I was due for my annual x-rays and the tech person was prepping my mouth for the slides. She put the x-ray cards in my mouth, moved the machine near my face, and on her way to snap the photo, she tripped over the cord…

attached to my mouth.

The cord yanked my face into the machine and, well…

let’s just say there was a lot of blood for a queasy person like myself to handle. The fact that it was MY blood only worsened the situation.

‘Oh my…. Oh my…Oh God’ she said while staring at me wide eyed.

The instant shock from the pain brought a rush of tears to my eyes. She ran for some towels and I held them against my head to stop the blood.

‘Here, let me get you a mirror’ she said, running to the drawer.

‘Nope. Don’t think a mirror is a good call right now’ I said, wiping my head and my tears.

‘Right…’

Pause

‘Heeeeeeeeeeelp!!!!!!’ she screamed into the hallway.

The room flooded with dental folks. All of them taking turns holding the towel on my head.

My dentist sat rubbing my arm, ‘Is there anything we can do? Anything you need? Do you need an ambulance? Oh geez. I’m so sorry!’

I’ve been sued over an injury (not my fault). I know the sick feeling you have when someone gets hurt – especially in sue happy California. Because of that, you’d pretty much have to lop off a limb to get me to sue you.

‘I’m fine’ I said, still wiping the tears that couldn’t seem to stop.

‘I’m so so so so so so so sorry’ she said.

After the bleeding slowed, she cleaned my teeth – but only after I begged her. She thought the cleaning and a banged head might be too much for one day.

Obviously the bill for her services was waived.

And I got a killer bag full of dental goodies.

Guess who won’t be buying toothpaste for the next century?

Yeah. Almost worth getting my head smacked into an x-ray machine….

or not. Yeeeeeouch!

I’d been holding on, waiting to hit my milestone year at work. Once past the milestone, healthcare costs are greatly reduced – we’re talking a couple hundred a month.

…Until they released the 2012 rates and took away milestone benefits for longtime employees. My benefit package is nearly $200 more than I budgeted each month.

Sure, I get it. Healthcare costs are skyrocketing and I can’t expect my employer to cover it, but I was oh so sad to hear about the rate adjustment.

Hubby and I have to sit down and take a hard look at what we can adjust. I’m just hoping for a raise to clear the difference so we won’t have to cut the food budget. I’m not ready for a season of Ramen… again.

I wasn’t surprised to hear suicide rates have increased since the recession began. Money troubles can steer a huge part of our lives. Throw in the stress of holidays and it can be too much for some.

If you are concerned that someone you know may be considering ending their life, check out the Mayo clinic for advice.

Let’s keep an eye out for others. I’d prefer not to see them on a bridge over the next few weeks.

I don’t know if my father didn’t realize how HUGE the trees would get or if he simply didn’t think he’d still be living in the home 30 years later, but they took over the front yard. He was forced to cut them down one by one as snow storms threatened to push them onto the house but two remained.

One of the trees was leaning precariously toward the house and would unlikely survive another winter season. My father is stashing cash for his start-up and couldn’t spend the money on a tree service so my husband and brothers decided they’d take the task on.

Not realizing my husband was planning on flirting with danger, I didn’t activate his disability insurance policy. We’ve been shopping around and haven’t nailed one down yet. Eek. I was out shooting photos and shouting, ‘Please don’t get hurt! We’ve got NO INSURANCE!!!’

Remarkably they got the tree down without injury (this proves there IS a God) and my parents have enough firewood to take them into 2020.

The article shared ways Anthem is working to save you money by helping you stay healthy. Sure, healthier members save Anthem money, but there’s nothing wrong with a little win-win right?!?

I browsed the website was surprised at the free offerings from his insurance provider including free workout plans by Bob Harper from the Biggest Loser, health tips, ways to save on prescriptions, free health assessments, members only discounts on vitamins/eyeglasses/hearing aids/gym memberships/etc., doctor ratings, and lifestyle improvement programs.

I checked into my health insurance provider and they offered tons of freebees as well. Save a little cash and check with your health insurance company. You may very well be paying for something you could get for less!

