Health problems...feeling guilty about how much my family has to spend on me...what would you do?I have a few health problems that are chronic and very, very expensive. I have psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, and I take Remicade and Methotrexate for it. If I didn't, my body would be covered in red lesions (I've been covered up to 70% of my body) and I'd be walking with a cane, preparing to have hip replacement. I know I need this treatment. Remicade is EXTREMELY expensive. My doctor's office used to let me make payments...but they've changed their policy and you have to pay upfront. I have insurance, but I have to pay a very large deductible. This, plus the daily meds I take for the condition, plus meds for high bp, depression, and GERD, cost a helluva lot of money.
I had bronchitis for three months starting in October of last year. Long story short, they discovered I have a slightly deviated septum and an old infection in my sinuses. I took meds, and now I'm supposed to have a second CT of the sinuses...and I know that they're going to find that I'm no better. The next step could be surgery. I'm feeling EXTREMELY guilty about how much my problems literally cost my family. I quit smoking and started eating better...but it's not helping any of my conditions get better. This sinus thing is not a life or death situation here, or a question of mobility like my arthritis is. I'm tempted to blow it off. Yes, I have a chronic sore throat. No, I really can't sing anymore...but I'm not a professional, I just sing at church and civic theater. I get so worried when I think about how much all these medical things cost, and with the economy the way it is, I know we could go broke in no time. What would you do if you were me? How important is it to fix this?
-Blossom*
I am so sorry you are going through this.
Only you and your family know the state of your finances, and I do understand why you feel guilty. BUT you should not feel guilty.
Did you ask for all this?? Of course not.
So it is not your fault is it?
You must not let guilt add to your problems.
To me, regarding the sinus issue, I would get it resolved. It is something you do not need to be dealing with...and if it is robbing you of singing, whether or not you are a professional, it is robbing you of joy. We all need and deserve our creative outlet...and there are health benefits in having such an outlet.
You deserve the best health you can manage.
I am sure your family would agree.
xxx
-Penny A (Vanessa)
I feel sorry for you Americans, being forced to pay for private insurance and also having to pay for your own medications which are insanely expensive. You can't help it if you are sick, you have no control over it, and your body is telling you that certain parts of it needs fixing.
Maybe sort out the most serious problems first, and then attend to the less urgent problems a little later. But don't neglect your health - your health is the most important thing you can have (besides your family of course).
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