Arizona and another loss

Tulsa heart transplants lost another member this month.  Seems we're losing more and more, which is a scary thought for those of us left.  I had a discussion with some of my faculty members the other day about the fact that there are so many things that can go wrong even after 5+ years of doing well.  At this point, it usually isn't rejection issues that get you but failure of other organs, cancer, or strokes that come into play because of all the medications we take.  Thank goodness that I have decent insurance that helps with the cost of meds and procedures.  I'll be having my annual heart cath in February to make sure all is still functioning well.  I think that will be my 9th during all of pre and post transplant care.

Arizona caught my attention this week.  The state has decided to not finance (via Medicaid) transplant operations of any kind.  Currently, there are over 600 people who are waiting on some type of organ transplant.  In the midst of all of this decision making, three people have died waiting on transplants.

Heart transplants aren't cheap because of all the aftercare.  The surgery itself isn't much more than open heart surgery...it usually takes less time than an open heart surgery believe it or not.  But the follow up medications are very expensive.  I am assuming that is the main reason why Arizona chose to not finance transplants.  But I feel for those waiting on the list.  When you have been told that your only chance to live is to have a transplant, then have some government official tell you that you aren't one of the "chosen ones" who will be "allowed" to have a transplant, what hope do you have?

I'll be interested in seeing if any of this was part of today's shooting of an Arizona Congresswoman today.  The comments of the law enforcement officers were pretty accurate...we have got to get away from the rheortic of hatred and return to the caring of each other.  This shooting may have absolutely nothing to do with transplants, but the return of caring of each other does.  No matter what your political affiliation, no matter how you feel about government health care, if that was your family member who needed a transplant and was told they couldn't have it....you would have strong feelings too.

Once again, I thank God for the support of family and friends, a great school system and insurance, and a family who followed the wishes of a 20 year old young woman who wanted to help her fellow man (or woman in my case).  Let's start looking out for each other and stop running everyone down.