Today was.............unpleasant. I left for work today wondering how the day would unfold; professionally, emotionally, personally, physically. When I set foot out the door for the first time, I had no idea what lay ahead. The last few days had been re assuredly warm and unseasonably pleasant. What concerned me most was a less than stellar weather forecast. Not just because seasonal affective disorder had been unusually harsh for me over the last six months, but also because I've learned that drastic changes in the weather; be they good to bad or otherwise, seemed to play a direct role in what the doctor's are calling a Lupus-like illness. Changes in the weather affect a lot of people, but it seems at this point that drastic changes in weather patterns almost certainly mean a significant increase in pain.
A couple of years ago, I found myself in the doctor's office having a very difficult time getting over a particularly nasty cold. What made this situation unusual were some symptoms I began to present which didn't seem to be associated with your average garden variety cold. I have been experiencing joint pain throughout my body on and off for a few years. What made this instance unique was the fact that the pain was symmetrical throughout various joints of my body in addition to some swelling in both hands that left them nearly twice their normal size. After a brief examination, the doctor ordered some blood work and sent me on my way. A few short days later, I received a phone call from his office to schedule a follow-up regarding the test results. During the visit, the doctor commented on some of the findings using terminology I hadn't heard before. He mentioned some conflicting results involving my ANA titer and sed rate. A brief explanation revealed that these test results indicate the possibility of an autoimmune abnormality but his lack of expertise in this field prevented him from making a conclusive diagnosis. With that, he sent me to a rheumatologist.
After some extremely expensive tests ordered by this rheumatologist and a series of office calls, I was no closer to an explanation than I was when the symptoms first presented. He dismissed me saying that based on all the tests that had been done, he could not definitively indicate the presence of either RA (rheumatoid arthritis) or SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) but did add that there are probably thousands of variations of these illnesses out there and this may be one of them. Rather than continue investigating my problem further, he sent me back to my family doctor who would likely treat the symptoms. Having been dismissed by the rheumatologist, my family doctor now refers to my condition as arthritis. In my experience, an arthritis diagnosis is very similar to a virus diagnosis. In both cases, they are doctor-speak for, "I don't know what it is."
I've told my story to a number of family and friends and on numerous occasions they have encouraged me to get a second opinion. If circumstances were different, that is what I would have done. However, the out of pocket expense to get that second opinion is cost prohibitive. Because my initial visit to the rheumatologist took place before I had health insurance, it falls into the category of "pre-existing conditions". Even if my insurance company did cover aspects of a second opinion, the co-pays and non covered tests and/or procedures would still be out of reach for me. So, what are my options?
Some have told me to press the issue with my family doctor. I fear that since the main issue involves relief from the pain, I will be labeled simply as someone trying to get pain medication. Since I don't have a conclusive diagnosis, the non-narcotic medications that are used to effectively treat autoimmune diseases are off the table. Others have suggested that I explore programs like medicare. Our income disqualifies me from that kind of coverage. Others have suggested more non-traditional approaches such as acupuncture and hypnosis. Simply put, I am not fooled by snake-oil peddlers.
What I fear is a concern that affects hundreds of thousands of people who are in diagnostic limbo like myself. Pain can be and has been an extremely powerful motivating force. And those of us who find ourselves in this position will eventually reach the point where we will take whatever means necessary to escape the pain. None of which are safe, let alone effective. But to someone who sees little hope ahead, anything is better than nothing at all, no matter what the risk.
What Obama-care promises is more stream lined and effective care through vast databases of patient records. Although this initiative has at least the potential to succeed, doctors must first cast aside old treatment paradigms and utilize this modern technology to yield better treatment results. It is my hope that one of the first changes made involves pain management. At this stage in the game, doctors treat pain conservatively in light of the numerous cases of malpractice that are filed each year. In a large percentage of these cases, doctors are being sued when their patients misuse the drugs they are prescribed. Is there a solution to this drug problem? You bet there is. Kill all the lawyers. If people misuse the drugs they are prescribed, then they must face the consequences.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Monday, April 12, 2010
help us George Lucas, you're our only hope
I consider myself very fortunate to have grown up in era that gave us Star Wars. With the world of recorded media growing by leaps and bounds, our children's, children's children's (you get the idea) will be able to enjoy Lucas' crowning achievements from now on. Although I hope younger generations are as awe-struck as I was, there were so many environmental variables that existed in 1977 that made seeing it on the big screen so poignant. I think one of the most important things to consider is that movie goers went to theaters having no idea what they were about to see. For a movie that took on $11 million dollars to make (that's less than 40,000,000.00 adjusted for inflation in 2009 dollars), and having an almost nonexistent advertising budget; the majority of learned about the film by word of mouth.
I will never forget the summer of 1977. After seeing Star Wars for the first time, my friends and I decided we were going to watch it over and over again. So, with the little bit of money I'd earned hoarding my allowance, my friends and I watched it 25 times that summer alone. From the time Star Wars left the big screen, to the time The Empire Strikes Back, the franchise fan base exploded. So much so, I believe these movies are among only a select few that shifted all of pop culture off it's axis.
