Oh boy. I'm going to vent here.
This isn't specific to migraines, but to health care in general.
I just got off the phone with UPMC physician services disputing charges on a few bills I received. I see my doctor regularly, every 3 months. The first thing I do when I show up is pay my copay. Every time. Luckily I use my debit card so I have a record of every payment. Yet! Because they charge it as a hospital payment and not as a physician payment, I get charged AGAIN for something I already paid. So. I have to call them and explain it like a 3 year old, even though it's not my responsibility to tell them how to do their job correctly.
And I'm one of the lucky ones because I HAVE insurance. A lot of individuals don't even have the luxury of having to dispute multiple charges for one bill. A lot of individuals can't even get in to see a doctor. It's messy no matter how you slice it.
Having a chronic ailment sucks hard. I couldn't imagine doing it without insurance. Truth: my current job IS my current job because I need the insurance. If I could be insured and wait tables for the rest of my life, I would. I would.
You would think that having to go to the hospital/specialists/doctors many times a year due to a chronic condition would, eventually, become easier. Or that, gosh forbid, a system would be in place to make things a bit more simple for those that need more monitoring than the average bear. But no. It's difficult every time. It's a hassle. Every time.
And, again, I say all of this with the privilege of being insured. I should be thankful to have these sorts of issues and woes, I guess? The system is flawed. Even being insured isn't enough.
Which is why I've veered towards the more natural path when it comes to getting a handle on my chronic pain. Sure, researching is a hassle on its own but it's SO WORTH IT. I've found more relief within the past 6 months than I ever found on any of my previous migraine medications(and I've been on A LOT). When the neurologist wanted to put me on Neurontin, that was my breaking point. The drug is scary to me. Side effects of nerve pain, loss of coordination...it's habit-forming, and I would have to get my blood checked every two weeks. Another pill to swallow every day. Instead of filling the prescription I went home and started reading.
I researched supplement, lifestyle changes, any/all possible triggers. I read a lot about Neurontin and shuddered at the thought. I made a choice, and took a lot of it in my own hands.
I don't understand why health care has to be so damn complicated. But it is. My suggestion: read the fine print. Question things. Don't just do what a doctor tells you to do. Do your own research. Ask questions. Be honest. Be honest with yourself. Consider your options.
This is a disjointed post but dealing with customer service this morning over bills I ALREADY PAID pissed me off a bit. Health care in this country sucks.
