Since losing my insurance coverage I now stand to pay out of pocket expenses directly for my medical care. In America, medical costs can be crushing since the medical industry isn't regulated on how much they can drive up those costs. I have started looking abroad at where I can get an arthroscopic surgery for a typical clean out of the PVNS that accumulates through an arthroscopic procedure. Knowing that they won't get it all and I will be back at some point for another surgery and another. I need to find a place where my costs will be lower, including the stay for recovery, and the airfare to get there.
If I want to see my preferred doctor, my insurance costs would be over $700 a month just for the coverage. That doesn't include co-payments or the difference between what the insurance will cover such as the MRI's and surgery itself that may only have a portion covered. If I choose to continue with this coverage I can't even afford, I'm looking at $10,000 minimum just to see the doctor of my choice. Sure I could get the $500 a month coverage and see the doctor I don't want, but that's still too much for too little.
Recently I saw a conversation online about the idea of medical travel. I was thinking India perhaps but a few people were mentioning Singapore. With great interest I started searching for places I could stay, how much it would cost, and who would be the surgeon. I found a website where a surgeon in Singapore said he is familiar with PVNS and has a handful of cases each year. I reached out to him and explained my situation and what I am ultimately looking for. Mainly, a relationship with a surgeon abroad that I can trust to get the surgery of my choice.
When the response came back from the doctor, it was not the response I was expecting. He suggested I start looking at the very treatments that I refuse to get. Radiation and clinical trial medications.
I don't need a doctor to tell me what they think. I need a doctor to do what I want them to do. I have learned to be my own best advocate and do what's best for me.
The search goes on.
Hello! I just found your blog and I've been enjoying reading about your experiences. I also have diffuse PVNS, but mine is in my ankle. I was wondering if you have tried other strategies for dealing with it besides regular surgeries? I've had two surgeries with my last one being 5 years ago. Since then I control my pain and discomfort with cortisone shots and celebrex. The cortisone shots have been a huge help, making me feel almost normal.
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading Jamie. I hope my experience has helped you find some answers. I am currently using a CBD/Frankincense mix with a coconut oil base that I apply as much as possible. I know I need to eat a diet that cuts down on inflammation but that's my one weakness. I also try to add turmeric to my food rather than take it as a supplement. I practice yoga daily and I try to ride a bike at least 6 miles as much as I can fit into my schedule which ends up being between 3 to 5 times a week. I try to stay active and healthy but I know it's coming back. But I get by with denying that there is anything wrong with me. So far I don't really have pain, mostly annoying discomfort. I was doing acupuncture regularly but I switched to deprivation floating. If I had any pain going in, I never feel it coming out. Good luck!
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