Back to back clinics

On Monday, I returned to UMMC in Jackson for renal/endocrinology clinic. I am very very lucky to have doctors who listen, care, and want to learn more about this absurd disease. It is assumed that my current condition is my best case scenario, and they are relieved that things haven't gotten any worse over the last several months. We agreed that the Keveyis fiasco was a bummer. Since my HKPP is familial, they asked about my parents and whether or not I have children. I reminded them that I am the lone ranger in this thing, my parents are deceased, and I don't have kids. As always, they are interested in my story and are happy to know Facebook support groups exist. Documentation is a big concern for me since social security owns me and will occasionally review my case, but the doctors reassured me that they were keeping up with my peril in writing. They said my labs look stable, and the glass is half full in spite of my condition. I'll return in one year unless something changes.

On Wednesday, I returned to Internal Medicine at the low income clinic in my little town. Dr. B is fantastic as always, and is willing to test anything that is even mildly questionable. He knows how frustrated I am over my permanent muscle weakness and that even with my potassium level in normal range, I cannot function well enough to perform basic household tasks at times. We discussed my episodes, and how I handle them without assistance (answer: I take potassium and lie down...all I can do really is ride it out. If I am unable to take potassium, I find the nearest place to lie down and I hope for the best). He was concerned about the fact that I live alone like this, and suggested I check into obtaining a Life Alert necklace. I probably won't be able to afford it, but I'll look it up. He told me to make sure I have my cell phone within reach at all times.

He took a stat panel like renal clinic did, and the numbers matched this time. Everything looks pretty good, thanks to my overwhelming daily regimen, and it is an improvement compared to the last couple of years of labs. He sent some blood off for additional tests, and I'll receive the results on Friday. I'll write a short update at that time.

Renal clinic is across the state line, and because my insurance refuses to acknowledge that, I am forced to pay in full to be seen there. It's very difficult - nearly impossible - to afford that but I didn't find a clinic in my state that would take my case. That's how I ended up having to travel 4 hours to an out-of-state hospital. They practically brought me back from the dead, and want to continue seeing me at least once a year (I want/need to see them as well), so I am going to have to find a way to pay for it. I explained this to Dr. B and said he would do what he could to help concerning labs or whatever it is they want to monitor in me throughout the year in between my visits there. He also has a medication assistance program, and it is the only reason I have access to my vital medications (which would be around $1000 a month otherwise and my social security is far less than that per month). Low income clinics are so, so important; in fact, downright life-saving for people like me. That's why federal funding for these places must be protected. To cut off access to medical care is to literally kill people. I would be one of them, but only one of millions. God help us.

As long as nothing crazier than usual happens, and as long as my sent-off tests come back in good shape, I am done with clinics until June.