Health Care

Until we actually needed health care, we always thought we had an excellent health care system. I won't comment on the actual care received in KGH during four separate admittances over the last 4 years, (along with four days in intensive care--due to overmedication in the hospital).

My wife fractured 2 vertebrae four years ago. I stood beside her in the hospital when the spine specialist along with two other doctors told her that there was "nothing that could be done" for her. Imagine the shock and despair that follows such an announcement!

The next year was filled with more and more morphine and pain killers. She was prescribed the maximum amount of morphine allowed, and was taking up to 25 tylenol a day. The pain was unbearable, and she needed help with everything including going to the bathroom. She spent almost a year bedridden. The screaming with pain and agony was beyond comprehension. Our own Dr. said that she was "not a candidate for surgery" based on the specialists report.

I went online, did some research, and found a private clinic in Vancouver. I phoned and we had an appointment scheduled for the very next day. After a 20 minute consultation, an MRI was done (in the same building), and then back in with the Dr. He looked at the MRI and showed us what the problem was, and said, ”I think we can help you”. Can you imagine what those words meant to us?

Four days later my wife was on the operating table. Radiofrequency Rhizotomy was the procedure prescribed. Two hours of surgery on one day, and two and a half hours the next day - local anaesthetic only - half hour in the recovery room both times, and she  "walked " back to our hotel room with only a bandaid taped to her back. After the local anesthetic wore off, she smiled for the first time  in years ,and said she felt "pretty good." The procedure was done three years ago; the pain is gone; and after about ten months she was finally "weened " off of morphine (this is tough to do).

I had to sign an agreement at the clinic, that I would not pursue reimbursement from MSP, or talk to them about the surgery. (MSP recognizes this surgery as being cosmetic only, and is done only for "cosmetic" reasons to enhance your lifestyle). I cannot name the clinic (also part of the agreement) since there is an ongoing fight with them and MSP who do not want them to provide fee for service healthcare (every type of healthcare is provided by them).

Can you believe that you have a healthcare provider (MSP) who is trying to shut these clinics down, because they are a fee for service institution?

I have recommended this clinic to other people, and know of several that have have gone and sought help from them. Can you imagine what it feels like when a stranger phones you and thanks you for the information, and in tears says "I have my life back".

Zack  Zacharias