The Political Discussion Thread

[Falcon Horus]

okay, totally off-subject for a second, but I wanted to share this bit from the Pope. Finally, a non-judgmental Pope!

A) he's referring to gay priests and not the entire world of LGBT people so it would be more applicable in the Religious thread

Agreed, it should have been in the LGBT thread. Any mods venturing down here I put forth the motion that this sidetrack should be moved to that thread as it is more appropriate.

B) it's not applicable to people who aren't clergy

because the Pope speaks of a gay lobbing group within the church. I found his stand to be refreshing - don't judge people before they've acted. If their actions are contrary to beliefs/laws/etc. THEN condemn.

C) politics within the church are like regular politics... just as complicated and equally as ugly at times

[Seastallion]

I do intend to reply to several folks, but just giving a heads up that I won't be able to do so, for at least a few days. I will be incommunicado. We're getting ready to move, and I'll be out of town for a few days to try and get some employment, and also to work on the house we'll be living in. Ugh. I hate moving.

On another personal note, I scored a 'Gold' on the NCRC (National Career Readiness Certification), and was only 3 questions shy of making 'Platinum'. Frustrating, but otherwise, "Yay me..!" Still, Gold is good. The testing ranges between, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. If you don't do well enough to get Bronze, then you wasted your time completely, and personally I'd be embarrassed to get Bronze. Gold basically means that you're qualified for about 90% of the jobs available, and Platinum means your qualified for about 99% of them. Ugh. I was only THREE question away from Platinum..! It drives me nuts, knowing I was so close. I thought I was maybe 5 questions away from it, and the lady at the center, said, "No, it is more like 3 questions." Arrrgggg..! Anyways...

As to the airship thing, I agree they are awesome, and they can probably carry a lot more cargo than some people are thinking. Just one airship can carry the equivalent of an entire convoy of big-rigs, and they aren't constrained by roads, or the lack of them. They can drop cargo off anywhere, even the most remote parts of Africa or the Amazon Rain Forrest. They don't need runways, because they're VTOL capable. They have a hard outer surface like a plane, but they're 'fat' appearance is because of the helium sacks that help keep them in the air. They are actually heavier than air, unlike a blimp, so must also rely on their engines. They also have a lot more room inside than one might imagine compared to a blimp. They're fairly fast (compared to a blimp), but not quite as fast as some passenger jets, but you'd also get a LOT more leg room. I've seen designs that incorporate what amounts to 'mini-malls' and observatories on board, aside from the seating areas.

[Gatefan1976]

Some info on the *Dirigible* that Seastallion has pictured:
http://www.gizmag.com/aeroscraft-dir...airship/25271/

[SGalisa]

Part of this has nothing to do with politics, unless it's future is paid for by *Obamacare* (Affordable Health Care Act), but to answer the questions...

Have you never heard the expression "it has to hurt before it heals"?

hmmm, have you ever had a back spasm that lasted for more than 3 days and happened several times a minute, causing difficulty to even breathe without hurting from stabbing pain? What am I going to do? Spend tons of money to lose time at work (firstly in order to pay this new medical bill), because precious time was spent a week in the hospital being stretched out on some steel bar and jacked up with morphine pain meds? The pain is *that* extreme. And I've heard this story over and over on several different medical website forums from other people who have suffered the same problem.

The pain site is also usually triggered from a nerve being annoyed that starts to throb. I've been informed that it is similar to neurological ailments such as Parkinson's or Epilepsy, etc. In this particular situation, muscular therapy and pain meds
do NOT stop the (involuntarily) throbbing, so this takes pain to a completely (higher) level and threshold.

...Let's see, not sure if your "provider" is the same definition as how it is used in the USA. The "provider" (is the Health Care insurance company..) The "provider" doesn't tell the customer how to use the unit. I got it from a hospital supply store. The salesperson, at the hospital supply store, told me that my doctor would show me how to use the unit (which was how it ended up being done, but no one was certain about how much time on the machine is too much length of time, thus causing potentially damaging results). The health care insurance provider determines where the code is on the bill of sale and where it gets directed on the insurance plan. The TENS unit itself did not even state how often was too much time on one specific area per day.