Healthdeals offers discounts on gym memberships, nutrition bars, beauty products, and more. Today’s deals include: Beautorium, Purefit, Sha ToBu, Fusion Power Band, Funkoos, and Bashful Bump.

I’ve said it before, I’m not a Groupon member and I’m not a Healthdeals member either. But you can browse the offerings without signing up. DON’T BUY STUFF YOU DON’T ALREADY BUY!! But if you need something health related, you may be able to save a little money.

Best of luck!

Obviously, if I can get a higher salary, it will offset my loss, but I’m curious…

if you pay for your family’s healthcare through work, how much are you paying?

I’m NOT looking to start a political debate on healthcare so please don’t talk about government or politics.

Before you blame my dentist for shoddy work, I should mention I was eating a frozen Rollo. I had found my brother’s stash of Rollos in his Smores supply and ate a few. When I told my brother that I lost yet another crown, he asked how, and I had to fess up.

He said I deserved it for stealing.

Meanie.

My dentist was able to squeeze me in yesterday and my mom was kind enough to watch baby boy. Total damage to savings?

$0

The dentist told me this one was free but she better not see me again anytime soon. She told me to stay away from frozen Rollos and, while I’m at it, steer clear of frozen Snickers too. I guess she’s seen it all before.

And, in case you are interested, next time you are camping, make Carmel Apple Smores. Use graham crackers, thinly sliced granny smith apples, roasted marshmallows, and Rollos. Delicious!

Just make sure the Rollos aren’t frozen.

BUT, today, I’m cutting a check for…

*COUGH* *ACK!*

$680

At my milestone, it will drop to $80 each month for both of us.

It’s all about hanging on until I get to the milestone marker.

At my last appointment, he asked why I hadn’t switched despite his advice. “I live on a tight budget. I don’t have a hundred bucks lying around” I said, slightly annoyed at his persistence.

“You know you can buy one at Target for $25? You need to get past your short term financial hang-ups and start considering the long term financial ramifications. Seeing me every six months is great, but there is only so much I can do for you” he said.

Great. Sounds like my dentist has been listening to Dave Ramsey. Now he’s my financial nag.

So, I bought the $25 electric toothbrush after that appointment and started using it exactly as he instructed. Sure, the thing sounds like I’m driving a dirt bike through my bedroom at 4 a.m., but it’s what the doctor ordered.

At my appointment yesterday, I decided NOT to tell him about my fancy toothbrush splurge.

He sat in his chair, pulled his tool table beside me, and asked me to open wide. I did and he leaned in, holding his metal objects of torture *cough* I mean, his dental tools. There was a pause and then he grabbed my chin (a little harshly I might add), twisting my face from side to side while inspecting my teeth. He threw his arms up into the air like a champion boxer and chanted, “VICTORY!”

So much for him not noticing.

My teeth and gums got a sparkling clean bill of health yesterday.

It’s easy to go the cheap route when it comes to our health – especially in the short term. But try to consider long term consequences BEFORE you ignore your doctor. I’m not saying you must buy an electric toothbrush or suffer the financial perils of bad teeth. What I am saying is, don’t ignore the advice of those who went to school a heck of a lot longer than you did.

Maybe now, I’ll only fund my dentist’s kid’s college fund and not his grandchildren’s too.

We purchased a $5 mouth guard from Walmart… which worked for about 2 days before it fell apart.

We purchased a custom mouth guard from the dentist at a whopping $350… which works a little, but still keeps me awake since it the sound he makes while wearing it resembles a dog chewing an annoying squeaky toy.

Since my husband is an aggressive teeth grinder, his mouth guard needs replacement every six months. I’m not looking forward to squeezing another $700 annually out of my budget.

I was watching Dr. Oz while getting ready for work a few mornings ago and he was discussing the dangers of teeth grinding and cheap solutions to fix it.

