A health vent

JCbride2015 · June 2014

I posted a while ago that I was having mysterious joint pain. I've been going through a lot of treatment, several appointments per week, including a lot of diagnostic stuff, followed by PT. It seems like I have some kind of systemic skeletal issue where my joints are not well-supported and thus prone to damage. I also have overuse injuries going on, and a pinched nerve. Nothing is life-threatening, just painful. Thankfully it turned out that I do not have RA, which was the biggest fear.

The $30 co-pay every time I go in has been killing me. There have been days I've had 3 various appointments all in one day, and I have PT twice a week. $60/week adds up fast. I've been making it work because before PT I could barely walk. But now I just got a statement (not a bill yet, but I'm sure it's coming) that I owe another $850 because of my deductible. It looks like there are some errors and I plan to fight it as much as possible, but this is a shitty unexpected cost at a time when I'm already unemployed until I pass the bar and start working in November.

I was in tears last night with Fi because of this. If this is how much PT is really costing me, I absolutely cannot afford to go back. The thought of completely stagnating in my progress, or maybe getting worse, is unbearable. And I won't have access to better insurance until November.

I'm also just feeling a lot of pressure with the bar exam and the wedding. Maybe I'm overreacting because of the other stress, I don't know. I'm just stuck in this terrible place like I'm waiting for my life to start, stuck in neutral all summer after graduating. I don't even feel a sense of accomplishment, just like I can't wait to finally start working after all this time. And get health insurance, because I really fucking need some decent health insurance.

Jells2dot0 · June 2014

I'm sorry you are going through this. I know what it's like too have a mountain of stress and then a big medical bill comes!! I just had to call my insurance company earlier this week. I had a $1500 bill coming and there was no way it made any sense. They did some research and thankfully they found an error and were going to rebill.

Did the PT group give you at home exercises? Most do, so if that is the case, make sure you are doing them as "prescribed". That should help keep the work they have done in place, or at least steady, until you can get back.

loveislouder · June 2014

Love and hugs to you JC. I live in Canada so I don't have much advice, but hugs all around.

slothiegal · June 2014

*hugs*

I don't have a whole lot of good advice to give. Just sending some love, because I know how stressful that shit can be (except the bar exam. Gurl, you a BAMF for dealing with that).

Growing up, I remember hearing about a family member who got married for insurance reasons and laughing because, really? Who does that? Fast forward a few years, after my prescriptions started coming out to a few thousand a month, and suddenly...ooooh that's what they were talking about (still do not condone it).

But it's the same as in anything in life. Take a deep breath, figure out how to move forward, one step at a time. If one of those steps is crying to FI and drinking some wine, well, do it. God knows I make that one of my steps every now and then.

You're going through a lot. But from what I can tell, you're pretty freakin' awesome and you're going to pull through this. In the meantime, though, we're here to listen.

And provide puppy gifs.

SBmini · June 2014

I can empathize so much with what you are going through! I've been dealing with chronic pain since I was in the sixth grade. Recently, the pain has spread to my low back, hips, knees and calves and it has made me want to find a solution.

I went to an orthopedist who prescribed PT, which I did for months and only ended up noticing more pain. Now I'm going through a rheumatologist. They first told me it was likely fibromyalgia, but now my thyroid antibodies are abnormal so they made me take more tests. I've been stuck three times in the past two weeks and peed into more cups than I want to admit. And I still don't have an answer.

I know personally that I've probably spent between $1,000-2,000 in the past year trying to figure out what is wrong with me. But we have to keep trying to find the answer and solve the problem. I would much rather be poor with a diagnosis than rich and popping pain meds like Dr. House. Unfortunately, I know my problems will be lifelong. I'm just hopeful that I can start treating them more effectively.

So good luck! Stick with it and feel better soon! Also, see if you can trade services for PT. I did some social media work for my guy in exchange for free visits after my insurance cut me off.

pinkcow13 · June 2014

I'm really sorry, JC

I know this must be really frustrating, and unexpected bills on top of mounting bills really sucks. I've been there. I know how hard it is.

I agree that you should try to see if there is anything you can do at home. A few years ago, FI was in a car accident and he had to go to PT for a bit. They gave him some at home exercises to do, and I used to help him with them. Maybe they can do the same for you?