The doctor informs the client how to use the unit, which in part was done, but not entirely because of a gray area no one knew the answer to, unless they were a neurology specialist. That would have been the next step. I already had the wonderful experience at the hands of skilled therapists using a more expensive TENS unit device. It was expensive to use their equipment, which you can use in any sports gym, but got the benefit of (paying more for) a therapist digging out the cramps (and causing more cramps while doing so) right before they set up the machine to make you feel Ooooooo and Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh.. I was eternally grateful for the machine. NOt so happy about the human paws on technique to make the cramps get worse, before they got better.

Right, so your provider.
If they did not know how a TENS unit is supposed to be operated, then they have no business attempting to sell or get you to use one without telling you this.
IF they did tell you this, and you did it anyway, you must accept the burden of "blame" here.
...
Who suggested a TENS machine? THAT is the provider, the rest is just where you got it and your insurance details. If you had a infected toe and the doctor prescribed a Anti-biotic, he PROVIDES the prescription. WHERE you fill that out is your business.

Wrong. Maybe in your part of the world, the term "provider" means medical personnel=doctors/nursing staff.
On this side of the ocean, "provider" means *health insurance carrier* = the folks who pay out the rest of the money to the medical folks treating (generic) you for whatever is ailing you. Many of the people working at the insurance companies are simply general clerk-type office workers, and have no degrees or experience in medical care whatsoever beyond the forms they process for payment (which comes from the banks or some sort of medical funding/money supply company).

Thus, the insurance carrier only specifies what items purchased for specified health treatment that the gov't (CDC?) allows the insurance carrier to pay out.
Need to keep separate the doctors/nursing staff from the insurance carrier.

I worked for several insurance carriers, so I know when I fill out those medical forms at the doctor's office, "provider" means insurance company paying out the rest of the bill. It also asks that on each form. If it does not, it is fairly understood the insurance carrier is the "provider" name in question.
Otherwise, it makes absolutely NO sense for the doctor's office to ask the patient what the name is of the doctor treating the patient, since they *already* have that in their medical records. What they don't have is you personal other info, like ID (something that reveals you are really *you*!) and the group/ID numbers of the insurance company you are signed up with to help you pay your doctor money owed for specific treatment given.

People getting free gov't treatment also have to fill out forms, but if the carrier is provided by a state health care system, I think it is the doctor's office (accounting section) who sends the document(s) out for the state to complete (medicaid/medicare) for payment approval.

Why are you considering a Neurologist and not a Physiologist? I would more trust my muscles to MG than a Neurologist.......

Maybe because I have a neurological issue (spasms triggered by nerves being irritated), and not because my muscles simply hurt. Exercises and therapy can help alleviate *some* of the pain, but it doesn't *prevent* the problem from reoccurring, and especially not (i.e., not helping) IF any of the exercises/treatments are adding to the problem rather than helping to CURE it or slow it down.

Been to physiologists (therapists assigned by the DO/ostiopath) to help me work around my slipped/herniated discs, etc. --that's what started the diagnosis years and years ago, but since then, the problem has deteriorated to whole new levels.. Physiologists and therapy exercises helped a little, but only rich folks can afford to return for more/continuous therapy/spa-like treatment. I had most of the basic therapy items at home (had to buy the elastic band and giant rubber ball), but when your spine goes out of joint because it is GRINDING down on itself, it's better to realign the spine (and fix the causes behind the trigger points) first before continuing the exercises! Same issues with bad knees/joints that are disintegrating. Muscular therapy only goes so far. The rest requires surgery, but only as a last resort!

Before I found out my own situation had turned into a permanent domino effect, due to age related issues (and not reversible or curable), I even looked into a chiropractor with a decompression spinal machine (costs $300 buckeroos up front, over $1000 for full treatment), and the insurance provider does NOT pay for the machine, so I was informed by the nice receptionist processing the forms.

Some insurance carriers DO pay out for what is called an Atlas Orthogonal Technique, where the spine is adjusted by a machine at the neck. It is sort of similar to a spinal decompression device, that helps stretch the spine and supposedly adjust it back into place. Again, Atlas treatments are frequent and costly especially in the first 3 months; and I have heard a few horror stories where the machine failed after a year or so, because the original spinal mapping in the patient slipped off of its original, atlas spot, due to either moving or sleeping in a way that threw it off track. Simply carrying groceries (and the bags don't have to be heavy, either) can mess havoc with one's spine (I know.. been there, done that!!!)

