From physical therapy, that is. On Friday. Yay!
While the world is changing around us - hopefully for the better - it’s good to remember that lives are still going and the small victories are happening. So, yay! I graduated. What now?
I had been going every two weeks after going twice a week and then once a week. My therapist taught me basic lymphatic massage along with exercises to strengthen my chest, back and shoulders.. I purchased lymphedema sleeves to wear when working out or gardening. Yes, gardening. Except I want different ones for everyday wear. But they’re expensive.
Which brings me to the topic of lymphedema wearables and the lack of insurance coverage. On December 12, 2019, the US House of Representatives included the Lymphedema Treatment Act as part of HR3, a drug pricing bill.
The Senate has no plans to pick this bill up, because from what I can tell, they are just focused on confirming judges willy-nilly.
Why do we need this bill? Because lymphedema wear is *expensive* and for many people, medically necessary. And also not covered under most insurance plans. My sleeves were $60/each. I have not yet developed lymphedema, but could if I don’t take measures to protect myself through light compression on my arms since I had lymph nodes removed.
Quick reminder: The lymphatic system moves fluids around your body, much of it nearer to the skin. Lymphedema is swelling caused by a faulty or damaged lymphatic system. It cannot be cured, but it is 100% treatable!
If you can afford it.
I am happy to be able to afford it. I am fortunate. Last week I didn’t get a blog post up because I have been working so much and been so busy, I just did not have the energy to write. I’m thankful I have this weekend off and have finally gotten up the energy to write. I still get tired more easily than I used to. Hoping that will eventually go away.
So, I guess the only ask I have is for you to vote this fall. Vote for people who want health care for all. I’ve never understood our system. I do remember hoping I never got sick because the premiums were high enough without having to worry about deductibles and out of pocket expenses. If you’re reading this, well, we know how that turned out. I had a lot of help last year with that - y’all are amazing! - and some this year, but I’ve also put the last big payment on a payment plan.
Vote for people who are interested in protecting the most vulnerable. Children should never go without health care. Adults should never go without health care - right now is a good example with so many people unemployed who had health insurance through their jobs. Sure, they were all eligible for COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) insurance, but if you’ve ever been offered COBRA, you’ll know it’s unaffordable if you, well, don’t have a job.
I’m thankful we have health care for our senior population, but it’s still so, so expensive. No one should have to choose between paying for a prescription or paying their rent. The rent will win, and a treatable condition gets out of hand, leading to more hospital readmissions and more expense on the system.
And let’s help out with this lymphedema stuff. If it gets out of control because someone can’t afford compression garments, they end up back in the hospital and end up costing more to care for than if they’d just been given two sets of sleeves to wear.
Vote to take care of each other. That’s all.