation in my knee subsequent to arthroscopic surgery, which expired the day that Fogarty put me on BP meds; i dunno if Mobic could have any tendency to elevate BP, butFogarty had me switch to ibuprofen, daily at first, then as needed for pain, which means almost never by now.
Of course, the BP meds are not fully covered by insurance, so instead of a $10 copay, it's $40 (though i may be able to get them through the VA, for a $7 copay).
I'm trying to get an appointment with a VA dermatologist (they're booked up right now); if i can convince them that this condition runs back to Viet Nam, i might be able to get a partial disability ruling on it, which would be nice all round... ¶ 12:13 PM
Actually, there's noting to follow up, because Kate's insurance won't pay for the meds i need for the chronic fungal condition i have, which may actually trace all the way back to Viet Nam, for all i can say definitely.
First thing one of the doctors at the clinic prescribed was an oral medication that (A) requires close monitoring of liver function and (B) costs $13.98/dose -- taken daily, for a year.
Not covered.
Okay, so we try this anti-fungal nail lacquer.
Not quite so expensive, but equally Not Covered.
So Dr. Fogarty says to try tea tree oil.
Meanwhile, my blood pressure which was like580/225 (slight exaggeration) three months ago, and is now 110/80, with which Dr Fogarty is Well Pleased.
I had been on a course of Mobic for the inflammation in my knee subsequent to arthroscopic surgery, which expired the day that Fogarty put me on BP meds; i dunno if Mobic could have any tendency to elevate BP, butFogarty had me switch to ibuprofen, daily at first, then as needed for pain, which means almost never by now.
Of course, the BP meds are not fully covered by insurance, so instead of a $10 copay, it's $40 (though i may be able to get them through the VA, for a $7 copay).
I'm trying to get an appointment with a VA dermatologist (they're booked up right now); if i can convince them that this condition runs back to Viet Nam, i might be able to get a partial disability ruling on it, which would be nice all round... ¶ 12:13 PM
