Sunday, November 2, 2008

Cooped Up

I've spent the entire weekend indoors and am starting to go stir crazy. For those of you that don't know I had an allergic reaction to something (no idea what) and broke out in hives on Thursday night. The doctor has me on steroids and it seems to be doing the trick the itchiness has subsided but I am still get random break outs may need to extend the steroid treatment another couple of days.

I've learned the NHS has advantages and disadvantages. I called the doctor on Thursday night to make an appointment for Friday but I wasn't able to. The only appointments that can be made in advance are for physicals or check-ups if you are sick you have to call the day of to get an appointment. Calling Friday morning I was able to get an appointment for a few hours later. I barely had to wait once I arrived and a few moments later I was handed a prescription. I walked out without having to make any co-payment and was on my way to the pharmacy where I paid £7.10 for the prescription. this is a flat rate all prescriptions are the same price doesn't matter what the type or quantity - 60 days worth of generic allergy tablets £7.10, 3 days of steroids £7.10. Of course it looks like I may have to go back on Monday to get more steroids as I still keep getting a few breakouts which means paying £7.10 again. Overall it is still cheaper than in the US - no monthly premium and no office visit copay.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Sometimes Socialized medicine is good. However, socialism is not a good word to use for the next few days until the US selects their next leader. It will be interesting to see how the campaign rhetoric will be put into practice by the winner. I will vote for the person who will do the bexst for the country - I just want to make sure that my Pension and Social Security are not taken away by their promises.

Hope you are feeling better and that the steroids do not make you "Bulk-up" ;>)

Dad