WildflowerMom Posted September 4, 2023 Share Posted September 4, 2023 I’m so glad they’ll be doing the prednisone for a month. I can’t wait to hear that you walked all the way across the house to the bathroom!!! I think we’ll all celebrate! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kassia Posted September 4, 2023 Share Posted September 4, 2023 10 minutes ago, WildflowerMom said: I’m so glad they’ll be doing the prednisone for a month. I can’t wait to hear that you walked all the way across the house to the bathroom!!! I think we’ll all celebrate! Yes! Celebration around the world! ❤️ 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kanin Posted September 4, 2023 Share Posted September 4, 2023 My friend with sarcoidosis has been on prednisone (low dose) for YEARS, with way, way less severe symptoms than Melissa. Maybe I just don't get the Australian medical system, but it seems like everything has taken forever up to this point. I haven't been in an American hospital, either, but surely it wouldn't take over a month to figure it out here? 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pawz4me Posted September 4, 2023 Share Posted September 4, 2023 (edited) 1 hour ago, Kanin said: I haven't been in an American hospital, either, but surely it wouldn't take over a month to figure it out here? I would be very surprised if it took longer than a few days. A week max. Our system certainly has its faults, but lack of speed isn't usually one of them, especially when it's a serious problem. Years ago when my friend was diagnosed she wasn't sick enough to be hospitalized, but she had all the necessary testing on an outpatient basis and was diagnosed in about a week. (ETA: I feel the need to add the caveat that my statement is for people who have good insurance.) Edited September 4, 2023 by Pawz4me 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katy Posted September 4, 2023 Share Posted September 4, 2023 1 hour ago, Kanin said: My friend with sarcoidosis has been on prednisone (low dose) for YEARS, with way, way less severe symptoms than Melissa. Maybe I just don't get the Australian medical system, but it seems like everything has taken forever up to this point. I haven't been in an American hospital, either, but surely it wouldn't take over a month to figure it out here? Probably not, but we also have the most expensive medical system in the world, that bankrupts many. We probably would have put her in the cardiac ICU and given the prednisone and watched vitals for signs of infection. A less aggressive approach might be more prudent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arcadia Posted September 4, 2023 Share Posted September 4, 2023 1 hour ago, Kanin said: Maybe I just don't get the Australian medical system, but it seems like everything has taken forever up to this point. I haven't been in an American hospital, either, but surely it wouldn't take over a month to figure it out here? I am on a PPO plan. The turnaround time depends on which provider I see. I switched obgyn because the level of care was so bad. I switch oncologist too for similar reasons. I do end up paying more because the ones I switch to cost more, but that just mean I hit my annual out of pocket maximum faster. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted September 4, 2023 Share Posted September 4, 2023 2 hours ago, Kanin said: My friend with sarcoidosis has been on prednisone (low dose) for YEARS, with way, way less severe symptoms than Melissa. Maybe I just don't get the Australian medical system, but it seems like everything has taken forever up to this point. I haven't been in an American hospital, either, but surely it wouldn't take over a month to figure it out here? 1 hour ago, Pawz4me said: I would be very surprised if it took longer than a few days. A week max. Our system certainly has its faults, but lack of speed isn't usually one of them, especially when it's a serious problem. Years ago when my friend was diagnosed she wasn't sick enough to be hospitalized, but she had all the necessary testing on an outpatient basis and was diagnosed in about a week. (ETA: I feel the need to add the caveat that my statement is for people who have good insurance.) I agree. I think it's horrible that it has taken so long for Melissa to get a diagnosis, and it seems like they still don't really have much of a long term treatment plan set up for her. And don't even get me started on sending her home after only a few days of rehab, when she is clearly in no shape to be released from the hospital! It is maddening! And this is supposedly the specialty hospital, right? Ugh. 6 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faith-manor Posted September 4, 2023 Share Posted September 4, 2023 Na. The American system is just as effed. My father had w collapsed lung for three months that no one would fix because they had to argue about billing, in network, out of network, blah blah blah. It took another three months to get the cancer diagnosis though it was evident on every single scan and x ray. It took lawyers and threatening to sue in order to get anyone to get off their ass and treat him, and it cost us tens of thousands of dollars because he didn't have it, and they were only too happy to let him die while they argued. So no. This could have EASILY happened here too. I know people who took YEARS to get simple diagnoses. Some died waiting, and it was autopsy that found the problem was easy to discover, and reliably treatable. I don't believe for an instant that our system is better for anything except we do tend to have absolutely fantastic trauma care, really tippy top. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in Australia Posted September 4, 2023 Author Share Posted September 4, 2023 If I was in your country I would have died of heart failure last week cause there is no way I woukd have afforded insurance and I would have never gone to hospital in the first place I am too ill to fight you all. 26 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