I've been involved in numerous conversations where "so called" experts debate the likenesses and the differences between the first and second trilogies. Some might argue that the first three movies were better because everything was hand made. Everything from makeup and wardrobe to physically built sets. It was genius! Lucas was forced to use old school filming techniques and adapt them into his projects in a manner that had never been seen before. I look at it from the standpoint of someone buying a car. The first three films represent buying your very first car on our own. You get to enjoy that new car smell, you don't have to worry about how the car was treated by the previous owners etc. On the other hand, I compare the prequel trilogy to buying a used car. Even though the car may be new to you, you will never have the distinction of being the car's first owner.
Lucas once said in an interview that CGI has allowed him to bring his imagination to the screen that would not have been possible in the 70's and 80's. On the other hand, these is an axiom that states the more CGI you incorporate into a motion picture, the harder it becomes for audiences to identify with the characters. No matter the position, I think most would agree that life seems so different now. We have all been affected by Lucas' vision in one form or another.
I lived in Chicago around the time of Return of the Jedi was to be the biggest blockbuster of the summer. I remember there was a lot of hype in the media regarding this third release. Although some claims were really out there, some of these "spoilers" were actually accurate. I will never forget the afternoon when my mother and I were in the car going somewhere and we were listening to WBBM FM 96.3 when the dj announced over the broadcast that Darth Vader dies in the film. I'm sure George Lucas has much better control over the flow of information now and it would be highly unlikely that any dj would be able to get his or her hands on Mr. Lucas' intellectual property.
One such rumor came out that summer that I am hoping is true. I remember an announcement had been made that stated George at one point had been planning to make a total of nine motion pictures. He was later quoted as saying that he had condensed the entire story; front to back until only six scripts were left. Since the release of episodes I, II and III, one of the most common questions asked of Lucas regarding the franchise is, "will there be more"? The closest thing to the word "no" has been his comment that Star Wars was written with just six chapters.
Mr Lucas, your fans are diligent and resolute. We are going to continue clapping our hands and stomping our feet until we get our encore. Even if it is announced that you have left the building, we will continue to stand at our feet, clapping and stomping until you give us what we ask for. You are our only hope
I will never forget the summer of 1977. After seeing Star Wars for the first time, my friends and I decided we were going to watch it over and over again. So, with the little bit of money I'd earned hoarding my allowance, my friends and I watched it 25 times that summer alone. From the time Star Wars left the big screen, to the time The Empire Strikes Back, the franchise fan base exploded. So much so, I believe these movies are among only a select few that shifted all of pop culture off it's axis.
I've been involved in numerous conversations where "so called" experts debate the likenesses and the differences between the first and second trilogies. Some might argue that the first three movies were better because everything was hand made. Everything from makeup and wardrobe to physically built sets. It was genius! Lucas was forced to use old school filming techniques and adapt them into his projects in a manner that had never been seen before. I look at it from the standpoint of someone buying a car. The first three films represent buying your very first car on our own. You get to enjoy that new car smell, you don't have to worry about how the car was treated by the previous owners etc. On the other hand, I compare the prequel trilogy to buying a used car. Even though the car may be new to you, you will never have the distinction of being the car's first owner.
Lucas once said in an interview that CGI has allowed him to bring his imagination to the screen that would not have been possible in the 70's and 80's. On the other hand, these is an axiom that states the more CGI you incorporate into a motion picture, the harder it becomes for audiences to identify with the characters. No matter the position, I think most would agree that life seems so different now. We have all been affected by Lucas' vision in one form or another.
I lived in Chicago around the time of Return of the Jedi was to be the biggest blockbuster of the summer. I remember there was a lot of hype in the media regarding this third release. Although some claims were really out there, some of these "spoilers" were actually accurate. I will never forget the afternoon when my mother and I were in the car going somewhere and we were listening to WBBM FM 96.3 when the dj announced over the broadcast that Darth Vader dies in the film. I'm sure George Lucas has much better control over the flow of information now and it would be highly unlikely that any dj would be able to get his or her hands on Mr. Lucas' intellectual property.
One such rumor came out that summer that I am hoping is true. I remember an announcement had been made that stated George at one point had been planning to make a total of nine motion pictures. He was later quoted as saying that he had condensed the entire story; front to back until only six scripts were left. Since the release of episodes I, II and III, one of the most common questions asked of Lucas regarding the franchise is, "will there be more"? The closest thing to the word "no" has been his comment that Star Wars was written with just six chapters.
