My patient went home the other day who had pulmonary fibrosis secondary to having raised pigeons and other farm related exposures. They are ranchers and very independant people without insurance. She told me how she did apply for government medical aid at one time. She said the place was filled with people who don't speak English, but she was denied help. No wonder people resent immigrants!
What she has been doing for years, she told me, was order animal supply antibiotics to treat her infections and illnesses. They are ranchers and raise cattle, horses, sheep so they have access to these things through their animal supply catalogues. They barely scrape by and obviously can't afford insurance. I heard from the doctor that they lost it at some point. Obviously, a lung transplant candidate isn't going to be viewed favorably by insurance companies.
I really loved this family. They were very appreciative and modest people, soft spoken and hard working gritty types. Yes, they own 100+ acres which has been in their family for more than one generation. The adult children follow the rodeos for a living. Should people like this be denied healthcare because they make their living from the land? Should they be forced to sell their land? Meanwhile, people who come into the country illegally get free medical care?
There's something wrong with our healthcare system where hardworking Americans are forced by financial neccessity to obtain antibiotics from livestock supply catalogues!!!:angryfire
