Salty and Sweet

This article, Take a deep breath, and read recently posted in the LA Times hits a little too close to home for me. Please take a moment to read it. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-lopez2jan02,1,156338.column

Just like Preston, in the article, my insurance feels that one dose of Pulmozyme a day is enough, where as my doctor feels that my lungs are in need of two doses. And so, with out much of a financial choice, I only take one dose a day. With a lung function of 53%, I know my insurance is not the best judge of my necessary healthcare.

Recently I have received letters from my insurance company denying coverage for the three weeks of IV antibiotics I needed in December to help with my reoccurring lung infection, (a CF exacerbation in medical terms). They denied coverage for the nurse who came to change the bandages for my PICC line and check on my well being once per week. Regardless that I had chosen to do homecare, which is not as effective, rather than a hospital stay because of previous fights with other insurance companies.

I am currently fighting their decisions, which in turn adds stress, which in turn lessens the time until my next exacerbation. As the cycle continues.

Insurance denied coverage for an upgrade to my respiratory ThAIRapy Vest, in which I am in dire need of, having to find other ways to loosen the sticky plugs of mucus in my lungs. I gave up on that fight.

As well, I am praying they reverse their decision against coverage of an insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor, which I am still waiting to hear a response.

Without these treatments, medications, therapies,…. I cannot even start to think of the repercussions without crying. I am sure to die a very hard, painful and early death. This is the life of a person with Cystic Fibrosis.