"How are you?" is a daily question asked of
me, which usually receives the same "I'm fine"
answer. But events this past week made me think before I
answer.
My remodel contractor had an auto wreck. I had a
pre-operation test that cost me $683, which put the
"universal access" remodeling remodel project
I've been writing about in financial jeopardy. I had to
change my pain medication after three years of use -
something I hoped wouldn't happen just now.
The good news is that I finally received approval for
an MRI scan from an out-of-network provider. I have been
struggling to obtain a high-quality quality pelvic MRI
for months. My insurance company approved this one after
denying three attempts at other facilities. I can't lie
flat, which pushed me to find an MRI machine that would
take pictures while I'm in a sitting position. I needed
a machine that is open in the front instead of a long
tube. I found the Stand Up MRI Clinic, a new company
that opened in November.
When I arrived at the clinic, the chief technician
frowned when I explained that I couldn't stand or bear
any weight on my legs for any length of time. He
explained that for a pelvic MRI, I would need to be on
my back at a 30-degree angle. The machine does have a
detachable seat for MRIs from the waist up, but he had
never done a pelvic scan on a patient who was sitting. I
told him now he had his chance.
He locked me into position, warning me that the image
would show only bone material and not tissue. Fifteen
minutes later, he announced that the images turned out
better than he expected, and he sent me on my way. When
I got home, he called and said the images turned out so
well that the clinic's physician wanted me to return for
more pictures - at no cost. The company's innovative
thinking about my disability provided a breakthrough.
Trying something different helps to conquer fear of
the unknown. As baby boomers grow older and health care
costs continue to rise, it no longer is possible to
stick with the status quo. People with disabilities are
living longer than expected, which is pressuring the
health care community to find new treatments and
diagnosing techniques.
I was required to practice flexibility and
understanding this past week, and good things happened.
My contractor is doing well and will be back in a couple
of weeks. Selling my collection of antiques may provide
the necessary cash to keep my construction project on
budget, and my new medication seems to be working OK.
More important, my disability helped create a way to
diagnose illnesses for mobility-impaired people in the
future.
How am I? Just fine.
McKee, a wheelchair user, is an Albuquerque
writer, poet and producer. You can e-mail Barbara
at chairgrrl@chairgrrl.com.
Her column runs on Tuesdays.
