Atypical Multiple Sclerosis

I was recently on an ms forum discussing the baclofen pump. One woman I met there was from Canada.  She needs the baclofen, on high dose of oral baclofen with increasing spasticity, pain-you know the routine by now.

Well, being in Canada with universal healthcare she has to wait about 18 months.  Yes, I did say 18 MONTHS.  I know the healthcare system in our country is less than perfect as well.  But when you are dealing with a progressive disease like ms 18 months is a lifetime.  

I decided to take my doctors advice regarding the baclofen pump in mid-May of this year.  Three weeks later I saw the neurosurgeon for a consult. Three weeks later I had my test dose.  Four weeks later I underwent the surgery.

Simple math results in 10 weeks I waited from the time I made the decision to get a baclofen pump until I underwent the surgery.  Two and a half months.  Plus I had a choice of doctors.  That choice included the three or four neurologists I sought opinions and help from in just the initial diagnosis of this disease.

So I guess this time around, with the election around the corner, I am soapboxing a bit.  I like the idea of healthcare for everyone but not the practicality of universal healthcare.

I would not like waiting 18 months for the pump.  Between the lack of movement and pain it would be a real test of my mental fortitude.  Of course, some would say it is an excellent opportunity to test and tweak your mental fortitude, faith, etc.  

I think we need to really understand Universal Healthcare before we begin voting.  It may affect all of us in ways we never imagined.  Sometimes good ideas turn out bad results.