Yeah, long story started over ten years ago. It's apparently inherited from both my parents and often occurs AFTER there is some sort of cartilage disintegration (to which there is no cure). Problem is now looking into LONG-term (permanent) treatment (cost vs available time/equipment, etc.), and there are many other folks out there also dealing with this health issue, besides me. That's why I'd rather move the rest of this into the tracking earth's future... topic, instead. Can discuss more details about the medical wonders in there than a political topic..

Therefore, maybe I should hold off until this stuff gets discussed in there instead?

If you wish.

later.

[Gatefan1976]

Part of this has nothing to do with politics, unless it's future is paid for by *Obamacare* (Affordable Health Care Act), but to answer the questions...



hmmm, have you ever had a back spasm that lasted for more than 3 days and happened several times a minute, causing difficulty to even breathe without hurting from stabbing pain? What am I going to do? Spend tons of money to lose time at work (firstly in order to pay this new medical bill), because precious time was spent a week in the hospital being stretched out on some steel bar and jacked up with morphine pain meds? The pain is *that* extreme. And I've heard this story over and over on several different medical website forums from other people who have suffered the same problem.

The pain site is also usually triggered from a nerve being annoyed that starts to throb. I've been informed that it is similar to neurological ailments such as Parkinson's or Epilepsy, etc. In this particular situation, muscular therapy and pain meds
do NOT stop the (involuntarily) throbbing, so this takes pain to a completely (higher) level and threshold.

Mrs GF has "spasms" where the nerves in her lower back go nuts and there is nothing I or anyone else can seem to do for them. We have Identified the problem (lower back nerve damage located very close to her lower spine) but there does not seem to be anything that can be done without long term care. Is this what you experience?

Wrong. Maybe in your part of the world, the term "provider" means medical personnel=doctors/nursing staff.
On this side of the ocean, "provider" means *health insurance carrier* = the folks who pay out the rest of the money to the medical folks treating (generic) you for whatever is ailing you. Many of the people working at the insurance companies are simply general clerk-type office workers, and have no degrees or experience in medical care whatsoever beyond the forms they process for payment (which comes from the banks or some sort of medical funding/money supply company).

So it's backwards then? Colour me shocked!!

Thus, the insurance carrier only specifies what items purchased for specified health treatment that the gov't (CDC?) allows the insurance carrier to pay out.

I doubt it is the CDC dear

Need to keep separate the doctors/nursing staff from the insurance carrier.

Why?

I worked for several insurance carriers, so I know when I fill out those medical forms at the doctor's office, "provider" means insurance company paying out the rest of the bill. It also asks that on each form. If it does not, it is fairly understood the insurance carrier is the "provider" name in question.

So, again, it's backwards. Your system cares more about who is paying for the bill than giving two hoots about the patient.

Otherwise, it makes absolutely NO sense for the doctor's office to ask the patient what the name is of the doctor treating the patient, since they *already* have that in their medical records.

My doctors *KNOW* my name, probably because they are, oh I dunno, DOCTORS!! I am not just a number on a healthcare form (ok, sure I am a billing code at some point, but I am not just "15 mins NEXT" ".

What they don't have is you personal other info, like ID (something that reveals you are really *you*!) and the group/ID numbers of the insurance company you are signed up with to help you pay your doctor money owed for specific treatment given.

If your doctors were competent, they need that for first consultation, true. After that, they should KNOW what you need.
If I go see my doctor in late June/July EVERY year, he KNOWS my tonsils have flared up because of temperature changes. I walk in and he looks at me and says "tonsils?" I go "Yep" and we are all but done. If I walk in and there is more, we check it out.

People getting free gov't treatment also have to fill out forms, but if the carrier is provided by a state health care system, I think it is the doctor's office (accounting section) who sends the document(s) out for the state to complete (medicaid/medicare) for payment approval.

We swipe out medicare card. Bit different yeah?

Maybe because I have a neurological issue (spasms triggered by nerves being irritated), and not because my muscles simply hurt.

That's Neurophysical, so that could be our difference.

