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Hi Everyone, I'm Carole

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    #16
    Originally posted by HellsBells1 View Post
    Oh, we do have the option to pay outside the system in Canada as well.

    We can pay for MRIs and be seen in a day, with the results going to our doctor or specialist. We can also go to private clinics and be seen by doctors right away. The problem is we have become so used to not having to pay, that most of us don't even explore those options, or aren't even aware they exist.
    That's why I asked Carole if she could do it.

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      #17
      Sorry, I thought you were implying that she go to the US to see a doctor and pay. I simply wanted to let everyone know that you don't have to go to the US if you are willing to pay, because so many don't even know it is available here.

      Canada has changed a lot over the past few years (but each province is different) in that we are moving more towards a two-tiered healthcare system - where the gov't H/C is available to all, but you will or do have the option to pay. It has been quite controversial though, because that means the rich get well and the not-so-rich wait, and a lot of doctors leave the public system to go to the private system, making the waits even longer.
      20+ years of sx - no dx yet - getting close!

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        #18
        Thank you all for your concern and caring!

        I finally got a new GP yesterday. He put a call in to a local children's hospital in the hope that they can see me after hours for an MRI.

        At some point, hopefully soon, somebody will call me with an appointment.

        I only recently found out that we can pay for our MRI's. ouch! At a cost of $800.00. There is no way I can scramble for that amount. I just have to keep hoping that they'll see me soon. I need to be on proper meds. I've been having a flare in the last few weeks and getting really anxious to get this under control.
        When I can laugh at my experiences, I own them and they don't own me!

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          #19
          I know... crazy expensive for docs and tests (in Canada or the U.S.)

          I hope you get seen soon. In Alberta, they started running every MRI at every hospital 24 hours/day x 7 days a week, and have cut their waiting lists for healthcare-paid MRI's down to less that 2 weeks, regardless of how urgent the case. You'd think with how much these machines cost, they would want to run them 24x7.
          20+ years of sx - no dx yet - getting close!

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            #20
            You must feel a little bit relieved to have a new, caring GP. I hope things can go forward (tests, getting a neuro, etc.) as far as finding out what's wrong and how to treat it!
            Jen
            RRMS 2005, Copaxone since 2007
            "I hope to be the person my dog thinks I am."

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              #21
              Thank you Jen, and yes, I am feeling relieved!
              When I can laugh at my experiences, I own them and they don't own me!

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                #22
                In Vancouver Also

                I also live in Vancouver, BC and I told my doc my symptoms in November 2012 and am finally getting in to see a Neuro next week February 2013! I hear that this little of a wait time is very unusual and the Neuro I am seeing is apparantly a MS Specialist so I feel very lucky.. I say hold on and keep hounding your doctors office, I called litterally every single day until I got my appt.
                I too was going to head to emergency, but now it's only a few days wait..

                Take it easy, make sure you are insistent with your doctors or you won't get anywhere.

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                  #23
                  CarolL,

                  Your story sounds all too familiar. I AM so sorry you have to go through this!!! I don't understand why you were told to "calm yourself". Seems to me (and PLEASE ANYONE do not think I am "bashing men") if M.S. were a predominately MALE disease, the docs would NEVER EVER tell us to "calm down" or that this is some type of nervous/phychological issue.

                  My advice is to HANG ON to your humor and stay as tough as you can. KNOW that there are others who are going through their own "hell" with MS, therefore you are NEVER alone!

                  Sending you hugs and "vibes of power and serenity"

                  Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.

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                    #24
                    Thanks to all of your for your concern and caring!

                    I'm feelin the love ...

                    Fishhead, you're right, I don't think a doctor would tell a man to calm down. May be its time to bring the shoulder pads back in style! Lol.
                    When I can laugh at my experiences, I own them and they don't own me!

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                      #25
                      You are right, a doc would not likely tell a man to calm down; My experience is more likely get lost or tough it out!

                      Gomer Sir Falls-a-lot

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                        #26
                        I'm so sorry Gomer,

                        I guess you went through the same thing. It appears to be so common. I guess the problem lies with doctors and their attitudes. When they don't want to investigate something they send us home and think problems will resolve themselves.
                        When I can laugh at my experiences, I own them and they don't own me!

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                          #27
                          Carol,

                          Hang in there and keep the walking plan alive.

                          The MS challenge is just that a challenge and perserverance and stubborness shall beat it.

                          Here in Canada the cold seems to make symptoms seem worse but alsas that may be an excuse. Just like you I may get frustrated at times, but I resolved to not be beat.

                          Take charge of yourself and look ahead, it shall be better!

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