Thursday 9 October 2014

MEDICAL MACHINATIONS


Our bodies, along with our minds, change over time and it is up to us to keep them functioning at an optimum level as long as we can consciously choose to do that.  Benjamin Franklin is credited with the saying that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” and that seems to still hold true.
However, with all the good intentions and practices that many of us have exercised over the years, various conditions arise that require some kind of medical attention and intervention.  These can range from mild to serious, including diseases and disorders that require medication or surgery and sometimes a combination of therapies intended to heal or cure.  Hospitals and doctors offices are not the most inviting and comfortable places to spend any time and the costs borne in part by individuals and even more so by insurance companies are often outrageously high. 
I am not a conspiracy theorist but it does not take a rocket scientist to see the interrelationships among the four entities of physicians, hospitals, insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies.  Our bodies are broken into various parts and those different parts can only be treated by specialists and sub-specialists who depend on a variety of tests and procedures to help determine what to do next. 
When I take my car into the shop for service, most places can fix whatever is wrong in one place even if it takes several different mechanics.  Medical practice moved away from that concept with the passing of general practitioners, many of whom, in addition to diagnosing and treating a variety of conditions, were also qualified to read x-rays, perform surgery and write prescriptions.  The new assembly line, factory model of medicine has to deliver so many end products to be economically viable that actual office visits may not average more than 10- 15 minutes on the conveyor belt. And then, there must be another follow-up appointment to keep the line moving and the money flowing.
At the moment, I am seeing four different doctors, undergoing a variety of tests and monitoring five different medications.  I find it both amusing and annoying given my previous health history that was excellent until a year or so ago.  Then I got caught up in the medical machinery that continues to grind away without any clear resolution in sight.  There is a part of me that wants to say the hell with it and just drop out and see what happens.  Yes, doctor, I am aware of the risks.   The other part wants to take care of everything and get on with my life without so many complications and lack of timely communication.  I know they are busy but so am I, so don’t tell me you don’t have anything open until more than three months from now.  That is simply ridiculous.  I am not ordering a Ferrari although I feel like I might be paying for one.
What I have concluded at this point is that I cannot sit and wait for the factory whistle to blow.  I have to take charge and become actively involved in making things happen.  I cannot wait until they get around to putting me back on their assembly or disassembly line.  I am lining them up and I will choose where I get the best results.  I have a schedule to keep too and they can find a way to work around mine just as they expect me to work around theirs.  They certainly aren’t changing their vacation plans so why should I change mine to accommodate them?
One other thing.  While I find the whole picture rather amusing, they don’t seem to see anything funny at all.  In fact, they are way too serious.  Lighten up folks.  You’re not getting out of it alive either.

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