Exercises and therapy can help alleviate *some* of the pain, but it doesn't *prevent* the problem from reoccurring, and especially not (i.e., not helping) IF any of the exercises/treatments are adding to the problem rather than helping to CURE it or slow it down.

I doubt you will EVER get rid of the pain, much like I doubt Mrs GF will ever get rid of it either.

Been to physiologists (therapists assigned by the DO/ostiopath) to help me work around my slipped/herniated discs, etc. --that's what started the diagnosis years and years ago, but since then, the problem has deteriorated to whole new levels.. Physiologists and therapy exercises helped a little, but only rich folks can afford to return for more/continuous therapy/spa-like treatment.

That is the system that exists in the US, you have a chance to change it.

I had most of the basic therapy items at home (had to buy the elastic band and giant rubber ball),

Using those "basic" resistance bands and me being willing to use them did EVERYTHING that the Physio could not do in one session a week.

but when your spine goes out of joint because it is GRINDING down on itself, it's better to realign the spine (and fix the causes behind the trigger points) first before continuing the exercises! Same issues with bad knees/joints that are disintegrating. Muscular therapy only goes so far. The rest requires surgery, but only as a last resort!

If your joints are disintergrating, NOTHING will help long term, that's reaching the levels of pain management, not repair and reconditioning.

To put this back onto a political bent, look at the way your county organizes its "healthcare", because from everything you have said, they really don't give two hoots about your health, just what they can make out of your condition. America has a chance to at least try a different way, take it or not, it's up to you folks

[Gatefan1976]

Part of this has nothing to do with politics, unless it's future is paid for by *Obamacare* (Affordable Health Care Act), but to answer the questions...



hmmm, have you ever had a back spasm that lasted for more than 3 days and happened several times a minute, causing difficulty to even breathe without hurting from stabbing pain? What am I going to do? Spend tons of money to lose time at work (firstly in order to pay this new medical bill), because precious time was spent a week in the hospital being stretched out on some steel bar and jacked up with morphine pain meds? The pain is *that* extreme. And I've heard this story over and over on several different medical website forums from other people who have suffered the same problem.

The pain site is also usually triggered from a nerve being annoyed that starts to throb. I've been informed that it is similar to neurological ailments such as Parkinson's or Epilepsy, etc. In this particular situation, muscular therapy and pain meds
do NOT stop the (involuntarily) throbbing, so this takes pain to a completely (higher) level and threshold.

Mrs GF has "spasms" where the nerves in her lower back go nuts and there is nothing I or anyone else can seem to do for them. We have Identified the problem (lower back nerve damage located very close to her lower spine) but there does not seem to be anything that can be done without long term care. Is this what you experience?

Wrong. Maybe in your part of the world, the term "provider" means medical personnel=doctors/nursing staff.
On this side of the ocean, "provider" means *health insurance carrier* = the folks who pay out the rest of the money to the medical folks treating (generic) you for whatever is ailing you. Many of the people working at the insurance companies are simply general clerk-type office workers, and have no degrees or experience in medical care whatsoever beyond the forms they process for payment (which comes from the banks or some sort of medical funding/money supply company).

So it's backwards then? Colour me shocked!!

Thus, the insurance carrier only specifies what items purchased for specified health treatment that the gov't (CDC?) allows the insurance carrier to pay out.

I doubt it is the CDC dear

Need to keep separate the doctors/nursing staff from the insurance carrier.

Why?

I worked for several insurance carriers, so I know when I fill out those medical forms at the doctor's office, "provider" means insurance company paying out the rest of the bill. It also asks that on each form. If it does not, it is fairly understood the insurance carrier is the "provider" name in question.

So, again, it's backwards. Your system cares more about who is paying for the bill than giving two hoots about the patient.

Otherwise, it makes absolutely NO sense for the doctor's office to ask the patient what the name is of the doctor treating the patient, since they *already* have that in their medical records.

My doctors *KNOW* my name, probably because they are, oh I dunno, DOCTORS!! I am not just a number on a healthcare form (ok, sure I am a billing code at some point, but I am not just "15 mins NEXT" ".

What they don't have is you personal other info, like ID (something that reveals you are really *you*!) and the group/ID numbers of the insurance company you are signed up with to help you pay your doctor money owed for specific treatment given.