East Coast Sue Posted September 4, 2023 Share Posted September 4, 2023 12 minutes ago, Melissa in Australia said: If I was in your country I would have died of heart failure last week cause there is no way I woukd have afforded insurance and I would have never gone to hospital in the first place I am too ill to fight you all. We’re all thankful that you’ve got a medical team and medication that is helping restore your health. I think we’re something like a big, extended, loving family and we’re fussing over your treatment b/c we want you to have the very best. We’re sorry if our fussing was too much. Hugs! 20 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kassia Posted September 4, 2023 Share Posted September 4, 2023 6 minutes ago, East Coast Sue said: We’re all thankful that you’ve got a medical team and medication that is helping restore your health. I think we’re something like a big, extended, loving family and we’re fussing over your treatment b/c we want you to have the very best. We’re sorry if our fussing was too much. Hugs! Yes, to all of this. @Melissa in Australia we appreciate your updates and are all just so worried about you and want the best for you, but we don't want to cause you any additional stress either. Sending hugs. ❤️ 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faith-manor Posted September 4, 2023 Share Posted September 4, 2023 26 minutes ago, Melissa in Australia said: If I was in your country I would have died of heart failure last week cause there is no way I woukd have afforded insurance and I would have never gone to hospital in the first place I am too ill to fight you all. Ignore us, Melissa. We love you and are just being fussy, mother hens who want to kick ass and take names because we want you better so much faster. Think of us as your dotty Aunt Grizelda, and feel free to roll your eyes. I am holding out a great and mighty hope that you feel a lot better soon, and that the treatment plan works. 12 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted September 4, 2023 Share Posted September 4, 2023 2 hours ago, Melissa in Australia said: If I was in your country I would have died of heart failure last week cause there is no way I woukd have afforded insurance and I would have never gone to hospital in the first place I am too ill to fight you all. If you lived here, you would probably have had insurance, but there's no guarantee that you would have better doctors, so let's all just assume that you're destined to make a full recovery, and you're in the exact place you need to be right now to do that. Sending lots of hugs, and apologies if I upset you! 😞 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starr Posted September 5, 2023 Share Posted September 5, 2023 Sending love and hugs. My niece has a serious brain tumor and is getting better treatment in Melbourne than she would have where her family lives here in the states. We are all holding all things positive for you. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kanin Posted September 5, 2023 Share Posted September 5, 2023 Sorry, didn't mean to add stress to stress! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom31257 Posted September 6, 2023 Share Posted September 6, 2023 Hugs, Melissa!!! You live the life you are given, wherever that is. I'm sorry yours has handed you this illness, but I am hopeful and praying that you will recover and live the rest of your wonderful life in peace, love, and comfort! 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in Australia Posted September 8, 2023 Author Share Posted September 8, 2023 A small update Have started a low dose of steroids, to counter some of the negative side effects I also need to take a stomach protector tablet, a special type of antibiotic to counter the immune reducing of steroid a antihistamine for the itching, and have 4 times a day blood sugar monitoring. They have also prescribed a sleeping pill but I chose not to take it. So far 2 days of steroid with no noticeable change in condition, no increase in energy etc. But I hope it is protecting my heart. The little magic heart pill I really rely on, Ivabradine. It was delayed by a few hours today because hospital pharmacy ran out and boy do I go downhill fast. They ended up sending a student nurse to different wards to borrow some 48 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaybee Posted September 8, 2023 Share Posted September 8, 2023 Thank you for keeping us updated, even though you don't have much energy. I check out this thread every time there is a post on it. ❤️ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriet Vane Posted September 8, 2023 Share Posted September 8, 2023 We continue to pray for you, Melissa. Thanks for the update. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