All he had to do was say ‘cheap’ and he had my attention. Since a few of my family members and friends are also teeth grinders, I figured maybe some of you might save a few bucks with his tips.

http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/1-habit-destroying-your-health

One of the tips is to relax your jaw by using a wine cork to stretch the muscles. Jazzed about the idea of preventing painful head and tooth aches, my husband carries a wine cork everywhere now.

This is what I found in the shower this morning…

I may have trouble convincing folks he doesn’t have a drinking problem when there are wine corks on the patio set, on his bedside table, near the television, in his truck, in his office, and in the shower. But hey, it has helped a little so I’ll just have to deal with the questions about my husband’s apparent ‘alcoholism’.

Oh who am I kidding? I ALWAYS need dental work.

Was I eating a steak? Nachos? Rocks? Nope. I was eating a slice of warm fresh bread from the oven. Leave it to me to break a crown on a silly slice of bread.

After spending approximately 10 seconds popping the rest of the crown out, my dentist informed me that whoever put in the crown, simply glued down a temporary. ‘This is some pretty bad work’ she said from behind her mask ‘Hopefully it didn’t cost you much.’

‘I paid $1,100 for that crown. I remember. I had to finance it’ I said.

How much is the replacement? $800.

Thankfully insurance is covering $500. Ugh. But that still leaves me with a $300 bill.

I hate teeth.

We plopped the game in the console, connected the Kinect, and let the small children play the silly game while teasing to mom about the ‘immature’ choice for a Christmas gift.

Five very short minutes after watching the kids laugh uncontrollably with joy, we, the responsible adults, shoved the kids out of the way and told them to play outside. We restarted the game and found ourselves laughing hysterically as we ran, jumped, and dodged obstacles on our game rafts.

Five even shorter minutes later, gasping for breath, we called the kids back in and relented our control of the gaming system.

The game we were playing wasn’t intended to be a workout program but judging by the sweat, the gasps for air, and the sore muscles, it was effective as such.

If you want to get in shape as part of your new year’s resolution, forget expensive gym memberships and personal trainers. Play the game that comes standard with the Kinect package. It won’t kill you… but you’ll be so sore, you’ll wish you were dead.

My older sister went to visit my dad a few times this week. Each time she walked in, his blood pressure went up. I had the opposite effect. When I visit dad and start talking about trips abroad or my work, his blood pressure drops so low, all the monitoring alarms go off.

It’s nice to know I’m so boring I can practically induce a coma.

Despite my (and my sister’s) ill effects, dad was moved out of ICU this afternoon. We’re heading in the right direction.

Whew!

Thank you so much for all your prayers and words of encouragement. I REALLY appreciate them.

Sure. I’ll give optimism a try.

I tried to tell him my dad was milking the situation but apparently lucidity isn’t his strong point thanks to all the meds. He doesn’t quite understand my really bad humor.

One of my sisters flew out from Kansas this morning. Three of his four daughters in the same place trying to talk loudly over one another? I have a funny feeling my dad is paying the docs to stay in the ICU just to get some peace and quiet.

Healthcare
Legal Will
Life Insurance

(Hmm. Maybe she DOES actually read my blog?)

My dad bought her healthcare – effective January 1st…

And they say romance is dead.

Last Friday, my father was admitted to the ICU. I didn’t panic. I didn’t cry. I drove to the hospital.

I told my sister to knock off the crying, told my mom everything would be fine, and begged my brothers to not get us kicked out of the ICU for talking too loud. We laughed, we made jokes, and weirdly enough, had a good time with dad.

At no point was I fearful or sad.

Saturday, I spent the afternoon watching the football games on the tiny ICU television. At night, we all sat around my dad’s hospital bed and worked out who would cover his work schedule the following week.

Sunday, I wasn’t feeling well so I stayed home, did laundry, drove my brother to the airport, and cooked dinner.

Monday, my dad was scheduled for a quadruple bypass at 10AM. I arrived at 9:30 so I could give him a hug before they wheeled him out.

My brothers, sisters, mom, and I played dice games, argued about who was hotter between McDreamy and McSteamy, ate a lot of hospital food, and read grimy hospital magazines.

12 ½ hours later, they wheeled my dad into post-op.

I hugged mom, told her all would be fine, and drove home.