If your doctors were competent, they need that for first consultation, true. After that, they should KNOW what you need.
If I go see my doctor in late June/July EVERY year, he KNOWS my tonsils have flared up because of temperature changes. I walk in and he looks at me and says "tonsils?" I go "Yep" and we are all but done. If I walk in and there is more, we check it out.

People getting free gov't treatment also have to fill out forms, but if the carrier is provided by a state health care system, I think it is the doctor's office (accounting section) who sends the document(s) out for the state to complete (medicaid/medicare) for payment approval.

We swipe out medicare card. Bit different yeah?

Maybe because I have a neurological issue (spasms triggered by nerves being irritated), and not because my muscles simply hurt.

That's Neurophysical, so that could be our difference.

Exercises and therapy can help alleviate *some* of the pain, but it doesn't *prevent* the problem from reoccurring, and especially not (i.e., not helping) IF any of the exercises/treatments are adding to the problem rather than helping to CURE it or slow it down.

I doubt you will EVER get rid of the pain, much like I doubt Mrs GF will ever get rid of it either.

Been to physiologists (therapists assigned by the DO/ostiopath) to help me work around my slipped/herniated discs, etc. --that's what started the diagnosis years and years ago, but since then, the problem has deteriorated to whole new levels.. Physiologists and therapy exercises helped a little, but only rich folks can afford to return for more/continuous therapy/spa-like treatment.

That is the system that exists in the US, you have a chance to change it.

I had most of the basic therapy items at home (had to buy the elastic band and giant rubber ball),

Using those "basic" resistance bands and me being willing to use them did EVERYTHING that the Physio could not do in one session a week.

but when your spine goes out of joint because it is GRINDING down on itself, it's better to realign the spine (and fix the causes behind the trigger points) first before continuing the exercises! Same issues with bad knees/joints that are disintegrating. Muscular therapy only goes so far. The rest requires surgery, but only as a last resort!

If your joints are disintergrating, NOTHING will help long term, that's reaching the levels of pain management, not repair and reconditioning.

To put this back onto a political bent, look at the way your county organizes its "healthcare", because from everything you have said, they really don't give two hoots about your health, just what they can make out of your condition. America has a chance to at least try a different way, take it or not, it's up to you folks

[Ukko]

To put this back onto a political bent, look at the way your county organizes its "healthcare", because from everything you have said, they really don't give two hoots about your health, just what they can make out of your condition. America has a chance to at least try a different way, take it or not, it's up to you folks

Dont be silly. The other way is the commie way, with evil sinister governments, death panels and two by two hands of blue....aaaah!! *Runs*

[Gatefan1976]

Dont be silly. The other way is the commie way, with evil sinister governments, death panels and two by two hands of blue....aaaah!! *Runs*

You be right Ukko, I was being silly

[jelgate]

Dont be silly. The other way is the commie way, with evil sinister governments, death panels and two by two hands of blue....aaaah!! *Runs*

I dare you to find a government that isn't evil and sinister

[Gatefan1976]

I dare you to find a government that isn't evil and sinister

I thought jelgatism was noble and pure??

You LIED to us!!!

[jelgate]

I thought jelgatism was noble and pure??

You LIED to us!!!

Jelgatism is a religion not a government

[SGalisa]

Gatefan1976, you have a double post there, so I'm replying to the first one, instead. (and here, I thought it was me that caused the forum to give me a major headache.. agh! maybe I did, but I fixed my end!)

at post #13902458
My doctors *KNOW* my name, probably because they are, oh I dunno, DOCTORS!! I am not just a number on a healthcare form (ok, sure I am a billing code at some point, but I am not just "15 mins NEXT" ".

Ummm, I didn't even get FIVE minutes. Doc wouldn't let me tell him what I thought was going on, either. In the past several years, he has asked me to show up with a written list of symptoms and solutions tried so far, so I don't waste his tick-tocking time clock. He was my regular Doctor and has been in a grouped HMO sort of medical plan service for many years, now. However, when he first started, his office was double booking patient appointments. Now, his office triple books their patient appointments, partly in case someone cancels, they still have 2 gullible people to ciphen some huge dollar bills out of.. insurance pays for most of it if the patient has a decent (good) co-pay plan. So, I'm guessing a simple medical visit cost sky-rocketed over these many years, due to malpractice insurance premium cushions..? It's because of his stressed out schedule that has caused him to turn a deaf ear and lack of better compassion for some of his (more talkative) patients.

