Ed.Dobie@f175.n120.z1.fidonet.org (Ed Dobie) (10/02/90)
Index Number: 10775
[This is from the Chronic Pain Conference on Fidonet]
Well, I've been very busy. Aren't we all? So I'm going to rapid fire a
bunch of answers to your bunch of questions....
GG->So how is the cold frozen North this time of year?
COLD!!! We haven't seen a true frost yet. But I'm looking for a
cold one this year. (Hey, it's expect the worst & be happy it
ain't that bad kind of attitude.)
GG->How do you start a conversation with someone who is in the
GG->situation you are in? What are Jills capabilities, I mean,
Well, Jill is a complete C1/2 quad. she is motionless below the
neck & is vent. dependent from this condition. She is in very good
health, spirits ect. she suffered no head injurys & is in above
average intelligence. She uses a powerchair with a chin switch.
(She drives better than someone pushing her.) She interfaces with
a computer via a sip & puff switch that she uses morse code on.
The weigh & pay theory sounds real. I can relate. So far the
insurance hasn't been all that bad. They really haven't said
no.....yet.... But, I'm waiting. There has been some statements
made to me that I'm sure were to "keep me in line," but, they have
been always retracted without any crow eating. I hate it when
people make definte, absolute statements. It only makes it harder
on them. But, I guess we're all still learning here.
GG->the face of it, a claim like yours is going to be worth the
GG->policy limit'
There's no limit here. Michigan no-fault simple says that the
insurance co. is responsible for all "resonable" medical &
accomadation expenses. The key word here is resonable. It's
almost like tax deductions, if you can prove it, it's yours, if
it's prescribled then it's no-problem.
GG->The Medical Providers can become leeches and vultures in
GG->this, too.
NO QUESTION HERE! We are being charged $623 a day for vent rental.
The same charge at home is $1000 per month. (about $6500 purchase
price) Of course the main argument from the medical feild here is
to hit the deep pockets of the insurance industry to recoup the
loss on intigents, skips, ect.
GG->above making a buck when they can! Is she in a hospital or
GG->an extended nursing facility or what?
Also, these guys just stick there head in the door, say hi, and
charge $300+ for consultations!!!!! WOW!!! I wish I could do
that! But, Jill is still in the hospital waiting for a home. Two
architects could not figure a way to do it. So we're starting with
a third that will design a new house (appox. 6000 sqft). Starting
him on Monday. Also, I'm in the process of buying about a 10 acre
plot for this new house. I got to get property first before I can
proceed on the house. (Insurance co. said they would not buy
property.....hmmmm I smell crow here.) But, I got to get this show
on the road. We're comming up on the one year anniversary & really
nothing to show for the housing. (Insurance co. pays over $2000
per day in hospital expenses...waiting.) At least they get a little
break on this from weekends at home. Which is a mess due to space
problems & not enough nursing.
GG->Any chance she can ever go home and be taken care of by you
GG->and the rest of your clan? I am assuming you have a wife and
GG->at least 1.3 other children.
GG->What about schooling? If she is alert and awake, have you
GG->tried to continue her education? A Mind is a terrible thing
GG->to waste, you know.
We do quite well taking care of her, but it is a FULL TIME job.
But, with us it's a labor of love. So far we haven't received any
compensation for this. (My business is going down the tubes
rapidly.) But, when we settle down things will get better.
I have one other daughter that was also in the accident, but does
real good with everything. She has adjusted to her sister very
well, and I think that she should go into support work with these
kids when older. Jill has been keeping her education up in the
hospital. She has been accepted in our home school distict as a
"mainstream" student. But, we might not stay within this
district. (Silly us...they spend about $9000 per student each
year!)
GG->I should know, mine is pretty well shot {GRIN} (see grand
GG->rounds echo for more on that) So much for the rambling. Call
I've noticed. (smile) I hope it's hanging in there. I quoted a bunch to
refresh things. It's been a long time for a reply.
Anywho's I'm back to Insurance/Architect/Lawyer/Hospital grindstone. I'll
keep you posted on the Insurance angle of things.
ED
--
Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!120!175!Ed.Dobie
Internet: Ed.Dobie@f175.n120.z1.fidonet.org