LuLuW
Joined: 27 Apr 2003
Posts: 46
Posted: Sun May 04, 2003 5:43 am Post subject: American shame
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While we all want to sing the national anthem and applaud our country's gallant efforts in Iraq, we'd be remiss if we forget about the deplorable state of health care in this country. It is shameful that, in the most powerful country in the world, people are dying every day because they cannot afford adequate health care. It is shameful that, in the most powerful country in the world, health care benefits are rationed to the fortunate few. It is shameful that, in the most powerful country in the world, billions of dollars are spent on a national defense that defends the rights and lives of people living in other countries and a the space program that seeks to find yet another new frontier that most of us will never see in this century.<
><
>At the risk of joining the ranks of Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbins, the Dixie Chicks or anyone else
ave enough to speak out against the Iraqi war, I want to say, our countries priorities are SHAMEFUL.
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Lin
Joined: 28 Oct 2002
Posts: 337
Posted: Mon May 05, 2003 12:17 am Post subject: It's also shamefull
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that in a country where we have the freedom to vote for those who will adequately represent our interests, many don't go to the polls to vote! Let's find out who will make the necessary changes and then vote them into office. Lin.
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LuLuW
Joined: 27 Apr 2003
Posts: 46
Posted: Mon May 05, 2003 4:17 am Post subject: Re: It's also shamefull
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and it is also shameful that when people do take the time come out to vote, their votes run the risk of getting miscounted, ridiculed and discounted altogether (can you spell F-L-O-R-I-D-A) and officials that are supposed to be elected by majority vote are instead appointed by the almighty partisan Supreme Court. <
><
>Bottom line, people do not trust the government or our judicial and electoral process, and I can't say as I blame them. The majority of people do not believe they can make a difference by voting. Voting makes no difference if we don't hold our officials accountable to the issues they supposedly stand for. I'm all for making them put their where their are!
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ridgerunner
Joined: 11 Jan 2003
Posts: 101
Posted: Mon May 05, 2003 11:10 am Post subject: care
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the biggest problem with care in this country is the people do not care how much it cost as long as they do not have to pay or take responibility for them selves.
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Bill Peckham
Joined: 06 Jan 2003
Posts: 65
Posted: Tue May 06, 2003 4:36 am Post subject: Disconnect
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ridgerunner, you're right. In economic terms there is a disconnect between the supply and demand curves. Until a health care scheme comes along that addresses the issue of unchecked and unlimited demand for healthcare there can be no reform. <
><
>The situation would be greatly improved if people took some personal responsibility for their own healthcare but that looks unlikely. The complainers will continue to demand that someone else (preferably someone who can be sued) take control of their medical care.<
>
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LuLuW
Joined: 27 Apr 2003
Posts: 46
Posted: Tue May 06, 2003 9:57 am Post subject: Re: Disconnect
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Bill, could you give me some examples of how you believe one should Quote:take some personal responsibility for their own healthcare? <
><
>I ask because I believe most people don't have a clue what they should or shouldn't be doing in regards to healthcare. By and large, in this country, healthcare is a privilege, not a given. Most often than not, people wait until they're sick, and then do what they're told. Unless a cele
ity is attached to an illness, most people don't know, and don't care about it. <
><
>So, tell me, what do you suggest?
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Marty
Joined: 28 Oct 2002
Posts: 160
Posted: Tue May 06, 2003 10:35 am Post subject: I don't understand
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Bill, Please explain in more detail what you are talking about. How can patients assume more responsiblity if they aren't supported by the medical community to do so?
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Opinion
Joined: 17 Jan 2003
Posts: 13
Posted: Tue May 06, 2003 11:30 am Post subject: WELL PLACED LAWSUITS IS A GOOD WAKE UP CALL
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Personally I have found that a well placed law suit when a patient is harmed and when a patient has been denied proper care or treatment, this is the only thing that makes these companies sit up and take notice. They dont take it seriously until they are hit on the side of the head with a lawsuit. This makes them wake up! Nice didnt work.<
><
>Simply hoping one will do right, isnt the way it is. When<
>this 'journey' was started, all we had was a resistance and an arrogance that they would and could do as they please. They felt that they would never be accountable, but we have grown. <
><
>In the industry of dialysis, the odds are stacked against the patient. Many are fearful to complain, and fear the retaliation. It clearly isnt a level or even fair set up for the patients. It would be nice if CMS would not allow the abuses to continue under their noses. It would be nice if patient's had a fair shake, and a neutral overseer that would be fair. It would be nice if the physicians and companies would do what is right, just because it is a human life and it is the decent way to be.<
><
>As I have stated, we tried the government, had 3 Federal investigations,and they found HORRIFIC cases of <
>violations against patients that are against the law,they found this industry to be self policing. We were promised that we would have "Standards of Care", we are still waiting. We tried the government, we have tried to do it with the politicians.....the fact remains that I personally am going to town halls where our politicians are speaking, and the patients and workers are handing out flyers. My biggest one is Senator Wyden, someone will be there and handing out the flyers.<
><
>You cant make an omlette without
eaking eggs! I personally realized that for this industry to change, we have to roll up our sleeves and get these flyers out. Our article's will be coming out soon. This is the only way that change will happen. Its that we have to believe that patient rights and fairness come to this industry will not come without us all taking responsibility to make this a reality. It simply is the only way to ensure that all patients have choices and human rights. We cant expect others to do it for us. <
><
>With the help of other organization and remembering it is an election year, it is now we continue this forward momentum, or we will never have this opportunity again. The politicans have sold the patients out. But the politicians cannot get the "graft" if we get the word out to cause a loss of votes. We also need to get active to have patients do mail in votes. You cant get the money nor the corruption if you cant get the votes.<
><
>This was never about being liked! It isnt a popular place to be, but to ignore it, is wrong.To do nothing is worse.<
>
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LuLuW
Joined: 27 Apr 2003
Posts:
46
Posted: Tue May 06, 2003 12:00 pm Post subject: Opinion, very inspiring
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No change or movement has been achieved easily. Great post! Inspiring words.
