Staph Infection, Bronchitis, Oral Surgery, and Deductibles

I don't usually like to blog without pictures; but since this has been such an "interesting" week, we're going to have to live without pictures (nothing really picture worthy anyway). Two weeks ago, Hannah bumped her toe on the high bar during gymnastics. All the running around bare foot outside wasn't good for it and she developed a staph infection in her toe...BLECK! I took her to the doctor and she was put on an oral antibiotic and a topical antibiotic ointment--total price: $60.00! I was SHOCKED! What about the copays?! Apparently starting this year, we have to meet a deductible for our prescriptions--a yet to be determined amount. Okay, so I paid it and went home.

Then that Thursday, I started not feeling too well--congestion, scratchy voice, etc... Harry and I worked for the band at the Renaissance Festival that Saturday--with all the dust, cigarette smoke, and funky smelling people--and, surprise-surprise, I wasn't feeling any better. By Tuesday, I was in real trouble. So, I went to the doctor to get the formal diagnosis of what I already knew I had--Bronchitis. As a side note, this is the first time in three years, I've had it. I used to get it 2-3 times a year, but 3 years ago my doctor put me on Singulair and I haven't had it since. I've also been off my inhaler for at least 2 years. Anyway, I get two prescriptions from the doctor--one for my inhaler and one for a steroid pack. Total price: $70.00!!! I thought I was going to have a financial coronary. So, I asked the pharmacist about the price and they informed me that since the beginning of the year a total of $96 has been added to my deductible...a STILL yet to be determined amount to be met.

Moving on to the next thing, Harrison had oral surgery this past Thursday. He had to have a gum graft placed in his lower front jaw. He did well and is still recovering. He'll be back at school on Monday. He's come to the conclusion on his own that a diet that consists solely of mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, fudgecicles, popsicles, and ice cream isn't as appealing as it sounded. He's ready to have some real food, but can't until at least the end of next week. His medication, thankfully, was much less of a sticker shock--$20.49.

So, the last two weeks have been a little taxing--physically and financially. We've all decided that no one else needs to get sick, go to the doctor, or get a prescription for anything. Of course, by now, we've probably met that magic number otherwise known as the deductible and we could get as many prescriptions as we want for the amount of money that we've already spent out of pocket. Oh well, we're all looking forward to the summer. We hardly ever need medical attention then (knock on wood).