The first test I had to have done was a CT scan. For most people, that is not a big deal. For me, well, let’s face it, EVERYTHING is a big deal. But, really… it’s challenging for me because my doctor wanted a scan with contrast which means an IV will be happening. It is SUPER hard to start an IV on me. I’ve been told I have small veins that roll away.
A month prior, I had been in for the colonoscopy that started this whole UNFOLDING. The nurse thought she had a good vein, stabbed me, fiddled with it and then removed the needle as I wanted to either scream or faint. She then called in two other nurses and the three of them simultaneously slapped my arms and hands to awaken my uncooperative veins. THEN the original nurse thought she found a decent vein and went for it. She got it and I got two GIANT bruises that lasted over a week. You should have seen me at barre (my morning exercise class) trying to hide those bruises! Ballet never looked so ugly!
Anyway… back to the scan…
I had to sign in and register at the front of the hospital. The lady helping me said, “So the procedure today will be $3,600.”
Wait. WHAT?!
I calmly informed her that I had insurance and she calmly informed me THAT was the price AFTER insurance paid their part.
I couldn’t even respond. She gave me a phone number of someone who could help me figure out how to pay this most unexpected bill.
Next, I was sent to radiology and began drinking the contrast. Olivia, my 10 year old, was with me waiting for my friend, Janet, to swing by and pick her up. Janet was taking Olivia to ride the mountain train at Roaring Camp. Olivia was excited to get to meet up with her new friend, Claire, and Claire’s little brother, Jude.
Jude-the-Dude.
Jude adores me because he thinks I own my very own bus. He’s almost 2 years old and we met him at Yosemite this summer. When he spotted our RV parked next to his campsite, he decided right then and there that Eddie and I were super cool.
Ahhhh. Love that kid.
Anyway…. BACK TO THE SCAN…
Olivia was busy on my ipad when a nurse came out to get me to start the IV. As I followed him back, I began my over-rehearsed speech about how tricky it is to start an IV on me. He replied, “Oh, I’ve done a MILLION of these. I’m not worried.”
Here is EXACTLY what went through my mind: Well, great. I will now be the one whom God uses in YOUR life to teach YOU humility.
And sure enough… two painful attempts and two HUGE bruises.
EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.
I was sent back to the waiting room with the IV taped on my arm. I was concerned that this might upset Olivia, but then again, that would mean she would have to look up from the ipad to NOTICE!
I made it through the scan just fine and Olivia had a super fun day with Claire and Jude-the-Dude.
While this post has been on the light-hearted side, I want you to know that God answered a BIG prayer. A few days after the scan, I received a note from our insurance company saying they were covering ALL but $260 of the $3,600 bill.
THAT is a MIRACLE.
That NEVER happens.
What an unexpected blessing!
I Peter 3:8-9 says… “Finally, ALL of you, live in harmony with one another; (then Peter lists what that would look like)…
- be sympathetic
- love as brothers
- be compassionate
- be humble (thinking of a certain radiology nurse! hah!)
- do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult (oops. I might have just done that in my comment above)
- repay with a BLESSING
Because to this you WERE CALLED.”
I have felt this verse in a strong way this past week. It was a risk for me to share my thoughts on what is unfolding for me because it’s very personal and I have no idea HOW it will unfold. But… the community of connection that has been extended to me is OVERWHELMING. I have felt the sympathy from SO many, the brotherly (and/or sisterly) love and compassion. Many have shared with such vulnerability what they are facing right now and I am able to reciprocate the offer to pray. Be humble the verse says! That vulnerability is humility.
The final phrase of I Peter 3:9 says, “…so that you may INHERIT a blessing.”
I. Am. Blessed. And so are you.
Jude-the-Dude’s mom sent me this text yesterday: “Every time Jude talks about ‘Lowi’ and the bus, we pray for you! So like 5-10 times a day!!”
Here’s a closing pic just to make you smile.
Blessings from me… and Jude-the-Dude!
Lori, you are such a strong woman, and I get on fb to see what you have written next because you give me inspiration and hope that I can be healed from depression and anxiety and I thank you for showing through your posts that I am worthy of God’s love….God is so good! Thank you again for giving me the strength and Inspiration to go on fighting..
Karen, God loves you VERY much! I will add you to my prayer list. Thank you for your kind words and I love that you are reading my blog and feeling encouraged!
Lori!! You captivate me with each word you type! I HATE that you are going through this! I seriously do. However, when you put pen to paper, or in this case finger to keyboard key, magic happens! Your words paint a picture and your godly insight, mixed with your great sense of humor, make it like reading an amazing devotional! I’m praying for you constantly and I KNOW God will use each step of this journey for His glory. He already is! xo
Kelly!! You are so good with words and making people feel LOVED! Thank you!!
Oh Lori — LOVE it, Love you! I agree with every word Kelly wrote…maybe you should pen a devotional! =) You know we are all praying for you and WE know that GOD has got it. So happy about that insurance company doing their part! AS they should! THAT is a miracle. Have a great day…keep those blogs coming! AND your heart full!!
xoxoxo
Janet, I was just thinking about how much you have been there for the big things in my life. Many times I think about you reading Marley and Me beside my hospital bed and trying not to laugh out loud. Too funny! You are such a good friend!!
Lori,
I have so enjoyed reading your blog! It is very true as the others have commented – you are an excellent writer! I am sorry for the reason you are writing these, but it obvious God is being glorified through it already. I have been praying daily for you and look forward to chatting with you in person during our next visit.
I admit I had to chuckle in reading the parts about the IVs. I can so relate!! I truly empathize with you.
AND…I rejoice with you in God’s provision financially. How exciting is that?!
Hugs to you, Lori!
Thank you, Karen, for the prayer. It was great to see you last night and I love how we can have such deep conversations so easily. Praying for you and excited to see how this next year unfolds for you.