...So it's backwards then? Colour me shocked!!
...
So, again, it's backwards. Your system cares more about who is paying for the bill than giving two hoots about the patient.

uhhh, yah think??
So, is that what all the griping has been about these past few years... as if I hadn't ever noticed..

That is the system that exists in the US, you have a chance to change it.
...
To put this back onto a political bent, look at the way your county organizes its "healthcare", because from everything you have said, they really don't give two hoots about your health, just what they can make out of your condition. America has a chance to at least try a different way, take it or not, it's up to you folks

good luck trying. President Obama won't back off of his *political baby (document)* health plan that easily.
I'm just amazed that some of the Unions (who originally supported him and his health care plan) are finally realizing it is not such a good plan, afterall..

Mrs GF has "spasms" where the nerves in her lower back go nuts and there is nothing I or anyone else can seem to do for them. We have Identified the problem (lower back nerve damage located very close to her lower spine) but there does not seem to be anything that can be done without long term care. Is this what you experience?
...
That's Neurophysical, so that could be our difference.


I doubt you will EVER get rid of the pain, much like I doubt Mrs GF will ever get rid of it either.
...
If your joints are disintergrating, NOTHING will help long term, that's reaching the levels of pain management, not repair and reconditioning.

yeah, well, sadly... I know that.
And I did expand on this (and what actually helped me) in the other "tracking Earth's future..." topic.
There really IS or at least *might be* some hope for your Mrs GF, but it might take a while to figure out what works better than something else. Doesn't hurt at this point to try an exercise (it's free and basically stuff we used to do in high school gym classes, but have probably stopped doing because we're not in school any more! ) -- but if attempting to do the exercises, DO please consult with your physician first before doing anything major.

It was what the therapists were recommending me to do, I did, but that aggravated my problem worse. A new disc slipped and because it moved, something in that zone (including an annoying bra hook) began poking at my nerves there and that caused the muscles to spasm out into something awful. It lasted for weeks, not just a few days.

I met someone else in his 30's (?) having a similar issue for several weeks with his back (at the same time I had my spasms), and he says he's tried the exercises and has been okay ever since. He carries a lot of weight around (including his toddler), so he knows if he ever stops doing the exercises and gets the chronic spasms again, he *HAS* to resort to the exercises (if they actually worked before), and stick to a regular routine or suffer horrible pain and be forced to not be able to work. It's not an option with him to keep his spine as healthy as possible, but a necessity.

I made the (specific exercise) recommendation to several other people (whom I see on a regular basis - face to face), and they claim it has helped a bunch, as well! Cost is cheap too (free with reduced meds and less pain!). I also always *know* when the spine weakens, because I can't even hold a 3 ounce cup of water to drink it without gagging in extreme pain. So, imagine a female with this problem trying to carry a purse..!
I'd say that's a bit CHRONIC..!

What I did, helped me in an amazing (MIRACLE) way. The answer is in the tracking topic, page 11 post #204 thereabouts (gw entry#13902480).
I thought I had NO more hope and no way out of a desperate situation. But found an amazing exercise (series of exercises) that is actually for the lower spine (thus might help out your Mrs GF), but does help the mid-spine (T-spine) as well. I've had to improvise on some of the exercises to make it work better. I would recommend reading the tracking post first; then if you need or want further help, I can PM some of the sites I found the info actually at. Hopefully, there is relief for / in your Mrs GF's future. I found it, and couldn't believe it actually worked for me, and especially because the other options were suddenly appearing more and more hopeLESS, especially financially, but also in both the long and immediate short-term physical relief views. It's a horrible day when you can no longer function as (what you thought was) a former human being.

[Gatefan1976]

Gatefan1976, you have a double post there, so I'm replying to the first one, instead. (and here, I thought it was me that caused the forum to give me a major headache.. agh! maybe I did, but I fixed my end!)