I put on my pajamas, washed my face, crawled in bed…

And absolutely fell apart.

The reality of the situation finally hit. My poor husband didn’t know whether to hug me… or have me breathe into a paper bag.

Dad is still in critical condition and my mom is a mess but you know what she isn’t worried about?

Healthcare.

It’s not that you can’t afford it…

You can’t afford to go without it.

He was wrong. I didn’t get pneumonia.

It’s a nasty sinus infection. So there.

And if you’ve ever had one, you know that between pneumonia and a sinus infection, you’d rather have pneumonia when flying.

I’ve never had one before and wasn’t quick to pick up the signs. It wasn’t until my doctor was hitting tender skin around my nose that I realized I had a big problem.

I can’t bend forward, can’t cough, can’t sneeze, can’t sniffle, and can’t talk without tremendous pain – other than that, I’m totally fine.

My doctor said, ‘I wouldn’t advise flying, especially not a 12 hour flight. Not that you’re going to listen – but I’m just saying it to make me feel better.’

She gave me four prescriptions and I was on my way.

I can recover from a sinus infection in 24 hours. I can recover from a sinus infection in 24 hours. I can recover from a sinus infection in 24 hours.

Shoot.

I have marshmallow teeth. White, straight, and soft to the core.

As my dentist finished the cleaning and moved the chair up, the creepy plastic squeaked in protest. I waited for the bad news and flinched when she pulled out my chart to make notes.

“OK Rebekah. Looks great. See you in six months.”

“What?!? You must have it wrong. I’m Rebekah. THE Rebekah. The Rebekah with her own personal parking spot earned from gratuitous dental work. I haven’t been for a cleaning in two years and I’m good?!?”

She laughed, and walked out.

Before she could change her mind, I ran for the door. I exited and gasped my first breath of air that didn’t smell (and taste) like tooth dust.

No dental work required? This one goes in the record books.

I would recycle the budgeted dental money into debt reduction – but my husband has a cleaning in three weeks and I won’t play with fire on this one.

Here’s a helpful note:

Don’t make fun of your husband’s test results until you get yours. The joy I got from poking fun at his cholesterol count lasted precisely 26 hours – until my results arrived in the mail…

My total cholesterol count was 2 points higher.

The look of sheer joy that crossed his face when he saw my number can’t be adequately expressed.

The good news? We are both in good health and I can finally stop stressing about my imaginary health problems.

I was terrified to get the exam for several reasons:

1. Thanks to my foot injury, I haven’t been running in weeks and I swear my muscle tone is decomposing by the hour.
2. In an effort to avoid high readings in cholesterol, I was to avoid Mexican food, sushi, and beer. Perhaps this would have been easier had I not lived near the ocean just north of the Mexican border. No Mexican food or sushi? That’s like asking a San Diegan not to eat.
3. They advised me to get a good night’s rest the night before the exam. Hmm. This may have been easier had there not been a 5.7 earthquake at 9:30pm last night followed by aftershocks until 2:00am.
4. I have a completely irrational fear of needles.

Upon arrival, I started shaking and sweating. The examiner asked me twice to please stop shaking, otherwise he wouldn’t be able to get the needle inserted in one shot.

I thought, ‘Yeah, because the shaking is voluntary.’

Halfway through the draw, he looked at me and asked, “Are you OK? You look extremely pale…well… more pale than you already were.”

Gee, you’re full of compliments today aren’t ya?

He finished the draw and by then, the room was spinning…and I passed out.

Yup folks, that’s me. 30 years old and I still act like a 5 year old around needles.

I’m glad it’s over.

I tried to remember the last time I owned a pair of flats and I think I can pinpoint it to 16 years ago. My mom let my wear my first set of heels at 14. Sure, they were only an inch or two high, but it was the beginning of a love affair.

This morning, after I safety pinned my pant legs up 5 inches, I headed to work. As I walked from the train to my office, I missed the loud click clack of my high heels but…

Holy cow…

Since when is it possible for shoes to feel like this? Each step felt like a hug from a plush pillow! I was ready to write a sonnet about my love for the new shoes! Why has this amazing secret been kept for so long!?!?!

