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Below are the 20 most recent journal entries recorded in the "wilksl" journal:[<< Previous 20 entries]
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05:21 pm
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My latest experience with Single Payer Healthcare
Several weeks ago I went in to my primary care doctor for a routine, yearly PAP smear. I had been having more issues than normal with UTIs and pelvic pain, so we discussed what was going on before, during, and after my exam. We determined that my endometriosis was flaring up again, and after talking about several potential options, my doctor recommended a consult with gynecology to see if I was a candidate for Mirena (a low-dose hormonal IUD).
Now, one of the things I hear people complaining about the possibility of a single-payer healthcare plan is that you'll have terrible long waits to see specialists. I placed a call, and was offered an appointment within two weeks of my call (I had to turn it down and take one later out, due to my taking a trip to the Mainland).
On to my actual appointment:
I had the SPC with me, since my research had shown me that if they chose to insert the day of consult, I wouldn't want to drive afterward. I showed up 15 minutes before my appointment, was called up to the desk after a 5 minute wait to verify my current medications and allergies, and was called into the office for vitals 5 minutes after my scheduled appointment time. A few minutes after that, I was called in to talk to the gynecologist.
The GYN asked a few questions, and we talked for about 15 minutes making sure my symptoms did match endometriosis, confirming my multiparous status (Mirena is not recommended for those who have not carried a pregnancy to term), and making sure I knew the risk factors. Then the GYN told me that due to my endometriosis, I would need to have a biopsy done (screening for endometrial cancer). Would I like to schedule it, or did I have time to do it today? I opted for today, since I had a ride.
Off to the lab for a SOP pregnancy test! I had a 10 minute wait in the lab, gave my sample, and the SPC and I walked down to the shopette and grabbed some water and snacks, and headed back up to OB/GYN. I was quickly called back into my room, now prepped for the biopsy. The GYN described the procedure in detail, and noticed my increasing nervousness (these situations trigger my PTSD, especially with an unfamiliar doctor). He asked me if I was sure I wanted to do this now. I told him that this was as calm as I was going to be, due to past experiences. He had me get dressed, and sent me off to the pharmacy for some Ativan, after determining that yes, I really did want to do this. I was to come back when it kicked in, and the SPC could come if it would make me more comfortable.
30 minutes after the pharmacy handed me the pill, I was called back in. The nurse, GYN, and med student all assured me that I really wasn't being a bother with my anxiety, that it was perfectly natural, and they apologized to me. They again described the procedure (I think partially for the SPC's benefit), and noted that I was still nervous, despite the Ativan obviously starting to work. At this point, I was offered the option of having the biopsy done in the OR, under general anesthetic.
I've never been offered this before, even when my PTSD was under much less control, and I was in the middle of a <i>bad</i> panic attack, and the equivalent of several uterine cysts bursting. That was with the best private insurance I've ever been on, and it wasn't even seen as an option. I was dumbfounded.
I turned down the OR. I didn't need it, and the GYN proceeded. He made sure I knew what he was doing, and while it was painful (and he ended up having to get 2 samples /wince), I felt safe, listened to, and in competent hands. I was not made to feel lesser for needing an anti-anxiety medication, and was reassured at each step that I was not being a bother.
I was then again told what to expect the next few days as a result of the biopsy, and my appointment for the Mirena insertion is set up for 3 weeks from now(and Ativan will be ready at the pharmacy an hour before the appointment, so I'll be prepped and ready).
So. That's one appointment in the United States single payer health care program called TriCare Prime. It's a shame that you either have to be military or a military 'dependent' to be on it. I say merge it with Medicare and call it a day.
Current Mood:  grateful
Tags: single payer healthcare obamacare tricar
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08:07 pm
[Link] | Headed to NH. Airports are hell, but the end result is worth it! Also, just got awesome news from a friend. :) Posted via LiveJournal.app.
Current Location: US, Hawaii, Honolulu
Tags: via ljapp
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09:58 am
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Happy St. Patrick's Day! Posted via LiveJournal.app.
Current Location: US, Hawaii, Honolulu, Honolulu
Tags: via ljapp
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09:27 am
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Latest tattoo :)
I just got this last night--it was much easier than my back piece! Each of the flower petals have 4-5 shades in them, and the stamen have 3. Spike's color work is amazing! The smallest, lowest hibiscus is actually yellow, but it was the last one done, so looks orange due to both blood seepage and red skin.
