Yikes, this entry got hijacked by my bladder. I had full intentions of writing about Fall Fashion, or reviewing my first metal band show who played at the local bar, or what it was like checking out a cool room I might rent if all goes well.
But instead I have to talk about my life and what's the most pressing and this is it: I'm pretty sure I have a bladder infection. This is the first time I've needed to see a doctor since graduation so I don't have student health care, and as my mother so clearly pointed out to me, I'm not under her health insurance aside from dental and vision and that's about to expire too.
So what does a 23 year-old without health insurance do when they need a doctor? Self-medicate and hope for the best.
Bladder infections can happen for no real particular reason but some factors do compound and I have nearly all the factors listed, like stress levels, dehydration, holding it for too long, sexual intercourse, not doing laundry in time, and not "voiding" completely (who comes up with these words?), and a sugary diet.
According to online doctors, this the best thing I can do is see a doctor for antibiotics. Well, I don't have hundreds to spend right now on something I can probably fix myself. The second best option are those minute clinics which would cost $79-89 for a general exam + $15 for a urine sample+ $$$ for pills. However, for something that might be minor I'd hate to drop that much cash.
So I'm drinking lots of water, I'll buy some cranberry juice tomorrow, and I'm hoping for the best. They say that if my back starts to hurt and I feel nauseous with a fever and the chills the infection might be turning into a kidney infection, which, untreated, can damage my kidneys. Well, I felt a fever and the chills yesterday but not today, so here's hoping me not having insurance isn't killing me!
On a side note, I know I've been bashing my mom lately but hear me out on this one. When the Obama heathcare plan was being debated she was completely against universal healthcare because she thought it would diminish the quality of health care for her and her husband. Look, that's a valid concern and everything but with Obama's plan they could have still opted for private health care. Because you know what, it fucking sucks to be sick, need a doctor, and just hoping that you're not damaging your organs because you can't afford an out-of-pocket doctor visit.
Alright, I'm going to finish this cup of water and buy some cranberry juice first thing in the morning.
2 comments:
Don't wait until it gets to your kidneys... then it's even harder to treat. And you can drink as much water as you want, but in my experience, UTIs very, very rarely go away on their own (go easy on the cranberry juice too... the current science suggests a compound in it can help prevent bacteria from attaching to your bladder lining, but generally when taken prophylactically (before an infection); it's also pretty acidic, which actually irritates your bladder... avoid caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods too). Trust me, I know ALL about UTIs. They completely f*ed up my bladder, probably forever, ugh.
There've got to be some low-cost clinics in your city. Try googling "family health centers of (your city)", actually... seems they offer free or low cost care. Also try "low cost (your city) health clinic".
Good luck!!!
Good news: (1) the pain is almost completely gone, (2) I talked to my bf's mom who was an ER nurse for over 20 years and she said I was doing everything right so far and what I should look out for in case things don't improve, and (3) my mom had some left over bladder infection pills so she's mailing me some antibiotics.
Thanks for the advice! That's really weird to hear about cranberry juice. Maybe people take too much? And I'll use your tips for the search engine in case I get sick again before I can get on a health plan. Geesh. Why does us women have such problems? Maybe we're too awesome and our bodies can't catch up? ;)
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