I’m trying to be optimistic about my injury. I’m disappointed at the financial setback (even though it isn’t huge) and the pain is, at times, nearly unbearable but hey, the injury probably kept me from being the only 70 year old sporting stilettos.

Without getting into specifics, I’m having problems with my lungs and there is permanent damage. I would ignore the problem but since breathing is somewhat important to survival, I have to take care of it. I informed my husband that the side effects from the medications were pretty serious including shaking, high anxiety, excessive hunger, moodiness, and inability to sleep. He responded, ‘How is that different from normal?’

I told him that if his body should mysteriously go missing, no female judge in the world would convict me.

This has blown a bit of a hole in our budget. The medications and co-payments have been expensive.

But there is good news! My doctor thinks my problems may ease over the summer months. Cheers to summer! It can’t get here fast enough can it?

When my husband called me from work on Friday to let me know he had injured his eye and needed urgent care he mentioned…he had no healthcare coverage.

His employer had failed to send the application.

We panicked. Goodbye tax refund. Possibly goodbye house…goodbye car… goodbye right arm.

Thanks to some quick thinking on my husband’s part, his was rerouted to the hospital at his school rather than to the local emergency room.

A few hours later he was bandaged, drugged, and… bill free. Because he is an active student, he is given certain medical care for free. Whew!

For those of you who attend, or have children who attend, large universities, consider researching the medical options available. It could save you a bundle.

I made the mistake of saying I’d rather be sick this weekend than pour concrete. Not only am I miserably sick, they cancelled pouring concrete because it’s raining.

I’ve been in bed since Thursday afternoon and it’s incredibly painful to speak. I can’t even moan in pain because that hurts too.

My husband has been on his knees praying for the last two days. At first I thought he was being sweet but based on his hidden snickers, I don’t think he’s praying for my recovery… I think he’s thanking God for the silence.

As an added bonus to him, I couldn’t go out on Black Friday – the deadliest financial holiday of the year. The store I buy my work clothes from had everything marked at 50% off.

I’m miserable but my husband is happy.

‘That person’ who crazily walks around with tissues to open doors and leaves a shower of Lysol in her wake.

Before you harass me about my germaphobic ways, remember I work with the general public. San Diegans are passing around the Swine Flu like a delicious piece of gossip.

I wouldn’t be quite so crazy but Thanksgiving is next week. If I have to spend my four days off in the hospital, I’d rather it be from a gnarly fall off a mountain face that bested me than from a virus that originated in an animal I don’t particularly like – even when served for a Christmas meal.

Plus, as the year ends, we’re all getting low on personal hours and no one can afford a day off. My co-workers spray the sick folks with Lysol like they’d spray a thug with mace. If someone collapses, we call poison control and haz-mat – not 911.

I sneezed this morning and my co-worker nonchalantly hummed Billy Joel’s ‘We Didn’t Start the Fire’ while spraying me with an anti-bacterial aerosol like she was disinfecting her toilet. I probably wouldn’t have minded but… all that mist makes my hair frizz.

I need to stay healthy. I need to stay working. I don’t care if I look silly.

It’s a dog eat dog world during flu season.

We should be able to qualify for the COBRA assistance based on the requirements of the layoff date and I’m hoping to be able to combine this coverage with the reduced cost services at his school.

If in the crazy event, the COBRA assisted coverage doesn’t work out. We’ll have to go without. As I said before, the money simply isn’t there – but we are fortunate to have at least something through his school. Yes, my husband could possibly suffer an illness not covered by the student hospital that could cost thousands of dollars but if we chose to pay for health insurance and skip our mortgage payments we would SURELY default on our loan and our home value is 135K less than we could sell it for.

Possible health problem OR definite mortgage default and foreclosure resulting in a 135K shortfall.

At this time…it’s an easy decision.

Thank you Gina for the reminder. The student hospital will really help us in the event something happens. And thank you to those who opened my eyes about the COBRA assistance. I had no idea!!