Tuesday, September 23, 2008

It's been a long day

I thought I'd give a quick update for those of you who might be interested in the lastest accounts of my oh-so-called-life. First, as I spoke about this weekend with my dad's and D.'s dog, Claude, the biopsy report was not favorable. He had two different types of cancer which metastatized and were ravaging his body. The decision was made to give him his wings. In the end, as difficult as it was for them, I think they felt better informed and able to "know" they made the right decision. Any situation like this gives me perspective of the time I too might have to make that decision for my wonderful four-legged companions. It's probably one of the only things that makes me cry and not many things do.

Secondly, I had my first therapy appt. with C. I was nervous and it felt awkward at first, but as I began to talk, there was a sense of comfort. The appt. itself was a normal intake type session, except that I tried to rehash the last six years of my life in 50 minutes. That really isn't an easy thing, and I'm sure she got a bit lost and confused. Hopefully, she got the basic idea. I'm sure as we go along, things will be clarified and better understood. One thing I did find sort of humorous was the fact she remembered meeting my dad. She said, "yes, and he did not listen just lik you said." My dad's impression of her consisted of "cute, Jewish woman--seemed nice" Hmm, slight differences in impressions.

The only catch to all this is my pesky insurance. I thought I had double the sessions allotted to me, and a mental health rider policy. Apparently, that is not the case, and I only have some horrible number of 10 sessions for a calendar year! I don't know what insurance companies think that you can really achieve on such a limited time. Besides that, my co-pay isn't really a co-pay but instead some co-insurance policy, making me pay half C.'s fee. I'm really unhappy about this and am now kicking myself for changing policies a few years ago. I could have sworn it was different. Everything would have worked out okay if I had met my deductible which is sky high. See folks, this is why you try desperately hard not to have an individual policy. They just run you into the ground with costs. So for now, I'm just going to have to work with what I've got and go from there. Sometimes, it feels unfair, but that's life for you.


6 comments:

Anonymous said...

It is always hard to deal with health desicions regarding pets. They are with you for so long and can be such an amazing part of life.

The first therarpy visit is always a bit akward but it always gets easier (if the thearpist is right for you!). Insurance is a crock. I think they have to give you some sessions to make it look like they care but really they leave you hanging dry. As if people go in to therapy nonchalantly. stay strong

Anonymous said...

Good grief! Only 10 sessions a year? That's less than once a month and only adds up to 8.33 hours! Insurance just sucks sometimes...well, make that all the time, lol!

My heart goes out to your folks, so sad when your pet is near the end and you have to make such an awful decision :(

Tiptoe said...

Anon and eoneal, thanks for the sympathies about the loss of my folks' dog. It's nice to know other people realize that pets are a part of your family. I'm always amazed at those who don't, but they are out there.

As for therapy, I think it is going to work with C. And I'm also trying to work more effectively and harder this go around. I'm going to try to make the best of what I have and look into other policies as well. At least with my old insurance I had double that amount--still not enough but better.

brie said...

Glad for the update. :) Things seem tricky now, but glad you have C. I always feel that sense of comfort in my T's office, even if it's a tough session...just curling up on her couch and knowing I'm safe...I relish it.

I'm not a huge crier, but when I think of the time coming that my kitties will die, I'll tear up too. It's awful to think about.

Don't get me started on insurance, either. Sorry it sucks. :/ I'm glad you're just trying to go with it, though, and not freak out about it. As much as it sucks, there's not much you can do...

KC said...

sorry your insurance sucks...sorry about your furry friend...glad to hear you're plugging along and making the best of the situations.

Tiptoe said...

Brie and Kyla, thanks for the support. I'm still not convinced my insurance is quite right, especially making me pay 50% of her charge when she is within network. My plan says 20%, so I'm definitely asking them about this and also suggesting that they change their policy of visits. I doubt I'll get anywhere, but at least I'll have tried.