Medical Mafia

Ok … so first of all … for any of you may be visiting my site … I don’t usually use my blog for venting nor do I usually talk about my arthritis but I just feel the need to get this off of my chest so for today this site is all about me …

I met with my P.A. today (thank God, seriously, praise the Lord, that my arthritis has been good so I’m on standard managed care and meet occasionally with the Dr. and then the P.A.). Some background on standard prescription medications and managing (yes, managing) all that goes into taking medicine every day. Well, typically, at least for the past 18 years of my arthritis, I’ve had Dr.s that have prescribed a course of medication, gotten letters of medical necessity written and sent to insurance companies and then the medication is usually approved for one year for insurance. Then the prescription is sent to the pharmacy and you get it filled monthly, as needed. It’s usually only a hassle once a year to coordinate the insurance coverage. When initially on the medication, the Dr. monitors your blood and progress on it during that year and evaluates appropriate continuation … simple enough. Sooooo, to begin … I’ve never had any adverse reactions to any of the medications I’ve taken. I’ve been on the current combo. for about 5 years and taken the one of most concern for probably about 10 years combined.

So … the past 3 months I’ve had to get various prescription renewals for different meds. so each month, I have to call the pharmacy and wait for the appropriate approval internally with the Dr. office. A couple of weeks ago, I called and asked for a year renewal and they told me I’d have to talk with the P.A. when I came in for my appointment. So, I simply asked fully expecting her to say, “Of course, that makes sense” but nooooooo ….

I had a debate with her as to who was responsible for my care because they require that you go into their office for an appointment every 3 months in order to renew your medication … such a sham! If it’s meds I’ve been on for a long time … if I were to have a reaction … don’t you think I’d have had it by now (#1) and (#2) I’d be the first to call and come in knowing something is up!?!? Such a lack of trust.

They evidently think people would just come in once a year if they didn’t have to for meds … well … I ask her for statistics of people with failed test results after the amount of time I’ve been on them … and research to prove that testing is needed so frequently. She doesn’t have it. I’ve certainly been on the meds long enough to show stability!!! I also totally agree with frequent testing when on a new medication and complied with that for many years. So, now I come in just to get blood drawn? To hear, “Yep, you’re good.” Seems like an expensive visit just to check my blood? I mentioned going to a blood draw facility and I think she was really thrown off. Is it really about the blood test or is it about seeing patients?

Dr.s don’t take ANY initiative or proactive research on your care yet they expect you to be submissive when it comes to their terms … easy money in their system when the patient is feeling fine! We are required to manage our own care by virtue of lack of initiative on Dr.s … most every appointment is the only time they look at your chart … half the time they are late and read the entire thing to you when they get there.

THEN … she was only going to give me one month renewal of something (the one that I’ve been on for almost 20 years!!!) after telling me she’d fix it and give me 4 but that was the best she would do. She’s seriously doing math for me to show that her prescription should last me plenty of time. I’m looking at her like she’s crazy and she says, “What’s wrong?” I tell her … “Do you really think I’m going to fill a prescription if I don’t need it? Why would I do that? Do you think I enjoy being on this stuff?” (I’m practically in tears by now) I continue “Most people don’t even have to take stuff every day let alone have to coordinate prescription renewals every month … do you think I like being reminded of how much of a pain all of this is (physically and emotionally)! It takes a lot of time to do this stuff and I don’t appreciate it being more difficult than it already is. I use to mail order so I wouldn’t even have to even go to the pharmacy.” She switched it to 4 (probably out of fear of my impending meltdown). (*note … when she did the math … it was wrong)

Drives me batty though!!! Does it cost her any more to prescribe renewals? No! It has nothing to do with it. It’s just medical mafia I tell you medical mafia … in it for the money over the care. No trust, either … wow … do I look like a drug dealer? … yeah … that’s it … my new job! I’m stockpiling for when all of my arthritic friends need a ‘fix’. And to think I’ve been sending my resume out? Why didn’t I think of that option?

Ok, I feel better now. Thanks for listening.

Kids Had a BLAST at Church Camp!

WOW … we all survived our first ever camp experience. I say ‘all’ because I think it’s as much a parent thing as a kids! It’s a big deal to send them to camp … to trust others and to trust your kids and give them the responsibility to be ‘on their own’. We picked them up around 6:00 at the church and all of these filthy kids off-loaded from various vans with the biggest grins … truly looking like they were ready to say ‘hello’, get a hug in, and head right back up on the van to do it all over again. What a huge answer to prayer to have them so energized by it.

They both had so many stories to share that we sat in the living room and they took turns giving the highlights … of course Haley made the rule that they needed to stand in the middle of the room to do it so they have a little more presentation experience. We heard stories of bugs, capture the flag, star gazing, worship singing, plays, boat racing, swimming, craft making and the most laughter came in when sharing the various noises and smells that they experienced while sleeping in the cabins. Nice. Connor’s group was actually in a tree house … sounds pretty cool. They both had disposable cameras so I’ll get the pics developed so I can see where they were too. It should be lots of fun to see the pictures that they took and their stories from that perspective too.