East Coast Sue Posted September 8, 2023 Share Posted September 8, 2023 Praying for you and sending gentle hugs to let you know I care and think of you often. -Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amiesmom Posted September 8, 2023 Share Posted September 8, 2023 45 minutes ago, Melissa in Australia said: The little magic heart pill I really rely on, Ivabradine. It was delayed by a few hours today because hospital pharmacy ran out and boy do I go downhill fast. They ended up sending a student nurse to different wards to borrow some My daughter takes Ivabradine and it seems the pharmacy has to special order it every month. It takes forever to be delivered. She's a mess without it. I hope they're able to get a good supply of it for you. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ditto Posted September 9, 2023 Share Posted September 9, 2023 Just popping in to let you know I am continuing to pray for your full recovery. I hope that you are seeing some improvement and feeling better. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halftime Hope Posted September 9, 2023 Share Posted September 9, 2023 My usual Saturday check-in. (It's the start of the semester in my area, and work has been a zoo. I'm putting in a lot of overtime, but it's beginning to settle down.) Melissa, you are frequently on my mind and definitely (along with your family) in my prayers. Medical red tape is so ridiculously frustrating...praying for all the puzzle pieces to come together for your care as you plan for the next step. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom31257 Posted September 9, 2023 Share Posted September 9, 2023 Thank you for the update! You are in my thoughts often! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Innisfree Posted September 11, 2023 Share Posted September 11, 2023 Thinking of you, Melissa. I hope you’re gradually feeling better. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lauraw4321 Posted September 11, 2023 Share Posted September 11, 2023 Continuing to pray for you, Melissa. I can't imagine how hard this has been. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mominco Posted September 11, 2023 Share Posted September 11, 2023 Still thinking of you, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kassia Posted September 11, 2023 Share Posted September 11, 2023 Also thinking of you, @Melissa in Australia 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Melissa in Australia Posted September 12, 2023 Author Popular Post Share Posted September 12, 2023 Back at the country hospital The nurse opened my Window. First fresh air in 7 weeks. So lovely. 63 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LifeLovePassion Posted September 12, 2023 Share Posted September 12, 2023 Is that the one close to your family so they can visit? Or are you still far from them? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie_0801 Posted September 12, 2023 Share Posted September 12, 2023 I'm glad you've been transferred back a bit closer to home. ❤️ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irish Posted September 12, 2023 Share Posted September 12, 2023 thinking of you in Minnesota this morning & praying for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Melissa in Australia Posted September 12, 2023 Author Popular Post Share Posted September 12, 2023 Closer to home. Just 100 km away.. Saw the twins for the first time in 6 weeks. 72 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bolt. Posted September 12, 2023 Share Posted September 12, 2023 I'm so glad it's a more pleasant and accessible place for you to be! I'm hopeful that these more-local doctors and nurses are still working closely with your care team that successfully diagnosed and planned your treatment. I'd hate to see a step-down in care competency as you make this transition. If you have it, make sure you keep the contact info for your former care team. If you feel like anything that happens from now on doesn't line up with what you were told to expect -- don't be shy to have someone make contact for you. Doctors are usually quite invested in making sure their hard work doesn't go to waste if someone strays from the plan, even after they have officially handed a patient off. 11 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ottakee Posted September 12, 2023 Share Posted September 12, 2023 56 minutes ago, Melissa in Australia said: Closer to home. Just 100 km away.. Saw the twins for the first time in 6 weeks. How awesome Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LifeLovePassion Posted September 12, 2023 Share Posted September 12, 2023 58 minutes ago, Melissa in Australia said: Closer to home. Just 100 km away.. Saw the twins for the first time in 6 weeks. Hooray! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kassia Posted September 12, 2023 Share Posted September 12, 2023 So glad you are closer to home! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BusyMom5 Posted September 12, 2023 Share Posted September 12, 2023 So happy you are closer to home! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cintinative Posted September 12, 2023 Share Posted September 12, 2023 Continuing to pray! So glad to hear you are closer to home and that you finally saw your kids after so long. What a reunion that must have been! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faith-manor Posted September 13, 2023 Share Posted September 13, 2023 Oh my goodness! I am so very happy you got to see the twins! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ausmumof3 Posted September 13, 2023 Share Posted September 13, 2023 I’m so glad you’re closer to home and were able to see the twins 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
El... Posted September 13, 2023 Share Posted September 13, 2023 Wonderful!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom31257 Posted September 15, 2023 Share Posted September 15, 2023 How wonderful you got to see them! Continued prayers for you and your family. Hugs! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.