.
You find out
why it’s called “hardwood”
the instant it rises up
to slam you
on the cheekbone
after your doctor
takes away the medicine
that has served you well
for twenty years
but is now declared “dangerous”
for those of a certain age.
He substitutes it
with a “safe” medicine
that causes you to faint
as you’re walking
across the room
but the government knows best,
never mind the insult
and the bruising
and the pain.
Safety first!
.
© 2017 Betty Hayes Albright
.
(It could’ve been worse – no broken bones.)
Seasonings 
Between insurance companies and the government…it’s surprising that any of us are alive.
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Indeed! Thank you for reading this narrative, Charlie. (Was letting off steam, both personally and for so many others who are caught in the tangle of our “health care” system, and who can’t get the help they need.)
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I always have concerns about FDA approved anything!
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Me too, Peter. But it also is aggravating that they disapprove of good drugs that work, and that give a person some quality of life. Once you hit 65 (which I did five years ago) it gets harder and harder for doctors to continue prescribing what works.
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I value modern medicine, but I do not think they have all the answers …
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Nor do I. Alternative medicine, like acupuncture, really works. Unfortunately not covered by insurance.
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It is here. That’s too bad. Have you studied Tai Chi or Chi Gong?
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Guess it depends on your insurance. We used to have coverage but once you go on Medicare, it’s very limiting. That goes for the meds too. As for Tai Chi and ChiGong I have DVDs and have tried both. Need a teacher, in person, to get them right. But both are beautiful, graceful practices! Thanks for your input, Peter. It’s always good to hear from you and I hope all is going well with you and yours!
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I hope this is no more than teething problems and that your body soon adjusts to the new regime.
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No adjustment to those meds – stopped taking immediately and returned to low dosage of old meds until I can see a pain specialist. The irony is that the FDA (our food and drug administration in the US) would take away a drug that had never caused me any problem but approved a drug that is clearly a danger to me. Doctors don’t like it but their hands are tied. I have no memory of dropping to the floor but my husband said I just missed hitting my head on the edge of a table. So much for fancy new fibromyalgia meds!
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And I see that the Trump’s new appointee to oversee the FDA is among the major offenders. No surprises there then. I am so glad to hear you still have the option/capacity to acquire the medication you wish. My wife has plenty of pains too. My kindest wishes and healing thoughts are with you both.
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Thank you – and the same kind wishes and healing thoughts back to you and your wife, Ben. (As for my options, afraid I’ll still have none except for physical therapy – which from past experience only makes things worse.) I hope your wife is able to get some relief one way or another.
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Over the counter meds (which bring their own problems) and the day to day “natural” changes seem to circumscribe what she can control/rely on.
Why/how is it that you can’t access your previous (effective) medication?
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No doctor will prescribe it since the new FDA edict – they risk losing their license to practice medicine. Gone are the days of one’s care being between just you and your doctor. Big Brother is watching.
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“Big Brother is watching.”
Just so. “Citizens United” the blackest and most cynical of black humour, (which all the TV swilling masses don’t even know anything about) the thin end of the wedge. Then there’s the evil of alec and the media throttlehold on the information feed. As Dylan said years back, “Money doesn’t talk, it swears.” Of course he also said.
“You’ve thrown the worst fear
That can ever be hurled
Fear to bring children
Into the world
For threatening my baby
Unborn and unnamed
You ain’t worth the blood
That runs in your veins”
Amen.
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Alas, it has indeed come to that…. I am hoping the ignorant masses will wake up and realize what they’ve set into motion. Though the damage being done will be felt for decades to come, even if we can get it turned around. I’ll never give up hoping. (Emily Dickinson – “Hope is that thing with feathers/ which perches in the soul / and sings the tune without words/ and never stops at all.” (That’s an approximate quote…)
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The cards are stacked for sure. But rooting for resolution and a return to sanity and heartfulness for sure too.
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If we visualize (along with hard work) maybe it will come. It always comes back to the necessity of evolving consciously and spiritually…. From humans to Humans….
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I’m sure things will sort themselves out, though maybe not in this particular manifestation.
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Will check for it on Amazon. Sounds like my cuppa tea. 🙂
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