Just know that this will pass. It sucks now, but in a few months you will be working at a fabulous NYC law firm, and you will get to start enjoying more things. I always feel that you can't really appreciate the good things in life until you go through a few hurdles, and that's what this is, a hurdle.

You have us to vent to, wine, and FI in the meantime

And kitties.

JCbride2015 · June 2014

Thanks so much for the support, all! I really, really appreciate it. I had just finished my bar assignments for the day and was/am super overwhelmed.

@jells2dot0 I can only imagine how much this experience must be magnified for you. The financial on top of the health stress is terrible.

@slothiegal and @pincow13 thanks for the GIFs! Puppies and kittens make everything better!

And yes, I do have at-home PT exercises. My PT also recently cleared me to start doing most gym activities except for running, so I've been exercising a few times a week. I'm going to email him to explain what happened, and see if he has any other tips or exercises I should be doing at home. Hopefully I can at least keep my same range of motion and activity until I can go back in the fall.

SapphireCounselor · June 2014

JC, I am so sorry you're feeling so stressed! You have a lot on your plate, but I have no doubt that you're going to blow the bar exam away and be an awesome, kick-butt lawyer for a great firm! Unexpected expenses are always stressful and seem to come at the worst times. And of course our health care system here is absolute crap, even with the ACA reforms. It's tough, but you'll get through it. I do hope though that you can find a way to keep doing your PT since that seems to be helping a lot!.If they made errors, maybe the price breakdown will ultimately turn out to be less than you think. I hope so, anyway.

climbingsingle · June 2014

I'm so sorry JC! Lots of love and good thoughts to you.

theartistformerlyknownas · June 2014

Girl, I so hear you. I don't know how many thousands of dollars I've spent over the years for half a dozen doctors to have no idea why I occasionally puke for no good reason. (Sorry for the TMI.) It's so frustrating. Just try to stay positive.

Sugargirl1019 · June 2014

/hugs be proactive with your FI about doing exercises when you normally would be at PT then. Take a deep breath, cry some and get hugs. And then try to smile. You'll get through it!

sarahufl · June 2014

sorry to thread-jack. I tried to quote, but it wouldn't work..... @lolo883: I also spent thousands about 6 years ago trying to figure out why I was puking EVERY SINGLE DAY. Went to so many doctors and had so many tests. Know what worked? Seeing a psychologist. It seemed odd to me, but a friend suggested it and I was willing to try anything. Went from throwing up every single day to doing it maybe once a year (which still is inexplicable, literally just happens sometimes.)

JC- sorry you are going through this. That sounds really stressful. I hope things work themselves out!

JCbride2015 · June 2014

sarahufl said:

sorry to thread-jack. I tried to quote, but it wouldn't work..... @lolo883: I also spent thousands about 6 years ago trying to figure out why I was puking EVERY SINGLE DAY. Went to so many doctors and had so many tests. Know what worked? Seeing a psychologist. It seemed odd to me, but a friend suggested it and I was willing to try anything. Went from throwing up every single day to doing it maybe once a year (which still is inexplicable, literally just happens sometimes.)

JC- sorry you are going through this. That sounds really stressful. I hope things work themselves out!

@sarahufl I am less than happy with our institution right now. It's their insurance and I asked a ton of questions about costs, only to get hit with this surprise charge. I'm a pretty pissed off new alumna right now.

Wow, you guys are now the third Knottie who has mentioned inexplicable vomiting. That sounds terrible. I'm so sorry, guys!

In good news, I just got an email that my diploma is on its way. Yay!

sarahufl · June 2014

JCbride2015 said:

sarahufl said:

sorry to thread-jack. I tried to quote, but it wouldn't work..... @lolo883: I also spent thousands about 6 years ago trying to figure out why I was puking EVERY SINGLE DAY. Went to so many doctors and had so many tests. Know what worked? Seeing a psychologist. It seemed odd to me, but a friend suggested it and I was willing to try anything. Went from throwing up every single day to doing it maybe once a year (which still is inexplicable, literally just happens sometimes.)

JC- sorry you are going through this. That sounds really stressful. I hope things work themselves out!

