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Home > Prayers, Again

Prayers, Again

December 21st, 2011 at 05:30 pm

It's like a roller coaster around here. Up and down, good news, bad news. I could really use a level playing field right about now. I never really believed that old saw about bad things happening in threes, but this is the third time this has happened to someone in the family in two years.

My sister-in-law was admitted to the hospital last night. Mother-in-law called at ten last night. So far today they've run three MRIs, an EKG, and something else...CaT scan, maybe. I don't know for sure. They might be looking for blood clots. I got it second hand from DH who talked to his mother right before he called me. They gave her nitroglycerine.

I feel so bad for SIL's kids. Their father is the one who had two heart attacks last month. Now their mother goes in to the hospital for chest pains? Everyone was hoping it was just an anxiety attack, but underneath it, we all know that FIL had a myocardial infarction just two years ago (which burst, fortunately, while he was in surgery or he'd be dead) and heart problems can be genetic. So we are all pretty freaked out. But what are the odds? FIL, Ex-BIL, and now SIL? I know they say bad things happen in threes, but seriously?

I do not know how SIL is going to afford all this. She has no insurance. She barely makes above minimum wage and of course has no sick pay. She's already not getting child support this month and last because ex-BIL can't return to work until January. We've been helping where we can, but we can't give her that much money. A couple spare hundred dollars helps with groceries and elecric bills, not major tests in a hospital. She may lose her house (which is a subsidized mortgage and in-laws were already helping pay the mortgage) and have to move in with her parents.

DH is going down to the insurance office when he gets home and taking out both short-term and long-term disability insurance. I've had it with all this business. Life insurance is not enough anymore for me to feel secure. Not with those genetics. I'm hedging our bets right now. And darn it, but he is going on a diet and starting an exercise program whether he wants to or not. He's already got high BP. I am not going to lose him to a heart attack.

Also, DH's plane from Seattle to home has been cancelled, because the weather here is bad. *looks out window* No, it's not. Something about a low cloud ceiling and the plane from Hawaii circling the runway and not being able to land, so the plane from Seattle isn't even going to take off and try. It's mildly overcast. Come on, planes, this is why you have technology. So you can land even when you can't see the runway. Urgh. They are offering them ground transportation, which means, traffic permitting, he should arrive here right around the time I am starting physical therapy. I guess he can sit at the airport for an extra hour. They have wifi, so he'll be fine, so long as his sister doesn't up and die while he's sitting there.

11 Responses to “Prayers, Again”

  1. North Georgia Gal Says:
    1324489977

    Wow. You have sure had your share of things lately. I hope things get better soon.

  2. MonkeyMama Says:
    1324490426

    Forget about genetics, accidents happen to ANYONE. Have you been reading my blog??? I am thrilled beyond thrilled that you are getting proper insurance. I am saddened that this is the reason that prompts you take action. *sigh*

    ((HUGS))

    Bad things seem to be happening in 5s and 10s around here, but I know so many people going through so much worse right now, kind of feels like, "That's Life."

    I can't imagine ever giving money to someone, on a substantial level (beyond having more money than I could possibly need), but I would be the first to offer food and shelter to a relative in that situation. Focus on what is important. A place to live, warm clothing, food. They just have to sort the rest out for themselves - you can only do what you can do, to help. I guess this is my way of saying don't help them prolong inevitable bankruptcy or foreclosure - but I am sure you can help with their basic needs, and that would be very kind.

  3. creditcardfree Says:
    1324491101

    Best wishes for all in your family!

  4. CB in the City Says:
    1324496325

    I don't know where to direct you, but I do know that people in your SIL's situation, with no insurance and working for minimum wage, can settle their medical bills for a small percentage of the total cost. My son did this when he and his wife were both waiting tables and she went to the emergency room and had a battery of tests. He had to fill out some paperwork, and I think he got the lead from the hospital's billing office.

  5. laura Says:
    1324498002


    (hugs) and prayers offered for your family.

  6. frugaltexan75 Says:
    1324499736

    Prayers going up for you and your family.

    I also second what CB said - there are programs for people with huge medical bills and minimal incomes. A good friend of mine who works as a pizza delivery driver had some medical bills which he thought was going to cause him to declare bankruptcy. He ended up filling out some forms the hospital sent him, and his bills were forgiven.

  7. retire@50 Says:
    1324503266

    best wishes for you and your family

  8. PNW Mom Says:
    1324503440

    Sending hugs and prayers your way! Your SIL definately needs to look into what kind of assistance the hospital can give her....if her situation is as bad as you say, she can probably qualify for a financial hardship discount or write off. Good luck

  9. Campfrugal Says:
    1324558632

    Sending many prayers your way. Hugs.

  10. rob62521 Says:
    1324563971

    Sorry about all your troubles...said a prayer for you and your family.

  11. LuckyRobin Says:
    1324597275

    Thanks for all your prayers!

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