Oh, and being able to watch your tattoo being done? Makes it a LOT easier. :)
Of course, now I'm starting to contemplate a 3/4 sleeve, ocean scene. >.> Heh.
Current Location: Home
Current Mood: cheerful
Current Music: Blackfield
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07:15 am
[Link] | BUSH IS GONE! Woo! Trying to focus on the good this morning. Posted via LiveJournal.app.
Current Location: US, Hawaii, Honolulu, Honolulu
Tags: via ljapp
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10:12 pm
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Kipapa Gulch
We've been having a lot of rain lately, and the ground is totally saturated. My roof leaks (my landlord doesn't want to get it fixed, damn it all), but there's plenty of people who have it worse... including those who live in Kipapa Gulch.
Water coming off the hillside:
Crossing the old Mililani Bridge:
Backed up traffic:
As I drove up the hill to Waipio, the police were on their way. I'm assuming they set up the road block soon after... Compacts were having trouble with the crossing when I made it, and I was quite glad of the SUV for once!
It's just opened up about a half-hour ago, after about 6 hours closed.
Current Location: Home
Current Mood:  tired
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07:19 pm
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The tattoo is finished
And right now I want to get drunk. Damn, it hurts! But so worth it, Spike did a kickass job. Srsly, if you want a good job done, go to North Shore Tatttoo (808-637-8661).
Outline:
After the first session (4 hours):
Finished Product (2.5 hours):
BTW, if you've never gotten a tattoo done: None of the ink is red. The dragon is greyscale except for the green eyes. :)
Eventually, I'll fill in the rest of my back. After I forget how it feels, and after I get my leg started. :p
Current Location: Home
Current Mood: In pain
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09:36 am
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Oh, fuck it. :)
That's my basic attitude for the day. I'm not upset or angry, far from it! Actually, I'm even indulging in a touch of scheudenfraude re: Wasilla AoG burning. (http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/12/13/palin.church/index.html) Yes, I'm evil to enjoy this--but I was brought up in a AoG daughter cult, and trust me, they're evil. They want to take over the US, by force if necessary, and turn it into a theocracy to bring on the Rapture. /sigh
And this evening, I really should go to the FRG Brigade gathering, which will be aggressively Evangelical/Pentecostal Christian, with no thought for anyone who isn't.
But until I do that, I'm taking it easy. Old tank top and gym shorts, old movies, coffee, maybe some first gen Mario Bros... chili that I made last night... and li hing gummy bears. Christmas shopping can wait until tomorrow!
Current Location: Home
Current Mood: amused
Current Music: CNN
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08:12 am
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It doesn't storm often here
But when it does, damn!
I have a lovely little leak in my roof, the baseball fields across the street are a pond, and I was kept half-awake last night from the very loud, heavy rainfall. And we're still have heavy winds, and a forecast of more rain into tomorrow. Eep.
However, on the bright side: If I feel safe driving this afternoon, I'm getting my tattoo completed this afternoon; and tomorrow I'm going to see the premiere of Milk with friends (thanks for the invite, Keori!).
Now I'm off to make coffee. :p
Current Location: Home
Current Mood: sleepy
Current Music: Obama's News Conference
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06:53 pm
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A year... and counting
Why is it that scent has such a huge effect on memory?
I roasted a turkey yesterday, merely because I roast at least one turkey every year, and my freezer is sad without having at least some stock or turkey cubes or somesuch there. So yesterday I smelled roasting turkey. Today, it's the simmering stockpot (6 hours so far). And this time last year, this process was the last big thing Conrad and I did together before he deployed. He did the dishes and heavy lifting; I did the actual cooking.
Well, actually, not the absolute LAST big thing. I helped him pack, both his own stuff, and the comm room. But that's a bit too depressing to think about, heh. And makes me remember just how much USAF deployments irk me. Four months? Really? Oy. (Yes, Michael, I'm talking to you. Poor boy, can't get any for 4 months. *snerk*)
Anyway... The smell of turkey always reminds me of my little family. The kids, Conrad, a few friends who are more family than my 'real' family... Now is the holiday season, of holly and the bells, and waiting for March.