Yeah, GW has been going nut for me lately, sorry SG

Ummm, I didn't even get FIVE minutes. Doc wouldn't let me tell him what I thought was going on, either. In the past several years, he has asked me to show up with a written list of symptoms and solutions tried so far, so I don't waste his tick-tocking time clock. He was my regular Doctor and has been in a grouped HMO sort of medical plan service for many years, now. However, when he first started, his office was double booking patient appointments. Now, his office triple books their patient appointments, partly in case someone cancels, they still have 2 gullible people to ciphen some huge dollar bills out of.. insurance pays for most of it if the patient has a decent (good) co-pay plan. So, I'm guessing a simple medical visit cost sky-rocketed over these many years, due to malpractice insurance premium cushions..? It's because of his stressed out schedule that has caused him to turn a deaf ear and lack of better compassion for some of his (more talkative) patients.

Dear, it's not Double booking, or triple booking, it's the GARBAGE that these folks have to deal with. You think it's bad for you? You are right, it is. Do you think it is any better for someone to have to double or triple book? Its the system behind them that's broken dear.

uhhh, yah think??
So, is that what all the griping has been about these past few years... as if I hadn't ever noticed..

This makes no sense when you say...........

good luck trying. President Obama won't back off of his *political baby (document)* health plan that easily.
I'm just amazed that some of the Unions (who originally supported him and his health care plan) are finally realizing it is not such a good plan, afterall..

Here is the oppertunity to change things. "Obamacare" *on the SURFACE* is more in line with stuff like the healthcare we have out here. You need a doc, fine, here is a doc. YOU don't pay him, the government does, so he does not need to double or triple book. You need to go to hospital to get something done, you go to Emergency if it is an emergency, you see a doc, and it just gets DONE. Having a baby? Here is your doc, your midwife and a room in the birthing ward, no direct charge.
For ALL this "commie crap" you need your medicare card.
How is this marvel paid for?? by a generic medicare tax (flat percentage of your earnings), with discounts for having private insurance as well (which is around 30-60 dollars a month).

yeah, well, sadly... I know that.
And I did expand on this (and what actually helped me) in the other "tracking Earth's future..." topic.
There really IS or at least *might be* some hope for your Mrs GF, but it might take a while to figure out what works better than something else. Doesn't hurt at this point to try an exercise (it's free and basically stuff we used to do in high school gym classes, but have probably stopped doing because we're not in school any more! ) -- but if attempting to do the exercises, DO please consult with your physical first before doing anything major.

She does directed Hydrotherapy now, which has helped a lot, also mechanical massage (and some natural) and good old fashioned taking a walk. Simply she needed to retrain how she does things.

It was what the therapists were recommending me to do, I did, but that aggravated my problem worse. A new disc slipped and because it moved, something in that zone (including an annoying bra hook) began poking at my nerves there and that caused the muscles to spasm out into something awful. It lasted for weeks, not just a few days. I made the recommendation to several other people (whom I see on a regular basis - face to face), and they claim it has helped a bunch, as well! Cost is cheap too (free with reduced meds and less pain!). I also always *know* when the spine weakens, because I can't even hold a 3 ounce cup of water to drink it without gagging in extreme pain. So, imagine a female with this problem trying to carry a purse..!
I'd say that's a bit CHRONIC..!

I can only try to help with my own experience, but I would recommend some hydrotherapy for you as well. Mrs GF's pain in lower, but the RESPONE is very similar, like a "pinched nerve" but it is internal.

What I did, helped me in an amazing (MIRACLE) way. The answer is in the tracking topic, page 11 post #204 thereabouts (gw entry#13902480).
I thought I had NO more hope and no way out of a desperate situation. But found an amazing exercise (series of exercises) that is actually for the lower spine (thus might help out your Mrs GF), but does help the mid-spine (T-spine) as well. I've had to improvise on some of the exercises to make it work better. I would recommend reading the tracking post first; then if you need or want further help, I can PM some of the sites I found the info actually at. Hopefully, there is relief for / in your Mrs GF's future. I found it, and couldn't believe it actually worked for me, and especially because the other options were suddenly appearing more and more hopeLESS, especially financially, but also in both the long and immediate short-term physical relief views. It's a horrible day when you can no longer function as (what you thought was) a former human being.

