Painman, I have so much respect and admiration for all of you over the pond who have to fight with a health 'care' system that completely sucks. I'm sorry you had to waste so much energy on just trying to get some help.

I apologise for the following rant

Healthcare should be just that - caring for your health. To have one that is centred around the $$$ first and foremost is so so SO wrong. I am angry and frustrated for everyone who has to juggle a twisted insurance system at the same time as being ILL. I can't believe that the system got put into place initially, let alone that it continues without anyone in authority pointing out the massive white elephants in the room:

- THE SYSTEM DOESN'T WORK
- IT CAUSES SUFFERING TO THE SICK AND INJURED
- CHARGING FOR CARE MAKES IT EASY FOR DOCTORS TO BECOME GREEDY PEN-PUSHING SELF-SERVING INHUMAN MONSTERS - and rewards them if they do
- MAKING IT ALL ABOUT THE $ MEANS THAT DOCTORS HAVE A VESTED INTEREST IN YOU STAYING SICK

I'm sorry to shout and point out the bleedin' obvious, but I find it deeply disturbing that your politicians can keep ignoring all of the above. I really hope that they see sense (or find a teensy bit of compassion) soon. You deserve real care, not a sham of manipulation and accounting.

Take care of yourself Painman, as it appears that no one else will. I hope you have a better day today, sounds like you know your own mind pretty well, although being able to talk about your complicated feelings to a professional would have been useful (only if they are any good though).

Bram.