@sarahufl I am less than happy with our institution right now. It's their insurance and I asked a ton of questions about costs, only to get hit with this surprise charge. I'm a pretty pissed off new alumna right now.

Wow, you guys are now the third Knottie who has mentioned inexplicable vomiting. That sounds terrible. I'm so sorry, guys!

In good news, I just got an email that my diploma is on its way. Yay!

ugh, that stinks. Were you supposed to be able to stay on it for awhile? I am not that familiar with the student insurance since I get the faculty/staff plan.

The vomiting thing is no joke. Truly terrible.

Yay for your diploma!

JCbride2015 · June 2014

sarahufl said:

JCbride2015 said:

sarahufl said:

sorry to thread-jack. I tried to quote, but it wouldn't work..... @lolo883: I also spent thousands about 6 years ago trying to figure out why I was puking EVERY SINGLE DAY. Went to so many doctors and had so many tests. Know what worked? Seeing a psychologist. It seemed odd to me, but a friend suggested it and I was willing to try anything. Went from throwing up every single day to doing it maybe once a year (which still is inexplicable, literally just happens sometimes.)

JC- sorry you are going through this. That sounds really stressful. I hope things work themselves out!

@sarahufl I am less than happy with our institution right now. It's their insurance and I asked a ton of questions about costs, only to get hit with this surprise charge. I'm a pretty pissed off new alumna right now.

Wow, you guys are now the third Knottie who has mentioned inexplicable vomiting. That sounds terrible. I'm so sorry, guys!

In good news, I just got an email that my diploma is on its way. Yay!

ugh, that stinks. Were you supposed to be able to stay on it for awhile? I am not that familiar with the student insurance since I get the faculty/staff plan.

The vomiting thing is no joke. Truly terrible.

Yay for your diploma!

I'm still on the insurance until the end of August. What they're saying is that I have a deductible that I never heard about when I signed up for the plan. So.... what exactly did I pay $3000 for?

lyndausvi · June 2014

I'm sorry to hear about your health issues.

This time last year I had a frozen shoulder. I went to PT for tune of $1250 out of pocket for 6 sessions. Ouch.

After PT was over I switched to pilates. I found an instructor who has a PT background. It worked wonders for me at only $120 for 5 sessions, plus I got a whole body workout instead of just the shoulder. I really enjoyed pilates. Maybe it's something you could try out.

JCbride2015 · June 2014

lyndausvi said:

I'm sorry to hear about your health issues.

This time last year I had a frozen shoulder. I went to PT for tune of $1250 out of pocket for 6 sessions. Ouch.

After PT was over I switched to pilates. I found an instructor who has a PT background. It worked wonders for me at only $120 for 5 sessions, plus I got a whole body workout instead of just the shoulder. I really enjoyed pilates. Maybe it's something you could try out.

@lyndausvi My mom has frozen shoulder and wow, it is terrible! She has gone through so much pain with it. I'd never heard of it before, but watching her go through it has not been fun. She had it in one shoulder, it healed, and then she got it in the other shoulder. She still has reduced range of motion on that side.

I also really like Pilates and my therapist said it would be good for me, so that's a good idea-- I can try to find more classes. I joined NYSC for the student discount, but I'm sort of disappointed in their class schedule. Usually there's only one Pilates and one Yoga per week, which is lame if you're trying to get into a groove. So far Spin class is also a good option, I'm working out my lower body without the impact.

Aray82 · June 2014

lyndausvi said:

I'm sorry to hear about your health issues.

This time last year I had a frozen shoulder. I went to PT for tune of $1250 out of pocket for 6 sessions. Ouch.

After PT was over I switched to pilates. I found an instructor who has a PT background. It worked wonders for me at only $120 for 5 sessions, plus I got a whole body workout instead of just the shoulder. I really enjoyed pilates. Maybe it's something you could try out.

Pilates is wonderful! Especially post-PT and post-injury, but wonderful all-around too! The university where you just graduated might have some classes open to the general community for a reasonable fee--my school does and it's been a godsend.

