I Hate Dialysis Message Board
Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: Transplant Discussion => Topic started by: Whamo on December 01, 2011, 10:36:48 PM
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I sat through a five-hour orientation meeting that covered: (1) insurance issues; (2) nutrition; (3) the process; (4) social worker; and (5) Vitals/Dr. Interview, and drawing blood. The costs concern me a great deal. The greatest danger is losing your insurance because the meds cost $3,000 a month, and you have to take them for the rest of your life. Medicare B costs, what, $215 a month, plus it only covers 80% of the damage, and beyond that is the price of prescriptions, and God knows what else. The waiting period for people in my zone is 10 years, and the chart they showed us revealed most people on dialysis are dead in ten years. I'm type O positive. I have to get clearance from a liver doctor (I've had Hep C for a long time); my dentist (I haven't been for over a year, but I do brush twice everyday); and see social security.
It was good to meet other people, though, who have been through the process, and came out happy they did, who are on the same journey, and who share the same obstacles. I liked the doctor because he took a long look at my overall health. My "main provider" just rushes through my appointment like I'm cattle. And my heart, kidney, and liver doctors all just look at their own agendas. This guy takes the overall view. So even if I get stuck on the waiting list, I'll at least have a better perspective on my overall health.