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Stuck!
Sorry I have not updated in quite awhile. I have been super busy with work and everyday life. Nothing new, just really busy. Then, of course, Peanut is sick again!! I swear! I thought for sure by now we would be done with the cold and flu season BS but I thought wrong. Grrrr. I am so unbelievably frustrated. I am sure it is compounded by the fact he is in preschool and I work there. He has a fever of 100, bad cough, vomiting, and diarrhea since Friday. We currently do not have health insurance so I am hoping this clears up for him soon. I stopped by Target on Saturday and paid for one of Peanut’s necessary medications, Singulair. Without insurance it was $140.00. Almost $5 a pill. There is no generic available. And that is just 1 of 3 medications he has to take. I am absolutely disgusted by our lack of quality health care/greed of pharmaceutical companies and HMO’s/the fact there is no real way to fight this HUGE problem in this country…I digress. If he has not improved by tomorrow, I will take him to see the doctor. The good news is that he has been sick twice since he has had the ear tubes in and has not had a noticeable ear infection. I feel like all we are doing is riding a big sick wave. Not sure what the answer is….
I understand your frustration, it’s really a shame that there aren’t generic versions for some of the meds that he needs (and some I take) but, pretty soon you should have insurance again…right?
Still, it’s frustrating to know how expensive medications are, but the alternative is worse, what if there weren’t amy to give him?
The cold and flu that most people I have talked to have lasted up to 5 months! That is the cough, not total sick, but the cough hangs on!
Good luck, hope he feels better soon (and you too!)
Do you mind my asking what it cost to have the tubes put in? We also have no insurance coverage for this procedure but I haven’t heard what it will cost us to pay for it on our own. My husband is freaking out thinking it will cost thousands of dollars, but I am desperately hoping that is not the case.
On a side note, as I read Peanut’s story I cannot help but think of my own daughter who is now 9 months and has suffered at least 4 ear infections that we have treated with antibiotics and the works to no avail. He ear drum burst this past weekend on her 9 month birthday. This has been quite an ordeal and I am hoping there is an end in sight soon. Her hearing is suffering as a result of all of this and that just breaks my heart.
Anyway, I would really appreciate your thoughts if you don’t mind sharing.
Thanks,
K
Hi K,
I am so sorry to hear your daughter is suffering with endless ear infections. It is even scarier without having insurance to fall back on. The total cost was $2000.00. This included the general anesthesia required since Peanut is a toddler, as I am sure would be the same with your 9 mos. old daughter. Keep in mind that you could probably get a discount from that amount since you are paying out of pocket, anywhere from 10% or so. There is a follow-up appointment your daughter will have to have where the ENT retests her hearing and visually checks to see that the tubes are placed properly. We have not yet been billed for this appointment, but from what I understand, it is around $100.00 or so.
From a personal/parental point of view, my son undergoing anesthesia was the scariest for me. I just do not like the idea of anesthesia and the possible serious side effects. However, for this procedure, he was under less than 30 minutes and no IV’s were used at all. It is administered via gas and a mask with a yummy flavor (according to my son). We were able to stay with him right up until they took him into the operating room. Less than 30 minutes later, he was in the recovery room. His only complaint was that he was dizzy. I would recommend, if you decide to have the procedure done, is to have the earliest appointment you can get as the child is not allowed to eat or drink after midnight the night before. He was super cranky before the surgery because he could not drink or eat anything.
Seriously, less than two hours later he was hopping around the house as if nothing happened. He also was given an oral antibiotic to be taken for 2 weeks after surgery along with antibiotic eardrops for a few days. Just keep that in mind for costs as well. The ear drops did make him cry as I am sure they stung the ear tube incisions, but that was the worst thing that occurred.
I know the cost can be outrageous and overwhelming but I cannot stress to you what a complete difference this has made for my son. He has been sick several times with various colds/flu, etc., since having the ear tubes put in (even as soon as a week after) and he has not had a single ear infection.
I am so sorry that your daughter is suffering through this and burst an eardrum as well. I do understand the stress you are going through. Please know my thoughts are with you and if there are any other questions, or if you just need a shoulder to lean on, feel free to e-mail me anytime.
Take care,
H