Mr Lucas, your fans are diligent and resolute. We are going to continue clapping our hands and stomping our feet until we get our encore. Even if it is announced that you have left the building, we will continue to stand at our feet, clapping and stomping until you give us what we ask for. You are our only hope
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Media giants' proposal could punish cash strapped families
The Associated Press reported today that 4 major television networks are considering ending over-the-air television broadcasting. Fox network's Rupert Murdoch stated that the television broadcasting has become so expensive that networks can no longer rely simply on ad revenues for survival, "good programming is expensive." Cable giant Comcast Corp's acquisition of NBC may very well be the first step in that direction, thus ending nearly 60 years of free over-the-air broadcasting. Who will be most affected by this change?
The last couple of years have been more financially devastating than most people can recall. As a result, the loss of jobs and income have forced many families to cut living expenses dramatically. For most families, one of the first expenses to be cut is entertainment. Before the recession, my family subscribed to a premium, high definition cable television service that included a DVR, we were also fortunate to have high speed internet service as well. On average, these two services cost us between $100.00 and $150.00 per month. Since then, we have been forced to cancel not only our cable television service completely, but also the high speed internet service as well. Believe me, this transition was very difficult for us. Even before the recession, many forms of entertainment have become so cost-prohibitive that television had become our primary source of entertainment. At this point, our only source of entertainment comes from the small hand full of television stations we are able to receive from our roof-mounted antenna. With this new proposal, we stand to lose that as well.
The word around the water cooler suggests this is simply an attempt to recover the cost of the analog to digital transition that took place during the middle to 2009. I'd say there is probably some truth to that claim, but I feel there is much more to it than that. It's all about profit. But, at what point does it turn from a simple healthy P&L to that of just blatant greed? According to BIAfn Media Access Pro, from 1995 to 2002, television stations saw an increase in profits of nearly 3%. It also states that the average television station saw profits between 20 and 25 million dollars each year, that includes the cost of the analog to digital transition. Not just a healthy P&N any way you slice it.
I feel it is situations like this that warrant the same kind of investigation leveled against the automotive and banking industry that took place during the first stages of the economic bailout. Banks and the auto industry were logical targets of an investigation largely due to amount of revenue that changes hands each year, but I don't think it should end there, I think what our economy needs is a revolution. We need to stop and question executive compensation in every level of business. Am I suggesting that hard work shouldn't be rewarded? Absolutely not! However, as long as we still have millions of families living in fear that they could lose their homes to foreclosure, paying through the nose for inadequate health care, and living in fear of losing their jobs to cheaper labor overseas, then I feel everyone should step forward and do the right thing. Sacrifices shouldn't only be made by the working class.
Is there an easy solution? No, there are no easy answers, but until every working, tax-paying American takes a good hard look at their own role in this economic maelstrom, then the division that exists between the middle and low income versus the rich, is going to continue to grow. It's alarming when you consider that 97% of the income generated revenue will be earned by less than 3% of the workforce.
The last couple of years have been more financially devastating than most people can recall. As a result, the loss of jobs and income have forced many families to cut living expenses dramatically. For most families, one of the first expenses to be cut is entertainment. Before the recession, my family subscribed to a premium, high definition cable television service that included a DVR, we were also fortunate to have high speed internet service as well. On average, these two services cost us between $100.00 and $150.00 per month. Since then, we have been forced to cancel not only our cable television service completely, but also the high speed internet service as well. Believe me, this transition was very difficult for us. Even before the recession, many forms of entertainment have become so cost-prohibitive that television had become our primary source of entertainment. At this point, our only source of entertainment comes from the small hand full of television stations we are able to receive from our roof-mounted antenna. With this new proposal, we stand to lose that as well.
The word around the water cooler suggests this is simply an attempt to recover the cost of the analog to digital transition that took place during the middle to 2009. I'd say there is probably some truth to that claim, but I feel there is much more to it than that. It's all about profit. But, at what point does it turn from a simple healthy P&L to that of just blatant greed? According to BIAfn Media Access Pro, from 1995 to 2002, television stations saw an increase in profits of nearly 3%. It also states that the average television station saw profits between 20 and 25 million dollars each year, that includes the cost of the analog to digital transition. Not just a healthy P&N any way you slice it.
I feel it is situations like this that warrant the same kind of investigation leveled against the automotive and banking industry that took place during the first stages of the economic bailout. Banks and the auto industry were logical targets of an investigation largely due to amount of revenue that changes hands each year, but I don't think it should end there, I think what our economy needs is a revolution. We need to stop and question executive compensation in every level of business. Am I suggesting that hard work shouldn't be rewarded? Absolutely not! However, as long as we still have millions of families living in fear that they could lose their homes to foreclosure, paying through the nose for inadequate health care, and living in fear of losing their jobs to cheaper labor overseas, then I feel everyone should step forward and do the right thing. Sacrifices shouldn't only be made by the working class.
Is there an easy solution? No, there are no easy answers, but until every working, tax-paying American takes a good hard look at their own role in this economic maelstrom, then the division that exists between the middle and low income versus the rich, is going to continue to grow. It's alarming when you consider that 97% of the income generated revenue will be earned by less than 3% of the workforce.
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