For the past week, I've been struggling with a decision. As my former TFL readers know, I'm drowning in debt and don't have much extra money. As most of you also know, I've got a lot of health problems.
For years, I've struggled with fibromyalgia. In 2007, I started as a patient at the Fibro and Fatigue Center in Las Vegas. My treatment has had its ups and downs. Earlier this year, the FFC announced that it would be going to a subscription plan. A plan that requires a large up-front payment. A payment that far exceeds what I would typically pay each year as a maintenance patient.
Last week, I saw my doctor there for my last appointment. I have been in a state of pure panic and anxiety ever since. Since I've been dealing with fibro for almost a decade, I've seen about 15 doctors for this and my related illnesses. Seeing new doctors causes me to feel panic. I found a doctor that I thought would be a suitable replacement, but quite frankly, I'm not comfortable making the change. I cannot go through another crash. It took forever to diagnose most of my problems in the first place. I am not ready to deal with being treated as a medical mystery again. I am also not ready to give up the meds that I've grown accustomed to and the level of care that I've received.
So for days, I mulled the decision. $2295 for a year with my current doctor, which also includes 48 supplements. Or the panic and potential crash of dealing with another new doctor. This kept me up at night. My stomach was in knots.
Finally, I decided that my health is more important. I am comfortable with my doctor. She has helped me more than any other doctor that I've seen. The initial outlay of the cash is going to delay killing Discover for a little bit. I am also taking money out of savings to cover the remainder. As I go to each appointment, I will be reimbursed by my FSA. My peace of mind is worth the price at this point. I didn't think that I'd have such an issue switching doctors, but I do.
I don't like that this is setting some of my goals back, but I also do not want to set my health back. I do not want to crash so that I can't work. I have been there. I don't want to go back to that place.
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I am absolutely an advocate of taking care of your health. It WILL cost money but as long as your treatments are effective, it’s worth it. Fibro is no joke, you have to take it seriously lest it kick your butt up one street and down the other.
Think about it, Missy. Would you rather feel miserable and dread getting up each day, or would you rather feel well enough to get out of bed every day and slay the daily dragons we encounter?
Good health is irreplaceable and, as we age, more elusive. Money, although somewhat elusive right now, is replaceable.
You know what to do.
Wow, not an easy situation to be in. Trying to get out of debt vs. taking care of your health.
But if you don’t have your health, would you be able to pursue your other goals? I think health should be the top priority now. Anyway, I hope things get better!
Health is everything. It doesn’t matter how much money you have if you don’t have your health. $2295 sounds like a lot of money, but it’s about $191 per month. If you are feeling good, it should be more than worth it.
This is my first time reading your blog, so please excuse me for not knowing any of your history. But, it seems like two attorneys should be doing pretty well financially. Maybe, some small lifestyle changes could turn things around.
If you are being successfully treated, then another physician should be able to continue treating you for far less money than what that Fibro and Fatigue Center now demands up front. The name of the center alone makes me shudder, because the physicians seem to be lumping fibromyalgia with chronic fatigue syndrome. The latter is experienced mostly by people with depression who try to blame their fatigue, lethargy, and apathy on a somatic illness instead of a mood disorder. Although there are a few fakers, most people with fibromyalgia have detectable damage and pain in their muscles. If I had fibromyalgia, I would not want to lumped with chronic fatigue syndrome patients.
To Dr. T – http://www.danielleliss.com/2010/06/a-note-to-dr-t-on-fibromyalgia-and-chronic-fatigue-syndrome.html
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