Healthcare & Me

Here's the thing about me and how I feel about universal healthcare (which in Canada doesn't just mean that you're covered if you're a legal resident, it means that most-to-all medically-necessary treatments are covered)...

A couple or seven years ago, when I made a lot less than I do today, when I was living on my own and there wasn't much left over that the end of a paycheque once rent, food and transport was paid for, I had a health scare. There was a chance it was breast cancer. It wasn't but there was a chance.

Determining that I didn't have cancer involved

· two outpatient exploratory surgeries
· two rounds of pathology on the tissues removed during the surgery
· three ductograms (two conducted by the head of the radiology department)
· six to eight mammograms (I lost count after the first four)
· 10 consults with my general surgeon and
· more than 15 visits trips to my family doctor for updates, blood tests, reassurance and so on.

The out-of-pocket cost to me - $12 in Extra-strength Tylenol.

I was employed at the time but if I'd had to pay up front for any of those, even temporarily, just until the insurance company reimbursed me, I'd have thought twice and then three times about whether or not it was worth it to see a doctor, have a mammogram, have another mammogram...

Turns out I was lucky. It wasn't cancer.

But it could have been.

I've heard Americans say they shouldn't have to pay for someone else's health insurance. Well that's what I do every day. That's how Canada's system works - we all put into the pool according to our ability and take out according to our need. It isn't a perfect system. It's probably not the best of the imperfect systems out there but it is a good system and a just system and it serves the people of Canada far better than any private healthcare system possibly could.

I was lucky. When I got sick I didn't hesistate to see my doctor. I never worried about who would pay for my next test or my next surgery - employed, unemployed; under 18, over 60; making 80 grand or making minimum wage didn't matter because I live in a country where my medical costs are covered by my government health insurance plan.

And in the end it wasn't cancer.

The bill just passed tonight is not universal healthcare.

But for the millions of American daughters and mothers and wives and husbands and fathers and sons and brothers and sisters who won't be as lucky as me, it is a step towards a day when they won't have to stop and think twice about seeing their doctor.

It is a step towards a day when Americans won't have to depend on their luck to determine their healthcare.

Dear Fanfic Writer (Part of a Continuing Series)

If Character A is a trained first responder, shouldn't s/he know that in cases of suspected spinal cord injury you should actually immobilize the neck and keep your victim from moving so they, oh I don't know paralyze themselves?

The whole premise of this fic is that Character B may be paralyzed and Character A is going on about being a trained first responder and yet you have him/her moving someone with suspected spinal injuries without immobilizing their neck and back - because paralyzing our OTL is something we all want to be responsible for.

How many times do I have to say it: GOOGLE IS YOUR FRIEND. In this case, Google Books excerpts from "Wilderness First Responder" would be your friend.

*headdesk*

eta: found in my archives - "Bad fanfic is a zombie plague that rapes your pets and drinks all your beer.

"*thwuppt*

"Oh, and it also eats your brains."

Still true.