Doctor's Visit

Not normally prone to visit the doctor for illness or physical discomfort, I finally relented in seeing one last Saturday evening.  A few months ago, I applied for and was accepted in to the John Peter Smith (JPS) Connection program.  This is through the county hospital and designed for people who don't make enough money to purchase health insurance.  With the skyrocketing cost of premiums and regardless of their annual income, I have no clue how people afford policies.  The first appointment was scheduled with a wait from August to November.  Yes, a four-month wait.  Thankfully I was able to tolerate the back and hip pain long enough to see the doctor.  Fearing the worst, I was relieved to discover it is only back strain and spasms.  In two more months, I will have a follow-up visit with lab (blood) work included.  During the interim, I have an appointment for a sonogram of my kidneys, and to spend an hour with a physical therapist.  Wow, the effects of aging.  I thank God for taking care of me and for providing programs such as JPS Connection.  So far, all the doctor's visits and medication have had a co-pay of $5.  Sure beats hundreds of dollars getting spent per visit or bottle of medicine.  If you ever get to feeling pain or any degree of physical discomfort, go to the doctor.  Don't become bullheaded like me in my jaded and cynical view of modern medicine.  Of course, I'll keep all my readers posted as to the progress of healing I am experiencing.

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