Current Location: Home
Current Mood:  thoughtful
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11:42 am
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At the Red Arrow
Finally on solid ground. Of course, half my luggage didn't make it past Dullas, and there was a mixup with the rental car (but I got some discounts there). So I'll have brunch and then drive up to Rochester and take a blessed nap. :) Posted via LiveJournal.app.
Current Location: The Red Arrow
Tags: via ljapp
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07:42 am
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Hate traveling
Waiting for my connection at Dullas. My atavan will wear off before I get on the plain, and I can't take more because I have to drive! Plans for the day:
Get and load rental
Go to Red Arrow for brunch
Drive to Rochester, unload bags, crash on couch and try to be good company until I'm sent to nap, LOL. Posted via LiveJournal.app.
Current Location: 38.964188, -77.443298
Tags: via ljapp
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07:00 pm
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Next year...
Tampa Bay played a good game. Still, I'm sorry my Red Sox didn't make it to the WS this year.
Current Location: Home
Current Mood:  blah
Current Music: Food Network
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10:33 pm
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It's not finished (there's one more session to be done later), but this is what I spent my afternoon and evening doing. Having done. Whatever.
Current Location: Home
Current Mood:  sore
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09:48 am
![[User Picture]](http://l-userpic.livejournal.com/69832083/13793271) [Link] |
Too good to not share
A Kazookeylele, must be seen to be believed.
http://www.monkeyreview.co.uk/index.php/2008/10/09/i-introduce-the-kazookeylele-this-is-wha
Current Mood: amused
Current Music: The Final Countdown
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07:24 am
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Conneticut allows same-sex marriage
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27117467
Hee! This is how it's going to be spread across the country.
Current Mood: chipper
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04:40 pm
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Random rant
Yes, I'm haole.
No, that does NOT mean that I need a fork. If there is steamed rice involved, I use chopsticks, thank you very much.
It's a good thing I have my own. *headdesk*
Current Mood:  irritated
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04:38 pm
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Trip jitters
I hate traveling. I should be able to get used to it, as I've done so much in the past year, but not so much.
But my tickets are bought, and I'll be spending the month of November in NH. Preliminary lodging has been arranged, thanks to a dear friend who offered up my old bedroom back to me (now with it's own thermostat!). I'm not looking forward to the cold... but I'm sure everyone else will have fun teasing me about it.
There's still a lot of planning to do: setting up the rental car, packing, communicating with the ex about the kids and custody and them possibly missing a day of school so that they can come when I pick Conrad up, letting Rear-D command know that I'm going off-island and making sure they have current contact info, filling my scripts so I don't run out, emptying my fridge, getting my hair trimmed, putting the mail on hold... never-ending chores. Hopefully it all goes smoothly!
And I'm nervous about seeing Conrad again, simply because it will have been 11 months since we've even been on the same continent, let alone the same room. And I'll have to let him go again after 18 days... I've been told it's harder the second time. The one bright spot is that because he's getting the last R&R, I'll have less time to wait for him to redeploy. Only the length of an Air Force deployment will be left! I can't wait for him to come back.
Current Location: Home
Current Mood:  anxious
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04:36 pm
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Little things...
I just got a call from my temp agency. A particular company that I've worked with before has asked if I could fill in for their receptionist again. It's just a 1-day gig, but the fact that they asked for me made my day.
In 14 days we finally find out when Conrad's getting leave. I'll have very little time to make the preparations for the trip to NH to meet him, but it should all work out. Hopefully. I'm really, really not looking forward to trying to find a hotel in November for 18+ days (have to take sandstorms into account!). But that's the way it is.
Current Location: Home
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12:14 pm
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It's a small, small world
Really, that title is justified. At the end of my yoga class, I went outside to put on my slippers, and saw a husband waiting for his wife to come out. He was wearing a Red Sox shirt. I smiled, waved, and said, "Red Sox Nation!". He laughed and asked where I was from.
"New Hampshire."
"Really? I'm from Manchester! What area are you from?"
"Oh, Seacoast, but grew up in Auburn."
"Auburn? I went to Pinkerton..."
"You've got to be joking."
So on the ewa side of the island, there are 2 people who attended a high school 6 time zones away. Now, doesn't that in itself put that annoying little earworm in your head?
Current Mood: amused
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