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Bill Peckham
Joined: 06 Jan 2003
Posts: 65
Posted: Wed May 07, 2003 9:44 am Post subject: Personal responsibility
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LuluW and Marty, I was thinking about how much simpler the health care problem would be if everyone did what they could to stay healthy. Not so much dialysis patients as the general population. Things like not smoking and a more active lifestyle. I would also put under personal responsibility - paying into health insurance. I've known a number of people who choose to "save" money by not having insurance.<
><
>LuluW you started this thread by questioning the country's (our government's) priorities. I guess what I question are the priorities of individuals. Until a person gets sick they don't think about their health, well in a most cases that is too late. I am of the opinion that this is one area that we (the People) could do allot more to help ourselves, the adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure has never been more true. I would only change it to a penny of prevention is worth a dollar of cure.
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LuLuW
Joined: 27 Apr 2003
Posts: 46
Posted: Wed May 07, 2003 1:16 pm Post subject: No argument here
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You're absolutely right, people don't think about health care until they get sick, and you're right that many people take their health for granted and live risky lifestyles. However, I have never come across anyone in who has foregone health insurance to save . Rather, most people I know lament on how their jobs do not supply adequate health insurance, period. But that's just my experience, yours may be different. That said, sure, it would be beneficial if people started taking more responsibility for living healthier lifestyles, but even so, there will still be lots of disease and illness. We still need to make this country, <i>the most powerful country in the world, </i> can provide adequate, cost effective health care to i<b>all</b> ts citizens.<
><
>
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Sick of it
Joined: 11 Feb 2003
Posts: 46
Posted: Fri May 09, 2003 8:25 pm Post subject: SHAME ON WHO?
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GEE, SOME PEOPLE BUILD THEIR BAND BOXES SOOOO O! HIGH THEY GET UP IN THE STRATOSPHERE AND RECEIVE REDUCED OXYGEN TO THE BRAIN AFFECTING THEIR COGNITIVE REASONING!<
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>JUMP DOWN ON TARA FIRMA, THE OXYGEN COUNT IS MUCH HIGHER - YES YOU DO HAVE TO BREATH A LITTLE DIRT BUT WITH IT COMES REALITY AND MOST TIMES CLARITY.<
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>THERE IS NOT A BETTER COUNTRY IN THE WORLD TO LIVE IN FOR EVERY THING, INCLUDING HEALTH CARE. IF YOU THINK THERE IS A BETTER ONE, LET ME BE THE FIRST AMERICAN TO INVITE YOU TO LEAVE AND GO LIVE THERE.<
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>YES, OUR SYSTEM HAS FLAWS THAT I WOULD LOVE TO SEE FIXED. ONE MAJOR DIFFERENCE IN AMERICA AND OTHER COUNTRIES IS THAT WE WILL ALWAYS BE WORKING ON IMPROVING OUR FLAWS.<
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>Health care for a chosen few?<
>OUR HEALTH CARE SYSTEM IS THE ONLY ONE IN THE WORLD THAT WILL DIALYZE ANYONE REGARDLESS OF THERE AGE OR OTHER ILLNESSES AND INCOME. THIS IS NOT TRUE IN OTHER COUNTRIES. THEY WILL DECIDE YOUR FATE BY NOT PROVIDING DIALYSIS. PARTICULARLY IF YOU ARE PASSED THE AGE OF SIXTY AND YOUNGER IF YOU HAVE COMPLICATIONS.<
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>NEXT LETS TALK ABOUT WHAT COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD THAT WILL PROVIDE WALK IN CLINICS AND EMERGENCY ON THE SPOT TREATMENT FOR FREE.<
><