I know God is really speaking to our kids and we are so thankful for the leaders in our church who pray, teach and love them as Jesus would. It is obvious that this was a great spiritual experience for our kids. Praise the Lord!!!

Thank you for those of you who sent mail … they loved it Thanks for your prayers too!

Kids at Camp!!!

This week the kids are at church camp ALL week!!! They left on Sunday and will be back on Friday. They are only a couple of hours away and I am looking forward to hearing all about it. I think they announced that 37 kids went from our church and they were meeting up with 5 other churches. It is so nice to know all of the counselors that are going from our church … and all of the kids. The kids both had several friends going with them so I know they were looking forward to that.

It’s a big deal to send kids to camp … such a step in responsibility on the kids and a step in faith and trust on our part … to trust our children with other people for an entire week. It’s especially a big step for Haley who loves to be home … on our ’special’ days when I ask her what she’d like to do with me … she wants to go rent a movie and drive through McDonalds to get an ice cream cone … seriously. Then, maybe some fingernail painting or something else at home as an activity. But she really loves just hanging out. So, I pray that this is a huge step in courage for her to meet new friends and try new things and trust in God as she grows up.

I was originally thinking that 3rd or 4th grade is a good year to send kids to camp. I think I may have gone in 3rd and I loved it. When it came up at church, I have to say that Haley wasn’t even an option until Eric says to me … an entire week without the kids … maybe we can go on vacation while they are gone? What a great idea!!! We are vacationing at home (since Eric’s job is coming to a close … minimal expenses is the goal). Our first night was great … we cleaned … sounds funny but we both just dug in and cleaned out the kids’ rooms. Their doors are closed and they have stayed clean and will be clean until they return. It felt great to get everything clean again and to know that it will actually last more than 2 seconds! Last night we went out to the movies (I won tickets at an event last week so it was perfect), tonight we are going golfing at the golf course up the street. It’s been very nice to focus on where it all began … with us … like being on our honeymoon again . We feel so blessed to still be in love and enjoy spending time together – we know so many and hear of so many who are not – that we know it’s a gift from God to be thankful for.

The Spa Experience

I’d love going to a spa. I think I’ve been once or twice in my life and it was so wonderful … relaxing and taking care of myself. I went to a spa party in Washington a couple of times with Sensaria products and thought it would be fun to do a pedicure party down here. I just asked who sells in my area … and one thing led to another and now I’m selling it. I ordered my kit of goodies and sent out invites to friends. I’m having so much fun with my kitchen counter showing a display of cleansers, lotions and scrubs. I have my first party in a week and it will be so much fun for those who are willing to ‘risk’ going to something unknown here. What? A spa party? Maybe the “oh no, another home party where I have to buy something …” That last one is why I resisted becoming a Rep … I just don’t like going to those things where you feel like you have to buy something!!! Well, I just loved hanging out with girlfriends, passing around lotion and getting motivated to take care of my skin. So I guess if I’m selling it … I can create the party environment that I’d like to be a part of . Relax, enjoy …

I seem to have always had such a random collection of things. I use my kid’s sunscreen because I always have bulk of it and it’s just easiest to use … I use clinique suff for makeup, I have used different washes and lotions and my favorite has been the Sensaria stuff so I’m looking forward to using all of it together again … even if no one else likes it from the party I have … I’m just glad that I got such a great deal on all that I got (almost $500 of product for $85!!). If it’s a hit and people love it like I do … then I just might be in “business” and enjoy facilitating spa experiences in Arizona! I might be one of those people that never dreamed they’d be doing it and be on my way to Cancun or one of the reward trips for the most sales. I’m just going to prepare for rain and see where God takes it . (just watched the movie “Facing the Giants” recently … it’s a great one if you haven’t seen it)

My Sensaria Webpage has all of the information on what I’m selling. Hope you enjoy and if you want to get something … it’s welcomed

I have to add that it was so funny tonight when I was watching the video demonstration on the products … the kids were totally into it. They went over to the counter and started smelling everything and picked their favorites. The Rep. on the video shared a personal story about the Nourishing Lotion resolving some eczema issues for her son and so we’re trying it on Connor and he loved it … he’s like … “Wow, mom, can I use this everyday?” Seriously? A 10-yr old boy loving how his face felt with the lotion. Too funny!!! Guess I’ll get him his own tube of it . Haley just wants all of the body butter … any of it … all of it … it’s all her.

So, next Thursday, at 7:00 … we’ll see where this all leads.

*** One more note … my good consultant friend Dana was contemplating doing a similar thing with Silpada jewelry … it was too incredible that the same week that we were talking to different people about the possibility. When we finally talked … we’re like … “I’ll do it if you do it … o.k.” … I guess it feels good when you’re not alone in a new adventure. We’re going to host parties for each other

Birthday Celebrations on Saturday for Haley!

