Dx'd with Pneumonia

Nurses General Nursing

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Well, after a month of procrastinating to see a doctor for my nasty chest cold, I was dx' with pneumonia and on a s**tload of medicine. Not only that it just ate up all my birthday$$ because I didn't have insurance, as I'm a full-time student.:crying2:

I don't know if it is just me, but I was wondering if others on this board have done the same...either procrastinate or just plan deny that they are sick enough to see a doctor. I mean if anyone else complained of the symptoms I've had, I would have told them to go see an MD...I know part was financial, but mainly it was denial.

Also, are there any inexpensive health insurances for students? unfortunately, my community college doesn't offer any insurance and I'll be at this school for at least 2.5 more years for my ADN.

Thanks,

Kris

:o

That is true...FL is definitely warmer than PA at this time of the year. However, it has been getting colder and I think that might have some effect on why I got pneumonia...I think it is becomes my blood is thinning since I moved down here from NY two years ago. The worst is that today the temp is going back to the mid to late 70s and I'm stuck inside (I'm also ready to take another nap!!) I think two of my cats are waiting for me in bed already...

I definitely hope I have better luck this time with the Zpack, and I also am taking medrolpred (sp?) for the next six days (my first experience with steroids)...

Thanks again for your kind wishes!

Kris

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Specializes in Critical Care.

{{{{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}}}}, so sorry you are sick, sending cyber chicken soup your way. Please feel better soon.

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Get some good rest and hope you feel better soon. Insurance is important, I agree with the others and try and get on your parents' policy. If not, at least get something that will cover for a disasterous bill. I know the visit and meds seem expensive to you now, but you need to be prepared for the super bills.

As for procrastinating, I did a big one. Going on a family vacation, but not feeling well. Thought it was stress. After 15 hours of driving with husband and 4 kids, drove myself to the ER in Florida hospital. Had gall bladder removed, liver biopsy, and stayed for 3 days. Never put off caring for my kids, just me. Typical of all of us nurses.

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Hi Kae,

What is it about Florida?

My mom and I went on a vacation together a few years ago to Key Largo and about 3 days into it my mom developed stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, etc. Turned out to be appendicitis. Had to have surgery and stay an extra 4 days.

Talk about a bill!!!! It's one thing to have insurance and get sick in your own home town but what you have to pay for emergencies and someone not "in the network". It's insane!!

But better to have some sort of protection than nothing at all.

2B, maybe you could you check out Aflac or Blue Cross/Blue Shield and maybe get something that would cover a major emergency.

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Specializes in MS Home Health.

Yes I only go to the Dr. if I am on deaths door. Dr. ALWAYS lectures me on waiting to long.

My son and dtr are going to a community college and have no insurance and can't be on ours any more. They both work just enough hours to keep insurance at work. I pay their premiums to help them out. Hope you feel better soon.

renerian

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Originally posted by colleen10

Hi Kae,

What is it about Florida?

My mom and I went on a vacation together a few years ago to Key Largo and about 3 days into it my mom developed stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, etc. Turned out to be appendicitis. Had to have surgery and stay an extra 4 days.

I'll tell ya...there are times when I would hightail it back to NY and yet when they are battling the winter (like this winter in particular), it is kind of nice to be surrounded by sunshine and palm trees. Although I still get homesick for Long Island and the change of seasons.

Can anyone tell me what the medrolprednisone is supposed to do regarding my lungs?:confused: As I am still a pre-nursing student, I know that I still have tons to learn about medications.

Thanks for your kind thoughts! This BB makes me feel less isolated!

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Reading this, I now realize how fortunate we were at nursing school so long ago. When I was in school, our health care was provided through the hospital. I went in for yearly PAP smears, once for a really bad upper respiratory infection, and my roommate had to have an upper GI when she had horrible heartburn. We never had to pay anything for doctors or emergency room visits and we paid $5 for any prescription meds.

I'm quite sure they don't do that anymore. This was back in the early 80's.

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2banurse,

Sorry to hear your ill. The medrolprednisone will decrease the inflamation in the tissues of your lungs making it easier for you to breath. I think FL is such a transient state that, if there is a bug going around, it's in FL. People fly, boat, drive to FL from all over the world, they bring with them their germs and leave them when they leave. You should find a nice sunny spot OUTSIDE, that is out of the wind, and bask yourself in the sunshine. Why are you couped up when the best FL medicine is right outside your door....if your not allergic to every fall blooming tree and grass. There are also alot of molds//mildew in FL. Fungus is amoung us and that can be a big problem for people with respiratory infections and diseases. I'm glad you finally stopped procrastinating. Get well soon!

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Fortunatly for me my hubby is active duty army. We only pay $3.00 for all scrips, no copay on dr. visits, and $ 10.00 copay on hospital stays per day. Only problem is that we are not close to a military base, so the closest dr. in the network is almost 45 min away. Needless to say, we make alot of calls to the dr, and try to put off a visit unless she deems it necessary.

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I think then that the medrolprednisone is making some strides, but it is only my first day. I'm able to lie down for a few hours before I wake up coughing. Once I can get this headache lowered, I will take your suggestion and sit outside.

I look forward to a cough-free day SO MUCH!!! I'm also tired of feeling so tired!!! But I am feeling better than two days ago and that is a plus!

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First of all, I'm sorry you have pneumonia. I've had it 7 times. So I feel for you.

My suggestion is that you go to a clinic if you have one. We have one here in town, which is based on your ability to pay. It doesn't offer anything beyond basic, immediate healthcare, vision, and dental care. (I think the dentist is in once a week.)

If you go to a church or a synagogue (or whatever), your priest/pastor/rabbi should know of a doctor in the congregation. Usually they give fellow members a break, especially if she/he is in nursing school.

Most doctors will negotiate their fees if they know that you don't have insurance. (It also doesn't hurt to tell them you're in nursing school.) My suggestion is that you tell the doctor who you saw that you don't have insurance and would like to know if he will lower your bill. I'll be surprised if he doesn't.

In my prayers. Hope you're better soon.

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Actually I had gone to the MD already. She was the one to dx me. The good thing though is that since I've established with her, any subsequent visits I can work out payments and usually they are not as expensive as the initial visit.

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