>FREE MEDICAL TREATMENTS FOR ALL REGARDLESS OF THE TREATMENT. KNOWN AND EXCEPT THROUGHOUT THE WORLD AS "SOCIALIZED MEDICINE."<
>DOES NOT WORK. DON'T TAKE MY OPINION ASK PEOPLE WHO COME HERE FROM ENGLAND AND CANADA WHO HAVE SAT AT HOME FOR YEARS ALMOST PARALYZED BECAUSE THEY NEED HEART BY PASS SURGERY (THAT WE CAN GET NEXT WEEK) AND HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THEIR TURN FOR YEARS. OR TALK TO THE CANADIANS THAT HAVE A LESS COMMON ILLNESS AND WHY THEY COME HERE WERE CONSTANT NEW RESEARCH IS GOING ON AND THE IMMEDIATE AVAILABILITY TO THAT RESEARCH IS PROVIDED HERE WHICH THEY CANNOT GET FOR YEARS AND YEARS IN THEIR COUNTRY.<
>Talk about number of deaths?<
><
>ALTHOUGH I HATE AND DESPISE WHAT IS GOING ON IN THE DIALYSIS ARENA BECAUSE OF UN BRIDLED GREED AND A SAFE HARBOR FOR DOCTORS TO PROFIT OFF THEIR PATIENTS, I WILL FIGHT THE SYSTEM WITH MY LAST DYEING BREATH TO EFFECT CHANGE. ALSO, I WILL STILL CONTINUE TO DEFEND THIS GREAT NATION THAT WE ARE LUCKY TO LIVE IN.<
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>AS FAR AS SHAMING AMERICA LETS HAVE LESS OF THAT APPROACH AND MORE OF THE TANGIBLE PRACTICAL HOW EXACTLY DO WE FIX IT. (which is always noticeably lacking in the band wagon people)!<
><
>AND FOR FUTURE POSTING I WOULD ASK THAT YOU KEEP THE THREAD MORE ON DIALYSIS AND LESS ON A PERSONAL POLITICAL AGENDA. WHICH BY THE WAY CAN BE POSTED ON QUITE A FEW BETTER SUITED WEB SITES.<
><
>WE AT DIALYSIS ETHICS ARE FAR BEYOND THE POLITICAL FINGER POINTING AND INTO THE HANDS ON IDENTIFY, QUALIFY, QUANTIFY, EXPOSE AND REPAIR. ONLY IN AMERICA CAN WE DO THIS.<
><
>AND AS OF THIS POSTING WE ARE EFFECTING CHANGE IN THIS INDUSTRY AND IT ALL STARTED BECAUSE OF ONE SMALL QUIET WOMAN WHO SAID, ENOUGH! A TRUE AMERICAN STORY! <
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><
><
>
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Sick of it
Joined: 11 Feb 2003
Posts: 46
Posted: Fri May 09, 2003 9:08 pm Post subject: Space program
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BECAUSE OF THE SPACE PROGRAM WE LEAPED YEARS IN TECHNOLOGY. ONE OF THE MANY ARENAS THAT HAVE COMPLETELY CHANGED BECAUSE OF THE SPACE PROGRAM IS THE COMPUTER ARENA. THIS HELPED BRING FORTH THE VERY NETWORK AND COMPUTER IN YOUR HOME. THIS TECHNOLOGY ALSO HELPED IMPROVE THE HEALTH CARE ARENA THROUGH BETTER IMAGING TECHNOLOGIES, DATA READERS, HEART MONITORS, PACE MAKERS, DIALYSIS MACHINES AND THIS IS JUST TO NAME A FEW.<
><
>ONE OTHER AREA OF GREAT INVENTION BECAUSE OF THE SPACE PROGRAM IS A SUBSTANCE KNOW AS PLASTIC. Without WHICH 90% OF THE CURRENT MEDICAL DEVICES WOULD NOT EXISTS. ADDITIONALLY, A PROCESS KNOW AS EXTRUSION WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN INVENTED AND HOLLOW FIBER TECHNOLOGY WOULD NOT EXISTS, NOR WOULD THE DIALYZER THAT KEEPS US ALIVE. FOR PLASTIC IS EXTRUDED INTO POURS HOLLOW FIBERS AND BUNDLED TOGETHER TO FORM THE DIALYZER ALLOWING THE CLEANING OF THE BLOOD.<
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>WITHOUT THE SPACE PROGRAM AND THE INVENTIONS AND EXPLORATIONS WE WOULD NOT HAVE THE CURRENT DIALYSIS SYSTEM. AMAZINGLY THE COMPUTER MONITORS YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE, BLOOD FLOW RATE, CALCIUM, PHOSPHORUS AMONG OTHER NUMEROUS THINGS. ALL THE WHILE THE PLASTIC DIALYZER IS CLEANING YOUR BLOOD FOR YOU.<
><
>THANK YOU, SPACE RACE AND AMERICA <
><
>Be careful of band wagon people a lot of times they haven't gotten enough oxygen to think about what they are saying.
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Patient2
Joined: 30 Apr 2003
Posts: 10
Posted: Sat May 10, 2003 7:01 am Post subject: Way to go sick of it
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I'm glad someone is still trying to keep us on the true reason for this website and sticking by America.
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