It Really Is Important

You shouldn't play George in Capra's "It's A Wonderful Life" thinking the world would be better off without you or that you don't matter. Do it for yourself, do it for a friend; Find a reason and get screened.

There is discussion now that PSA tests should not be done on men younger than fifty. And should not be done on men over fifty who are not for some reason in a high risk category. I don't understand that logic. It's as if 'they' are willing to lose one family member, of YOUR family, before the remainder of the family should be tested.

The argument is that the test does more harm than benefit. That isn't obvious to me. The claim is that a false positive result causes further testing with a TRUS or even a biopsy. The biopsy is slightly invasive and carries some risk in rare cases. But I don't understand not giving men a choice to test or to treat. If caught early you can be CURED. If not treated you MAY live fifteen years. Or it may be an aggressive form that will not give you fifteen years. But the final years will be hell.

Some argue that it is not imperative to treat immediately. In their argument, treatment may improve in several years to cure it later with far safer methods. They seem willing to make the bet with YOUR life that you will be treatable later or in fact may DIE of some other cause before you die of cancer. How BRAVE and generous of them.

Stay watchful and aware of the politics as well as the science of medicine. Especially your health.
Talk to your doctor about being screened soon.

August 6, 2008 Fifteen Months and Counting

Well, it's always something. I wanted to make an appointment with my primary care provider to get a blood draw for my PSA and A1C. Should be a snap after six years with her. But nooooo.

My doctor, whom I loved, left the group and they just said it was her choice. But, they have two doctors there to replace her and ... Oh wait a minute, they don't take your insurance "administrator". Yes they take my insurance but not through that admin group. But I can just call BCBSIL Customer Service.

No, you can't switch. The BCBSIL offers two HMO plans. They are both the same coverage, the same co-pay, the same drugs. One is about sixty dollars a month less. So of course I chose the one cheaper. OH, I see said the blind man. The difference is that the cheaper one has fewer doctors. All on HMO Illinois did not sign up on BLUE Advantage. And the Administrative group the new doctors are on don't accept BLUE Advantage. So I cannot switch.

I searched the Internet and found my original doctor very near. When I called the office the receptionist said, "Sure, just come in." Not so fast Maria. I didn't see my insurance on the web site and need to verify that first. Well she can't do that. She will have the office manager call me back.

Two days later I get the call. They do take BCBSIL but not with Tri-country (sic) claim administrator group. They only work through Advocate. (same as the 'new' doctors at the old medical group) And I can't switch to Advocate. In the Fall during open enrollment, I could select HMO Illinois and select Advocate. Just pay the extra sixty dollars, if it is still just sixty dollars. Or who knows if the offer will be the same companies.

The hoops you have to jump through are worse that the illness and treatment. Hopefully the insurance and doctor selection will work out as well as the health issues.

I went to another doctor in the medical group I've been with and had the blood tests. It went well. The referral is done and I was all set for my visit to the urologist.

That visit was easy and without issues. The PSA is perfect. There is no sign of cancer from the prostate. I have no issues to speak of. I am totally continent and without urinary problems. Good enough that I don't need to follow-up for six months.