Episode 8 of 2.10.24, from one of several unusually productive days that I had set aside to turn into series, but failed to follow through, as usual. 

That grapefruit says THRIVE on one side. It's a Kaiser Permanente magnet that was on my late friend's fridge, which became his favorite toy during the long months we were confined to one room 90% of the time. She worked for them, and added me to her staff policy.

I wouldn't have gotten my own policy with them had she not done that, and boy am I glad I did that now. They have the best cardiac unit in Oregon, and sprang into action when I told them I was worried I might not have insurance next year. Moda Health probably wouldn't have covered it at all, saying it wasn't dangerous enough yet, and I'd have to watch and wait a few more years. That's what Kaiser would have done by default, because most people want to put off surgery. But when I said I'd rather not, they moved forward immediately.

  • So Harpo’s grapefruit/taco is the reason you have good insurance for your upcoming open heart surgery? Wow, amazing! So glad! Thanks, Harpo!❤️

    parent

    Yep.

    parent root

    Are you really having open heart surgery, or am I reading an older post?

    parent root

    On the 23rd. I am currently at the dentist, getting a clearance. They need to make sure I have no low grade infections anywhere. I need to be more careful about letting the kittens scratch me.

    Four go back to the shelter in a couple hours.

    ETA: the dentist does not want me to do it on the 23rd unless I absolutely have no choice, because I have some gum disease.

    parent root

    Could it be postponed a month, safely, to get the gum disease under control? Or would you be hit by a big deductible since it’s the beginning of the year? Hugs ahead of time for having to say goodbye to the four cuties!🥰

    parent root

    They were rushing because I am not sure I can afford insurance next year, and a month is not enough.

    My gums in the lower front are receding enough that it makes that area a huge weak point in terms of infection. So they would want me to have a deep cleaning at least four months before surgery, with prescription rinses until I am fully recovered

    parent root

    I have had my own gum issues, definitely receding gums, and two gum graft surgeries. But that was when I had fantastic insurance. My Medicare Advantage plan is out of network for my regular dentist and also the periodontist, so I sympathize. So what now??

    parent root

    How did that graft surgery go? I might need that someday for the lower front.

    parent root

    Yep, that’s exactly where my two are, those lower canine teeth. Went well and holding up great, several years later. It was pretty painful having skin taken from the roof of your mouth and made eating hard. They give you a plastic shield to wear when you eat, to protect the roof of your mouth, but that just dug into it and made me hurt worse. I kinda lived on soup and milkshakes for a few days. Although, I was still working at my driving job in the morning, so couldn’t take prescription pain meds then. I’m sure it would have been much better if I could have taken prescription pain meds around the clock. Hope this helps!

    parent root

    I would not mind living on puréed soups and smoothies for a week, and I don’t drive.

    Thanks for the info

    parent root

  • Harpo! ❤️‍🩹💝

    parent

  • His "will there be a treat now?" eyes <3

    It looks so funny when he carries big things folded, I love it.

    So happy to hear at least some small part of healthcare works to your benefit now! Crossing my fingers!

    parent

  • That's amazing! So glad Kaiser sprang into action to help you. They sound amazing!

    parent

  • Thanks Harpo and thanks Rain!

    Edit to add. Yesterday I was working with a group of kids. Generally they're pretty engaged but a fart can derail our activities pretty quickly. One kid farted and I made the mistake of asking if they wanted to do music or talk about farts, thinking they'd choose music since I'm only there twice a month. They wanted to talk farts of course 🤦🏻‍♀️ So I had to tell them no such luck 🤦🏻‍♀️😂

    parent

  • I secretly loved your green paint-splattered stairs. 

    parent

    Sigh, I loved the green, I didn't want to replace it. But it was so poorly applied that it was coming off. The green that will eventually go there is closer to teal.

    parent root