The Vent - Part 2

[The_Dude 1,142]

I guess I must have super duper special insurance because i've never had to wait more than 8 days for an appointment, and that was because the neurologist I needed to see was out of the country.

[JillA 2]

We all live in a sick, sad world. I'm scared to bring children into the world we live in today.

[Krikit 1,164]

I miss chocolate popsicles.

[Hugglebuggles 60]

I lost my father to cancer because 3 different Canadian doctors refused to consider that was the problem. He had a 5 year history of cancer and they told him he had a back problem. When they found it he had to go to NY state for treatment. And we say the Canadian health care system isn't broken? I beg to differ. Sorry, I just had to get that off my chest.

Edited June 1, 2009 by Hugglebuggles

[Krikit 1,164]

I lost my father to cancer because 3 different Canadian doctors refused to consider that was the problem. He had a 5 year history of cancer and they told him he had a back problem. When they found it he had to go to NY state for treatment. And we say the Canadian health care system isn't broken? I beg to differ. Sorry, I just had to get that off my chest.

((((((((((((((((Hugglebuggles))))))))))))))))))))))

I think there are horror stories everywhere. I have my own, as well. I see the good and the bad to both sides, which is why I've kept quiet on the topic. In any event, as we can see from Huggles' post, the human aspect when errors are made can be quite devastating. I am sorry for your loss, Huggles.

[Hugglebuggles 60]

I lost my father to cancer because 3 different Canadian doctors refused to consider that was the problem. He had a 5 year history of cancer and they told him he had a back problem. When they found it he had to go to NY state for treatment. And we say the Canadian health care system isn't broken? I beg to differ. Sorry, I just had to get that off my chest.

((((((((((((((((Hugglebuggles))))))))))))))))))))))

I think there are horror stories everywhere. I have my own, as well. I see the good and the bad to both sides, which is why I've kept quiet on the topic. In any event, as we can see from Huggles' post, the human aspect when errors are made can be quite devastating. I am sorry for your loss, Huggles.

Thanks Krikit!

I understand that everyone has different experiences and the system has worked well for a lot of people. Unfortunately, our experiences in life often shape our narrow views on certain issues. In my case, this one horrifying experience with the follies of the Canadian health care system has changed my opinion forever.

[Krikit 1,164]

I understand your frustration and anger at the medical system, Huggles. I recently lost my uncle to cancer due to an erroneous diagnosis by his physicians. By the time the hospital finally figured out what was wrong, he was well into Stage 4 and was given weeks to live. He was still young. My cousin's breast cancer was misdiagnosed, also. If it hadn't been for the persistence of a radiologist who actually risked her job to ensure my cousin received some attention, it may have been a different story for her, too. She is doing well, now, but the cancer advanced a lot further than was necessary, so her treatment was radical. My friend was gone in 4 weeks with cancer last Fall. He had been waiting so long for a specialist appointment that he hadn't even been diagnosed with it until it was too late. Angry? You betcha. I am angry each time I think about them and want to share something with them. I am angry each time I hold my cousins as they cry their hearts out with deep gut-wrenching sobs at the loss of their father. I am angry each time they call me on the phone trying to work their way through the pain and there is nothing I can do because I am so far away. I am angry as I watch my Mum and my Aunt try to set aside their pain at the loss of their little brother. Yes. I have issues with the Canadian system. But I also understand that there is human error involved too. Ideally, I believe a combination of the Canadian and the American systems would be wonderful. But, then again, in an ideal world there would be no cancer.

[Carlawarla 1]

Deadpool....if your situation warranted an earlier or emergency appointment, you'd get it. Bottom line...the system is there for everyone. If someone needs to be seen earlier they will. That's not a joke. I LIKE that system. I'm not the only one that needs attention. I personally PREFER someone who needs help before me to be given an earlier appointment. I figure, everything isn't about me.

[thetreble 19]

Whether or not we feel doctors make enough isn't really the issue. The point is that doctors make more money in the U.S., therefore in order to combat that financial incentive, Canada needs to make some changes.

It's all about money..yes, you're right...let's give them money we don't have and find ourselves trillions of dollars in debt like the lovely USA.

[Krikit 1,164]

Doctors in the US may make more money, but their insurance costs are astronomical. My understanding is that the US system has impacted the Canadian doctors to the point where they are returning to Canada.

[thetreble 19]

Doctors in the US may make more money, but their insurance costs are astronomical. My understanding is that the US system has impacted the Canadian doctors to the point where they are returning to Canada.

I've heard this as well. So many lawsuits led to high insurance costs and the like.

[JillA 2]

I have had numerous problems and bad luck with my windshield on my car.... my Mazda is a 2005 and I'm on my fourth windshield. The last one I got right before I moved, so I could claim it on insurance. So yesterday when driving on the 95 to the airport, a rock hit the windshield and left a pretty chip in it, that will probably lead to a crack before I get home and get the chance to fill it It annoys me SOOOOO much that my windshield needs to be replaced at least once per year sometimes more!

[Sprailenes 47]

Deadpool....if your situation warranted an earlier or emergency appointment, you'd get it. Bottom line...the system is there for everyone. If someone needs to be seen earlier they will. That's not a joke. I LIKE that system. I'm not the only one that needs attention. I personally PREFER someone who needs help before me to be given an earlier appointment. I figure, everything isn't about me.

Could not have said it better myself.

That's really what it is about, and if you want to pay the extra money and get care asap you can do that as well. But its a fair system. I don't think that it's fair that someone who can't afford health care not get good health care. I like to know that everyone is getting a fair share.

[Krikit 1,164]

I have had numerous problems and bad luck with my windshield on my car.... my Mazda is a 2005 and I'm on my fourth windshield. The last one I got right before I moved, so I could claim it on insurance. So yesterday when driving on the 95 to the airport, a rock hit the windshield and left a pretty chip in it, that will probably lead to a crack before I get home and get the chance to fill it It annoys me SOOOOO much that my windshield needs to be replaced at least once per year sometimes more!

I'm having the same problem! I was sooooooooooooooooo annoyed when, two weeks after buying our new car, I was driving along the highway when a rock flew out of nowhere and made a chip right in the line of sight! Of course, I wasn't nearly as mad as when the glass guy and husband pretty much accused me of causing it myself.

[JillA 2]

I have had numerous problems and bad luck with my windshield on my car.... my Mazda is a 2005 and I'm on my fourth windshield. The last one I got right before I moved, so I could claim it on insurance. So yesterday when driving on the 95 to the airport, a rock hit the windshield and left a pretty chip in it, that will probably lead to a crack before I get home and get the chance to fill it It annoys me SOOOOO much that my windshield needs to be replaced at least once per year sometimes more!

I'm having the same problem! I was sooooooooooooooooo annoyed when, two weeks after buying our new car, I was driving along the highway when a rock flew out of nowhere and made a chip right in the line of sight! Of course, I wasn't nearly as mad as when the glass guy and husband pretty much accused me of causing it myself.

Oh gee, ya we purposely throw rocks at our windshield to cause damage! The first time was also 2 weeks after getting my car too.... Three times it's been a pebble on the highway, one time was a huge chunk of ice that nearly caused me to get into an accident. That smashed the windshield so bad it was not driveable. I hope I can catch it in time before it spreads, what a pain in my rear.