So I am one of the many Americans who live without health insurance. This is the first time in my life when I haven't had it, and it's a scary situation. I woke up this morning unable to breathe; I literally couldn't get any air into my lungs and I started to panic. After a few seconds, I was able to get a little air in, and I calmed down a bit. I wanted to go to Urgent Care, but remembered I have no health insurance to do so. Instead, I called into work and told them I'd be in a few hours late. Popped a couple Sudafed and went back to bed. I felt a bit better when I got up and so now here I am, at work, swiggging water by the mouthfuls and coughing every few seconds. I would have stayed at home had I not taken a couple days off last week for my trip to San Diego.
Okay, enough griping about myself. My condition does make me think about the many, many people out there who are far worse off than I am--diabetics, elderly, children--who don't have health insurance and suffer in silence. At least I know that eventually I will get a permanent job that will come with benefits; getting through these tough times now is small potatoes since I know they're short-lived. I can't even imagine a lifetime of poverty, not knowing if/when you'll get medicine for yourself or your child.
In the grand scheme of things, I am very lucky. Cough. Cough.
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