Scrapbook of Haley’s festivities …



Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Birthday Celebration Friday Night

We celebrated Eric on Friday night and had the best time with friends at the Desert Botanical Gardens. Here are some pictures from our celebration …



Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Journey to Arizona Final Reflection

This month marks our first year in our house. It is amazing to look at all that has happened in the past year. We are so thankful to have found the home and community that we live in and have Tessa & family to thank for that. We are glad to have been welcomed into a new church family and have made many friends and connections in this new neighborhood. What a fast year it has been with so many changes for everyone.

We are living in greater faith every day here knowing that God brought us here … blessed us with such a clear path and has guided many of our steps. We still seek His guidance and are uncertain of what tomorrow brings. The economy and uncertain times have everyone living day to day and the ‘entitlement’ attitude that I experienced when working in companies’ HR departments has disappeared. During those times … people worked on negotiation skills to be sure they had the best “package” offered to them for employment. Every ‘perk’ known to man was brought to the surface in even the smallest of companies to gain the most skilled employees. Now the table has turned dramatically … everyone seems grateful for the jobs they have and holding their breath that they will keep it. Companies are reducing ‘perks’ just to meet payroll. Eric’s company has gone through many rounds of layoffs and we are thankful that he is still there but we know that our turn may come and we may be one of the statistics that we read about.

We made a decision about 8 years ago to have me stay home with the kids (the .com that died helped with that decision when I laid off everyone in the company including myself) and consulting has been fantastic during that time … flexible work, great money and diverse opportunities. That door may be closing soon as I start blanketing my resume out there to gain employment in a difficult marketplace. At least I’m not taking it personally that I haven’t had a ton of interviews … I know that there are others who were recently at senior levels in companies that are actively seeking and I’m just re-entering … having done a lot of recruiting myself … I know I’m a ‘riskier’ candidate for longevity.

So, we might be where we were a year ago … facing another major crossroad and praying that God makes the path clear and obvious. He knows that I need what I call Billboard signs to guide my path so you can pray for us that He gives us the clear direction that we need and doors open as others close.

Happy 7th Birthday Haley!

What a beautiful young lady Haley is turning into. We had the best party to celebrate her today. I can’t believe that she’s 7 and going into 2nd grade already.

A few things about Haley … for a lot of Haley’s life … I wondered what she was thinking … where she came from? Her random and unpredictable moods that would swing from the worst extreme to the best in a matter of minutes. I never knew what I was going to get. Now that she’s maturing, I’m loving her unique personality. She throws out humor … the most incredible ‘one liners’ that I really must start writing down. They are usually those that you have to be there to appreciate because they are witty and so timely.

Another thing that I love about Haley is that she is very determined. As a toddler … this was awful. truly awful. To have a child so determined to get her way and it has taken her a long time to understand that she can be as stubborn as she wants but she won’t ‘win’ a battle with her mom or dad. This determination is what has helped her in moving here though. I look back at this past year and the challenges in her first class here and then being able to adapt into a new class. She has been able to gain confidence this year that is a result of her determination.

This past year has been amazing in changes in Haley. You blink and you miss her growth but here is a picture of her last year as comparison …

I’m not sure how much she grew last year probably several inches, but that is no comparison to the change in her personality. She has become so incredibly compassionate. There was a boy in her class on a special diet and she would always worry about him being included in snack … “We can’t buy that … what about T****?” So thoughtful. She also is very intuitive to others feelings. If I’m having a bad day … she’s the first to notice. She’s also one of the first ones to ask her dad how his day was at work.

I love my girl … everything about her … the good, the bad and the ugly She is precious even when I can’t see it when she’s having a ‘determined’ moment forgetting that she will not ‘win’. She is God’s perfect child that He gave to us … entrusted to us to train up in the ways she should go … the ways of God. There are many days when I have to remember that ultimately He’s in control and loves her even more than we do. Praise God and thank you for the gift of Haley and that we can celebrate her life today.

Camping at Roper Lake

Eric found an awesome campground with great hopes of finding a location to create a family camp down here. We are really missing our family camp experience after going for so many years with such a wonderful group of friends (20ish families … kids running everywhere … s’mores, swimming, soccer, field games, s’mores, scavenger hunt, worship time around a campfire, s’mores, beach walks, catching up with friends, good good times). Every August I get a little sad knowing we are missing out on such a great experience for our entire family. Before I get all sad about it again … I’ll move on to the campground down here. It is awesome The lake was good for fishing and swimming … the facilities and camp sites were nice … there is a hot springs/hot tub and tons of hiking trails. I really liked it and we had a fantastic time with our friends. We’re looking forward to putting together something fun.

Here are some pictures of our camping adventures …



Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Happy Birthday Eric!

My husband’s birthday is today. We have special celebrations with friends tonight and a babysitter to watch the kids. Should be awesome. We are going to the Desert Botanical Gardens Jazz night and before that we will see the Chihuly display on it’s last weekend. I’ve heard it’s spectacular! Eric loves blown glass and it looks totally beautiful. I’m so excited for our date night to celebrate how wonderful he is! I’m so happy to be married to him . The best husband and father ever and truly my best friend. I hope he feels extra special on his day!

Here is a great picture of him on the lake fishing last weekend! He loves fishing and I’m glad we found a great campground with a lake! What an awesome morning we all had in the canoe …