Moving to the beautiful state of Florida was a dream for me. Being closer to family, the sunshine, the palm trees, and the promise of a fresh start had me brimming with excitement. However, just when I thought I had begun to settle into my new life, an unexpected accident sent me on a whirlwind medical adventure.
I was getting ready for dinner, I decided to take a relaxing shower and even planned to shave my legs. Little did I know that this simple act would lead to a rather peculiar mishap. In the midst of it all, I accidentally nicked a varicose vein in my leg. The result? A surprising burst of bleeding, like a pinhole in a water hose.
In that moment, I knew I needed help, and fast. I wrapped my leg in what felt like an entire stack of bath towels, desperately trying to stem the flow. With my husband’s assistance, we made our way to the nearest ER hospital in Oviedo, my new hometown.
However, this is where my otherwise promising Florida journey took an unexpected turn. We stumbled on rude people here and very aggressive drivers. But nothing compared to the triage nurse, or so he claimed, attitude. He was not only indifferent but downright rude. He seemed disinterested in my condition, leaving me to fill out paperwork, sit in the waiting area, and bleed. It felt as though I was an inconvenience to them. To make matters worse, he wouldn’t even assist me in getting into a wheelchair or onto a hospital bed. My husband had to step in to provide the help I needed.
I’ve encountered numerous medical professionals in my life, but only once before coming here had I been treated with such disrespect and disregard. The experience left me feeling frustrated and hurt. The staff’s response was a stark contrast to the compassion and care that I expected during a medical emergency.
As if this weren’t enough, I was told I needed a follow up with a local doctor.
So when I inquired about a follow-up appointment with my soon to be new doctor, I was met with dismissiveness. The woman at the doctor’s office lacked compassion, showing no concern for my newness to the area or the fact that I had a clot disorder and needed immediate follow-up care. She appeared more focused on the limitations of my Ohio HMO plan in Florida than my medical needs.
I even offered to pay cash for the visit out of pocket, but my request was declined. The office insisted that I could only be seen after my Florida HMO plan took effect, starting November 1. It was disheartening to realize that, even if I were willing to pay in cash, the rules in Florida prevented me from seeking medical attention.
One aspect that deeply troubled me was the difference in treatment based on insurance types. I observed that people on Medicaid and those with ACA (Obamacare) insurance were handled with more consideration, while my Medicare status seemed to garner less respect. It’s important to note that Medicare isn’t free; I pay for this plan, almost 180.00 a month right from my SSD check, and yet I felt unheard and disregarded.
To add to the frustration, when I tried to explain the specifics of my Medicare plan to the doctor’s office, I was met with skepticism. It seemed as though they believed I was not following the proper procedures for healthcare in Florida. I had to clarify that my plan didn’t take effect immediately, unlike ACA, but rather on November 1 since it’s Medicare.
This experience has left me conflicted. Florida offers a beautiful environment and wonderful weather, but the encounters I’ve had with the healthcare system and some individuals have been far from welcoming. It’s disheartening to feel that in a place I hoped to call home, a significant portion of the population appears rude and uncaring. As someone who has just started life in this area, I’m left wondering if this is the Florida I had dreamed of.
Moving forward, I hope for a more compassionate and understanding healthcare experience and look forward to building more positive connections in this vibrant state.
Let’s hope I can get in someplace for a follow up
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before you today with heavy hearts, asking for your grace and mercy to be poured out upon those who are mean and rude and dismissive to others. We understand that hurt people often hurt others, and we ask for your guidance and healing in their lives.
Lord, help them to see the light of your love and find compassion in their hearts. Grant them the strength to overcome their anger, bitterness, and negativity. May they be transformed by your love and become instruments of kindness and understanding.
We also pray for those who have been on the receiving end of unkindness. Comfort them, Lord, and help them find forgiveness in their hearts. May they be empowered to respond with love and grace.
In your infinite wisdom, may you bring harmony and unity to all people, and may your love shine through even in the most challenging situations. We trust in your divine plan and pray for a world filled with compassion and empathy.
Amen.
Joint Purpose 
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