I am in a better place toady. I think that I am being knocked around by the anaemia more than I will give myself credit for. I have no idea how Frankie coped with his haemoglobin so low for so long. I didn't realize how tired it makes you. I am not less tired but I am less annoyed at myself for being tired. Maybe I am getting smarter in my old age.
I am not looking forward to the surgery but I am looking forward to the two weeks off afterward. Levi will get to spend the day with his mate Robbie and he is very excited. I am being forced into a position that compares the two medical systems of USA and Australia. It isn't a real comparison, because I am not having an operation the way that other people here would. Gynecological surgery for us is a little different. My surgeon was "humbled" to be the one that was chosen. My brother really is the best Gynecological Oncologist certainly in the state, likely in the country. His family is treated very well particularly in these circles. I am going to be bulk billed (meaning that I won't be charged over the private insurance rebate) making it cheaper. My poor surgeon will stress enough the night before she will have trouble sleeping. I wish that I could convey how much faith that I have in her, and so she would relax. She stresses that Jim has trusted his family to her. For me, it does mean that she is the best in multiple ways.
I do think that overall for the insured consumer, the bill likely works out about the same. In USA, the money is paid upfront in the monthly premiums. In Australia, the money is paid after you use the system with much smaller monthly premiums. I am not sure which is better, but for me the cost will be about the same.
There is a lot of stuff happening at the moment to friends and it is not my place to talk about their concerns but I always wish there was something more positive I could do. I feel very impotent at times but as a person who prefers to fix things, I'm sure there is something in there that I am supposed to be learning, but who knows. I still just wish that I could make it better.
I think that just 'being there' for your friends is enough. So many people run away from a friend who is hurting... having a friend like you who says, "I'm here if you need to talk/vent/whatever," is pretty special because it's a position very few people want to occupy. Even if you can't DO anything in a tangible way, just being available as a sounding board is valuable & helpful.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to you with your surgery. I will be thinking about you & praying for a positive outcome & for you to feel much better once you're recovered.