Kathy

Kathy has been a patient here since 2005. She has one of the most complicated lives I know of. Her husband has lung cancer and has been on and off hospice care for the past six years. She has, at times, had four grandchildren that she was raising while their parents were in jail. And until about a year ago, she worked full time as a cook in a nursing home making minimum wage, with no benefits.

And I think I’m tired.

Her main health issue is diabetes. But like many diabetics, she has multiple health issues including an allergic reaction to one of the most common diabetic medications. She has suffered from stomach problems of unknown origin; she also has had heart problems and eye problems. About two years ago she suffered from a minor stroke – but continued to work, to take care of her husband and the grandchildren.

She finally reached age 62 and was able to draw her Social Security but is not yet eligible for Medicare.

We see her monthly to provide the much needed medications, diabetic testing supplies and emotional support. One of my doctors was opposed to prescribing anti-depressants, but when he heard her story he wrote the prescription!

Through all of this she remains a sweet, caring woman who is more concerned about others.

She deserves better. She deserves a healthcare system that is available to her when she has problems, not one that will be there next Tuesday night.