Oh, she has gotten much better based on her advice from a physiologist, but nothing will ever "take it all away" At this point it is management, a "cure" is simply not going to happen any time soon

[SGalisa]

GF - I'm not going to get into the Obama health care plan stuff at this hour, so if you or anyone else can figure out how to fix the medical / health plan payment system, good luck.

She does directed Hydrotherapy now, which has helped a lot, also mechanical massage (and some natural) and good old fashioned taking a walk. Simply she needed to retrain how she does things.


I can only try to help with my own experience, but I would recommend some hydrotherapy for you as well. Mrs GF's pain in lower, but the RESPONE is very similar, like a "pinched nerve" but it is internal.

Oh, she has gotten much better based on her advice from a physiologist, but nothing will ever "take it all away" At this point it is management, a "cure" is simply not going to happen any time soon

I've tried swimming.. (water aerobics therapy) It works amazing wonders. But finding a pool or even a lake to swim in, costs money nowadays. Even when I have had the money (birthday/Christmas gift), it's time management issues that interfers in going (to a pool).

Not recommended to jump into just any body of water. Some natural lakes have leeches lurking in the mud. Others have water snakes slithering between.. Oceans have jellyfish underfoot, and fishes distracting one's concentration.. nevermind the additional undertoe of the water currents to maintain one's balance.

So, for folks who can't always get to a pool or lake (forget the ocean! too many other critters to bother yah), the exercises help. Just need a mat, or blanket, and (generic) you. Can be done for one minute (one session per exercise) or five minutes or a half hour. The more sessions done, the better, but in a quick fix, beggers (desperate for pain relief) can't be too choosey..

And another thing, once the cartilage starts to go, there is no cure to stop it or reverse it. That includes exercises won't cure a person from their ailment. The (therapy) exercises *might* only help slow the deterioration process down and alleviate some of the pain, but not all the time, and do NOT cure the problem for the LONG-term outlook.

[Gatefan1976]

GF - I'm not going to get into the Obama health care plan stuff at this hour, so if you or anyone else can figure out how to fix the medical / health plan payment system, good luck.

Lots have, they go to Canada
You know, those commies to the north of you

I've tried swimming.. (water aerobics therapy) It works amazing wonders. But finding a pool or even a lake to swim in, costs money nowadays. Even when I have had the money (birthday/Christmas gift), it's time management issues that interfers in going (to a pool).

Not recommended to jump into just any body of water.

For sure, the water MUST be heated to around 32c (89.6F) so it works on your muscles as well. Just jumping into any old pool will NOT help you, in fact it WILL hurt you if it is "cold".
As for the rest, I cannot comment on how available such things are to you.

Some natural lakes have leeches lurking in the mud. Others have water snakes slithering between.. Oceans have jellyfish underfoot, and fishes distracting one's concentration.. nevermind the additional undertoe of the water currents to maintain one's balance.

Geez dear, don't ever ask for a scientific breakdown of what you eat or drink, cause your head will blow up!!
Had any penicillin lately? ITS MOULD!!!! AAAAAGGGHHHH!!!!

So, for folks who can't always get to a pool or lake (forget the ocean! too many other critters to bother yah), the exercises help. Just need a mat, or blanket, and (generic) you. Can be done for one minute (one session per exercise) or five minutes or a half hour. The more sessions done, the better, but in a quick fix, beggers (desperate for pain relief) can't be too choosey..

What you do have however is a PLAN. 1/2 hour walking in correct temp water and you can truly help yourself or others. Not that pricey is it?

And another thing, once the cartilage starts to go, there is no cure to stop it or reverse it. That includes exercises won't cure a person from their ailment. The (therapy) exercises *might* only help slow the deterioration process down and alleviate some of the pain, but not all the time, and do NOT cure the problem for the LONG-term outlook.

Why are you expecting a "cure" when you ADMIT yourself that there is NO CURE??
There is no cure for physical age or deterioration, there is management only. If we work out how to reset our genetic clocks, I'll be annoyed if I am too poor to gain access to it, but for right now, I am happy that a get the best advice I can get. There is also no cure for paraplegics right now either, should they just give up as well because we cannot "cure" them either??
Harden up dear.