Author |
Message |
Jay Lackritz
Forum Leader Username: Jay_ny
Post Number: 613 Registered: 01-2007
| Posted on Monday, June 22, 2015 - 11:43 pm: |
|
Hello, friends. Sorry I haven't communicated. It's been difficult for me of late. The flu shot didn't seem to work for me this year, and in late February, it hit me bad. I was laid up for 2 weeks, feeling miserable, and I lost about 20 lbs. X-rays showed pneumonia, and even though the Tamiflu and antibiotics cleared up my X-rays, my FEV1 dropped from 63% to 43%. They did a broncoscopy and found a couple of nasty bacteria including pseudomonis. I was put on IV antibiotics for 3 weeks, but it turned out that after 2 weeks, the tobramycin did a number on my kidneys. I got to the point where I could no longer talk or walk or even think properly. At that point my creatinine level had only increased from 1.5 to 2.5. I went to my local hospital for tests and they checked me in. My creatinine levels started rising even though I had quit the IV antibiotics. When they suggested a biopsy, my transplant center sent an ambulance and pulled me out of there. They gave me a private suite overlooking the George Washington Bridge and the Hudson River. My creatinine kept rising until it was 14.8 We waited and watched, and they prepared for dialysis. Thank goodness, it finally peaked and began to fall. In the meantime, I had my 8th transplant anniversary on May 10. Well... long story short (I know, too late), they found some other issues and have been taking care of them, and as of today, my creatinine is down to 6.4 but it goes up whenever they increase my prograf dose. Now I have some new meds and diet restrictions, but am home now and getting better daily (though, slowly). So, bruised and skinnier, but grateful for the excellent care given me by Columbia University Medical Center / NY Presbyterian Hospital, I'm gonna have to spend the summer being more careful, and I still remember that I was close to death 8 years ago when I was blessed with a new pair of lungs. Just received a bill for the 3 days I was stuck in the local hospital. $7,000 for the semi (2 patient) room, $7,000 for lab work, $2,000 for pharmacy (only generic drugs, and they fought me so I would use their drugs - now I know why). $6,000 to visit the ER, who then just admitted me. All told $26,000 for 3 days, in which they did nothing. I had Columbia send an ambulance so I could go to a real hospital that could help me. All I can say is that I'm lucky I got out of there alive. If anyone needs to go to Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, NY.... DON'T Oh, and thanks for reaching out Risé. I hope you and yours are well.
|
Hostess Risé
Board Administrator Username: Rise
Post Number: 18183 Registered: 05-2003
| Posted on Tuesday, June 23, 2015 - 05:37 am: |
|
Dear Jay Thank you for writing in and letting us know. So glad that I reached out to you- glad to hear you are home. I am sure you will gain your weight back and let us keep positive thoughts that your kidneys will improve. What type of insurance do you have? Money stress is awful- I wish I was rich and could send all my buddies needed medical money. Sending you lots of LOVE
|
Jay Lackritz
Forum Leader Username: Jay_ny
Post Number: 614 Registered: 01-2007
| Posted on Tuesday, June 23, 2015 - 10:52 am: |
|
Risé, I have Medicare and a Plan 'N' supplemental (Medigap) (plus a Part D, drug policy) For my transplant in 2007, I had a Plan 'F' supplemental, which paid for everything. Never spent a penny beyond the premiums. Before my transplant, I went on disability so I could get Medicare before I turned 65. Medicare paid about $25,000 of the hospital bill I mentioned above, and the supplemental paid the remaining $1500. The Plan 'N' is about $90 less per month than a Plan 'F', but there are copays ($20). The drug policy I have is from Cigna and costs $35/month. For the IV antibiotics, I received prescription assistance, since they costs thousands/month over and beyond the insurance. Medicare made my transplant possible (and my current kidney problems).
|
DAP1122
Forum Leader Username: Dap1122
Post Number: 3490 Registered: 05-2008
| Posted on Saturday, June 27, 2015 - 07:14 am: |
|
Jay, So sorry to hear of your troubles. Hang in there and I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers. ~ Don
|
|