Doctor Dilemma (Dilemna?)

For the first time, today, I was refused as a patient by a doctor I wanted to see. Am I a difficult patient? No. Am I without insurance? No. Is the doctor not taking new patients? No. Am I expecting services this doctor is not qualified to render? No. 


The problem?


Medicare is my primary insurance now that my husband is retired. Although I also have Aetna as a full co-insurance, Medicare is the first in line. For me, this means I cannot see any of the doctors in the clinic of my choice. I also can no longer be seen in the MEA walk in clinics. 


This is scary. I have specialists for my myasthenia gravis, my asthma & sleep apnea, stomach problems, and female stuff.  My last two internists in Jackson have flown the coop. I just need someone who can treat me for minor illnesses and injuries, do blood work, and occasionally talk to one of my specialists. I was hoping to find that here in Vicksburg. But, Mission Primary Care takes no new Medicare patients. 


I may have some choices. I can go to River Region again and deal with a billing system that turns me over to collections before I ever receive a bill. And most of the doctors I want to see are fleeing River Region. What if I find someone and he/she leaves about the time I get settled in? 


With proposed cuts in Medicare funding, I can understand where the doctors are coming from. But, it is awfully scary not to be sure I can get medical care.


Like all of us, I am not getting any younger. 

To Do List 2011

I am no longer foolish enough to make "resolutions" that I am sure to break. However, I did want to make a list of things I HOPE to accomplish this year. Something I can refer back to at times to see how I am doing.

1. Go to Savannah, GA and eat at "The Lady and Sons" on Teresa's 50th birthday.

2. Make another CD of Christian music.

3. Attend another "Imagicopter" event to display and sell my art.

4. Do one or more watercolor demonstrations at "The Cricket Box."

5. Find some new recipes utilizing the things I *CAN* eat.

6. Have breakfast or lunch with a friend at LEAST twice a month.

7. Learn 10 new 7 letter words.

8. Increase my charitable giving.

OK, I think that is enough. I will check back on this post in a couple of months to see how I am coming along.

Letting Go

It seems today as if I have been bombarded by messages about letting go. I suppose many of these are expected at this time of year. But this year, they are really shouting at me. 


I need to let go of:


1. False hopes (not real hope, but things that are just not going to happen, and even if they did, would not necessarily be good for me.)


2. Stuff. Like many I have too much of it. I am looking to pare down considerably as my physical condition simply does not allow me to maintain it.


3. People who continually drag me down. I made progress with this over the past year, but more boundaries are needed. I just don't have the energy. 


Here's to 2011.