Aray82 · June 2014

OP, I just read this and was nodding at everything you said. A month before I was supposed to finish, defend my dissertation, and graduate, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and early-stage Hodgkins and am just about at the point when my graduate insurance, which is not that great to begin with, will run out. It'll keep me going through my chemo treatments for the rest of the summer, but it's not the greatest plan in the world and the statements are adding up: the co-pays on top of the additional deductible stuff. I can at least budget for the co-pays I know are coming, but then it's like, "Surprise! Here's another huge bill!" and it's hard to budget for things when you don't know how much more they're going to ask for or when they'll want it by.

I hear you on feeling like you're waiting for you life to start, too. I gave up the classes I was supposed to teach this summer so I could just deal with health stuff and I was really looking forward to starting work this summer and earning extra money sooner. And then there's the wedding in October and finishing the dissertation work. The bar exam though...that's a whole different animal and hard enough to prepare for when you're not having joint and nerve issues!

Sending you lots of hugs and wine!!!

JCbride2015 · June 2014

Aray82 said:

OP, I just read this and was nodding at everything you said. A month before I was supposed to finish, defend my dissertation, and graduate, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and early-stage Hodgkins and am just about at the point when my graduate insurance, which is not that great to begin with, will run out. It'll keep me going through my chemo treatments for the rest of the summer, but it's not the greatest plan in the world and the statements are adding up: the co-pays on top of the additional deductible stuff. I can at least budget for the co-pays I know are coming, but then it's like, "Surprise! Here's another huge bill!" and it's hard to budget for things when you don't know how much more they're going to ask for or when they'll want it by.

I hear you on feeling like you're waiting for you life to start, too. I gave up the classes I was supposed to teach this summer so I could just deal with health stuff and I was really looking forward to starting work this summer and earning extra money sooner. And then there's the wedding in October and finishing the dissertation work. The bar exam though...that's a whole different animal and hard enough to prepare for when you're not having joint and nerve issues!

Sending you lots of hugs and wine!!!

Yes so much this! Different health issues, same life stage. It's so frustrating that I've graduated and it's like.... now what?

Sending vibes for successful chemo treatments and a good summer!

theartistformerlyknownas · June 2014

I LOVE Pilates. We have a great place near me with Reformer classes for about $12 each if you buy a package. LOVE LOVE LOVE.

[Deleted User] · June 2014

Just a thought- if you happen to be under the age of 26, unmarried, and your parents have insurance, you might be able to go on their insurance if they were open to that idea. It may increase their cost for a bit but maybe you could offer to pay them back once you start working. Might at least be something to look into. Good luck.

huskypuppy14 · June 2014

JC, I'm sorry you have all these things to deal with. I actually have RA. It's worst in my knees, but I used to play tennis so that exacerbated it. I was in college (so this was over 10 years ago now), and I was able to do PT with the athletic trainer, because I was an athlete. However, I didn't get any better because they didn't know what was wrong at first, and just thought it was a knee problem. I went to an orthopedist who was no help at all, and then eventually after about 5 months of pain, I went to a rheumatologist.

I was on my parents insurance, but it wasn't very good, and I had to pay about a thousand dollars or so within about a year. They let me go on a payment plan. Maybe your could ask the doctor/hospital about that.

lc07 · June 2014

J, that is a LOT to deal with. Especially when you are not physically well. You're doing a great job. Keep at it. I have no medical background so this might be out of left field and not the right thing to help you but my yoga studio offers recovery yoga and also yin yoga. Yin yoga works on working out connective tissue around the joints. They are more like resting/stretching classes - not a hard workout. I don't know if that is something that would help your situation but maybe look into it? My membership is $88/mo unlimited. I go 4-6 days a week so it ends up being like $4-5 a class. And there are obviously a lot of other health benefits. If your doctor thinks it would be a good idea for you I'd totally do it. It's a super relaxing style of yoga, too.

@lolo883, I have a puking problem too. I can't offer advice, obviously, about what is wrong with you but I hope you know the trick of putting toilet paper in the toilet before you puke so it doesn't splash at you. Because puke splash is fucking awful.

JCbride2015 · June 2014

Thanks everybody. @FeeleyToBe I'm 26.

I was on my dad's insurance until last year, when I bought my school insurance because I aged out of my dad's. So apparently I paid $3k so I could.... have a huge deductible and get $0 of actual benefits?

