Protecting your heart is very important, wouldn’t you agree? That’s what “heart sense” is all about inclusive of diet and exercise. Even babies born with heart defects are immediately cared for if and when needed. Young children, older children, adolescents, young adults, middle-agers, older folks have all heard or read somewhere in their lifetimes about taking care of their hearts.
So, let me briefly tell you my heart sense story….
As a T1D diagnosed in 1959, it wasn’t until about the year 2000 that I thought I should see a cardiologist. Oh, my heart was fine as far as I could tell. At least I felt fine. My diabetes was under control. But, being “proactive” about my life this long as a diabetic, I thought that seeing a cardiologist would be beneficial, especially for my future.
The medical insurance process is tedious and long. Nothing new. I had to make an appointment with a General Practitioner. Of course that individual wanted to know “why.” Explaining my “proactive beliefs” after having successfully lived with diabetes for over 40 years at that time, that doctor agreed. A referral was faxed to a cardiologist of whom I never met. No problem. He or she was “in my medical insurance program.” Meeting him or her was not a problem. I was interested in his or her viewpoint concerning my heart’s longevity equaling my life’s longevity.
Happily showing up to the designated appointment, not one but two nurses met me inside the office door. I thought that a little strange. A gut feeling. One left while the other led me into an examination room directing me to remove all my clothes – all of them – and to put on a hospital “johnny,” leaving it open in the front. Then she left. Cold and naked, I anxiously waited for this unknown, unmet, male heart expert to enter.
He did. His stature was tall and thin with white hair. I watched him as he immediately skittered over to the exam room’s conveniently placed computer against a far wall. He never looked at me. The nurse that told me to become naked suddenly brushed in the room, stating to me that “you’re not covered. Your insurance will not cover this.” BAM!
As soon as the cardio guy heard this, he left, too quickly, still not looking at me. And the nurse speedily left, right on his coattails! WTF, man?! I was alone. Almost horrified, and extremely puzzled, I dressed with the deafening silence of that room. Making my way to the corridor, I peaked through the doorway right then left. No one was there. The place was completely abandoned, the whole floor was quiet as I imagina a mausoleum could be. I could not – and still do not – believe to this day that that deflating experience happened. Never never never having heard from these characters, these participants in my important health care, nothing happened.
Moving on to 2017, now having lived 60 years with diabetes, a new insurance plan got me what I needed. I almost gave up…on myself! Not good. All in all, this latest expereince was 100% better and I am well. I am going to live to be 100! Whew.
Just sayin’…. A. K. Buckroth (#buckroth)
Pertaining to T2Ds: https://www.foryoursweetheart.com/?&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=diabetes_and_heart_disease&utm_campaign=Unbranded_Sweetheart_[exact]&gclid=COmOy87UhNcCFZDbDQodlNUPNA&gclsrc=ds
“For someone with T1D,the number of years with T1D increases risk for CVD. T1D associated neuropathy can impact resting heart rate and peak heart rate and add complexity to diagnosis of cardiovascular disease.”