A reader from Europe recently scolded me about the “slice-and-dice” American medical system—but as someone living with sarcoidosis, heart failure, and a knack for collecting diagnoses like airline miles, aggressive treatment is the reason I’m still breathing. Here’s what really happened, why “wait and see” nearly destroyed someone else’s life, and why I’ll take over-tested over overlooked any day.
The $280,000 Question: Do I Change My Doctors or My Insurance?
When your doctors of twenty years suddenly drop your insurance, sarcoidosis and heart failure become the least of your problems. Here’s what happens when loyalty meets bureaucracy, and why choosing between good doctors and great insurance feels like gambling with your health—and your sanity.
The High Price of Staying Alive: Chronic Illness, Insurance, and America’s Health Care Circus
Living with chronic illness means juggling more than fatigue and pain—it’s the nonstop cost of staying alive. From $280,000 heart surgeries to sky-high insurance premiums, surviving in America’s healthcare system feels like a full-time job. Here’s what it’s really like to navigate life, love, and medical debt when your body—and the system—won’t cut you a break.