@Ic07 Yoga and Pilates are both great ideas and I will try to work them in more. I injured the hip in the first place because I was doing a lot of high-impact exercise, so I'm trying to get used to low-impact options but still get a workout. I'd also love to go back to my (expensive) barre classes. My therapist said barre is also good because all those small movements work the little muscles around your joints.

Inkdancer · June 2014

JCbride2015 said:

Thanks everybody. @FeeleyToBe I'm 26. I was on my dad's insurance until last year, when I bought my school insurance because I aged out of my dad's. So apparently I paid $3k so I could.... have a huge deductible and get $0 of actual benefits?

@Ic07 Yoga and Pilates are both great ideas and I will try to work them in more. I injured the hip in the first place because I was doing a lot of high-impact exercise, so I'm trying to get used to low-impact options but still get a workout. I'd also love to go back to my (expensive) barre classes. My therapist said barre is also good because all those small movements work the little muscles around your joints.

Does your FI have insurance? I was able to get added on to FI's as a domestic partner even though we aren't married yet.

JCbride2015 · June 2014

Inkdancer said:

JCbride2015 said:

Thanks everybody. @FeeleyToBe I'm 26. I was on my dad's insurance until last year, when I bought my school insurance because I aged out of my dad's. So apparently I paid $3k so I could.... have a huge deductible and get $0 of actual benefits?

@Ic07 Yoga and Pilates are both great ideas and I will try to work them in more. I injured the hip in the first place because I was doing a lot of high-impact exercise, so I'm trying to get used to low-impact options but still get a workout. I'd also love to go back to my (expensive) barre classes. My therapist said barre is also good because all those small movements work the little muscles around your joints.

Does your FI have insurance? I was able to get added on to FI's as a domestic partner even though we aren't married yet.

Thanks but we actually tried this before, when I was deciding whether to purchase the damn student insurance. Our state has marriage equality, so his company requires everybody to get married if you want partner insurance. It's still sort of lame but at least it's fair.

Inkdancer · June 2014

JCbride2015 said:

Inkdancer said:

JCbride2015 said:

Thanks everybody. @FeeleyToBe I'm 26. I was on my dad's insurance until last year, when I bought my school insurance because I aged out of my dad's. So apparently I paid $3k so I could.... have a huge deductible and get $0 of actual benefits?

@Ic07 Yoga and Pilates are both great ideas and I will try to work them in more. I injured the hip in the first place because I was doing a lot of high-impact exercise, so I'm trying to get used to low-impact options but still get a workout. I'd also love to go back to my (expensive) barre classes. My therapist said barre is also good because all those small movements work the little muscles around your joints.

Does your FI have insurance? I was able to get added on to FI's as a domestic partner even though we aren't married yet.

Thanks but we actually tried this before, when I was deciding whether to purchase the damn student insurance. Our state has marriage equality, so his company requires everybody to get married if you want partner insurance. It's still sort of lame but at least it's fair.

That is butts. I am so sorry. Hope things get better soon.

JCbride2015 · June 2014

@Inkdancer "That is butts" is an awesome phrase and I might start stealing it.

KatieinBkln · June 2014

Don't know if anyone has said this yet or if you're already doing it, but DO call your insurance and argue with them. The giant deductible might be an error, or it might be insurance company standard practice of billing shit that doesn't make sense and just hoping that their clients will pay out without asking questions. They make far too many of these "mistakes" for it not to be an actual practice, IMO. (A family friend has CP and his mother has gotten calling the insurance co. down to a science--I don't think there was a single doctor's visit, surgery, or PT session that she didn't have to fight for.)

wandajune6 · June 2014

Lots of sympathy.

I've never had a similar healthy issue myself but I understand the pain of these costs. FI's a diabetic who had a foot ulcer several months back and the cost of the copays was a killer. We're lucky that his podiatrist also works one morning a week at the public health clinic in our area. He can't do everything in the clinic that he can do in his office but he did a lot. FI goes to the public clinic more often than the office now because it's closer to the house and he pays $15 instead of the $50 copay. When you're going 1-4 times per month, it adds up. Throw in the meds, the orthotics, etc, and we've actually cut things from our wedding budget because of his foot.

Is there a clinic in your area that covers some of these services? I know that no one ever wants to use them but they can be a great money-saver. It's even better if the location takes appointments.

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