With MS There Is Always An Issue

Hello fellow New Englanders. I know this time of years can be a challenge with ice and snow. So far though, we have nothing to complain about. For some, winter is a time that many of us either hanker in until spring or try and travel to warmer climates.

In my case, it's the latter. As a medical professional, I thought I knew the ins and out of how to cut through insurance red tape and vendor issues. However, I couldn't be more wrong. This past year, my mobility and balance have deteriorated and as a nurse, I proactively began the process of obtaining a portable scooter for assistance.

​I began the process in July of last year. I made it very clear it needed to break down and be able to fit into my car. I would not be using this every day in my home. First step, I checked out my insurance coverage and talked with my MD. So far so good. I then went for a PT evaluation with a scooter company. They measured me, asked all my specifics and took all pertinent info. They informed me it took three months to order scooter and process all the necessary paperwork for insurance to approve. Ok, so I wasn't planning on traveling till February. Great, I had checked all my I 's and crossed my T's.

​Wrong again. Christmas rolls around. Still no scooter. Phone call after phone call. Company says I have no coverage I need to pay 10k dollars. Well to make a long story short, I must pretend I am the provider (a lie of course) to bothe the mobility company and the insurance company. After four hours and fifteen different calls, I finally straighten it out. My last calls were to tell the senior managers about the lying that was necessary to correct all the red tape. So now you think I'm a happy patient right?

My scooter was delivered two weeks ago. Wow, it's the Cadillac version. Yup it breaks down in three pieces. Great, but each piece is so big and heavy there is no way I could lift them. The man who delivered it can bearly do it alone. Oh so that's not all. Can't store it in extreme temperatures. Umm its 20 degrees in my garage. So off to buy a heater for my new Cadillac. Lastly, you should run the battery down weekly. Hmm. Anyone want to snow mobile with me?

What's my point in all of this? As patients we run into so many issues. Don't despair. There is always someone to help. Reach out.

I rented a scooter for vacation, my neighbor will house sit the Cadillac and keep it warm, and as for the battery, I'm hoping it starts when I need it. Stay warm everyone.

​Susan