Friday, January 25, 2008

Why My Blog?!!

Today, I'm going to diverge a little from serious health policy talk and inspirational posts touching on multiple sclerosis or human relationships.

Today I'm asking some questions --

"Who am I? professional musician, multiple sclerosis patient?"

I am a professional musician. This is how I earn money and pay bills and taxes. I have played the piano since the age of 7 and french horn since the age of 11. I never questioned why I love music, I just do. But you might be amazed at how many professional musicians cease to listen and explore music over time. I'm probably one of those...I like to stick to the things I know well. It's comforting, like homemade macaroni and cheese.

I am a patient living with multiple sclerosis (and rheumatoid arthritis...and hypothyroidism...and some depression mixed in, although well managed.) These things just crashed the party and forced their way in, not invited...but here to stay I guess.

"What am I? health policy wonk, patient advocate, or educator?"

Last summer I had been reading a health wonk expert's blog and encountered a post which made me want to comment. I had a deep need to say something. But a blogger account was necessary to proceed - ok done. Then the comments were moderated by the blogowner - ok wait. Then...my comment was approved and posted - what a little thrill that was. Somebody thought my comment was worthy enough to allow on their site - somebody determined that I had made a valid point. Very cool.

Then, my sweetie asked me a thoughtful question. He wanted to know what I was going to do with all of my research and the information I had gathered since the ms diagnosis. Hmmm...I had files on my computer full with interesting stuff...I had piles of paper proving that my struggles have been real...I had valuable first-hand experience with the "healthcare system" which few others gain (quite thankfully.) What should I do with that?

I started this blog with the intent to incorporate bits of my personal experience with thoughtful commentary on the issues around healthcare reform. At first, I was hesitant to discuss my struggles but they are what brought me to this point in time.

"What have I learned so far?"

My primary challenge has been from the cost of medication and the lack of real help available and the surprising programs which actually do work. Then I became aware of the briar patch which is health policy and those who seek to influence it. Before MS, I had never given much thought to how health insurance influences medical care, much less give any thought to the concept of a single-payer national health system or it's reputation as socialized medicine. I have researched the role of taxpayer subsidies in healthcare, the repeated SCHIP vetoes, and government programs for the disabled.

I learned of a minor drug company which was using orphan drug status to justify it's 15x price increase for a drug indicated in the treatment of MS exacerbations. The drug company, Questcor, claimed that income losses were to blame, announced their third Quarter earnings, created a perverse opportunity for easy profit, and in December saw key insiders cashing in some amazing profit.

"What drives me to continue talking to myself, although I know there are a few eavesdroppers out there?"

I have contemplated the reasons why MS patients do not have generic biologic medications available, how much funding is going to MS research, and how patients can become empowered with knowledge. Those who wish to influence public perceptions of the pharmaceutical industry, manipulate policies regarding expensive patients, or invade the privacy of the doctor/patient relationship drive me absolutely crazy.

"How will this blog make a difference?"

For this, I don't really have a good answer yet. I didn't start out with lofty goals of being a patient-educator or a patient-advocate. I'm not an owner of a healthcare consultanting company or a political pundit. Nobody is paying me to blog, conduct research, or discuss issues surrounding healthcare or multiple sclerosis. My background is in education but I have never been much of an activist, always preferring to stay in the background. I do enjoy interaction, love comments and increased traffic, and hope to be able to use my growing expertise to help in some humble way.

Final question - "Where do I go from here?"

7 comments:

  1. You know, I have thinking almost the same about why am I blogging. One reason I blog is because I found it valuable for my sanity. Another is that I have learned that God left me no time for disputing about His providence plans and why things are happening to me.

    While pondering my life and my relationship with God, I have learned that, rather than losing myself in trying to discern for sure what the cause is and trying to figure out why this thing is happening to me, it’s important that I ask the deeper question, How am I to respond to it?

    Blogging helps me whether people read my blog or not. Its nice to know that people are reading.

    Today, I didn't think of a topic of what to say but now I can use your blog and talk about this.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you so much Jim. I firmly believe that the aggregate of my experiences makes me uniquely equipped to be used in a meaningful way. I have learned that it is the series of often unrelated events which shape who we are and for what purpose God sees fit. When the time is right, my purpose will have become evident and I will have been properly prepared. Thank you, my friend

    ReplyDelete
  3. Funny how there are often commonalities in our blogging reasons. Funny how many of us feel the need to know and express why we blog. I almost quit after a few weeks when it struck me that I was writing what no one was reading, talking to myself like the village idiot. Then I got my first comment. I accused my family and friends of placing the comment. They denied it. Then this named, but anonymous person commented AGAIN. Why write for one person's eyes? I stuck with it as my day needed a routine. Dropped like a bomb on a daisy patch, from a fast paced job to retirement---my blog has allowed me new opportunities; and my philosophy includes always being ready when an opportunity presents. Lisa, I read your blog every week, daily as time permits. I use you.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hey Lisa,
    My name is Lisa, I have 6 children and MS... and my husband is my hero! I write about many topics including the challenges that come with having MS... and 6 children. :-D

    I have to say... I am very blessed and I love my life.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I discovered your blog by following the link that you provided on another blog, Health Care BS, on 1/22/08. Thank you. You wrote a comment on the post there, "A Nobel Laureate On Health Care Reform."

    I arrived at "Brass and Ivory" and have read with interest your posts and the subsequent comments.

    Along the lines of health care reform and obstruction to same, I believe the fundamental problem is that in America health care is viewed as and treated as a business enterprise. Therefore, the dollar bill directs health care. For meaningful reform, this thinking must be reversed,i.e., the occurrence of health care must direct health care expenditure. To accomplish this and provide clear and equal access to vital, comprehensive health care will require an overhaul of our entire health care system. The nobel laureate referred to above and other "experts" simply give us convoluted tweakings of our dysfunctional system.

    R. Garth Kirkwood MD
    http://www.equalhealthcareforall.com
    doctork@equalhealthcareforall.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. Welcome Lisa.

    Diane, thank you for 'using me' - that makes me feel more useful.

    Merelyme, reading over at your place has helped to put a little crack in my outer bark...but I guess that often occurs when the tree trunk grows. Thank you.

    Doctor K, thanks for commenting. I'll be sure to check out the site you mention. Come back as often as you like.

    -Lisa

    ReplyDelete
  7. "How will this blog make a difference?" One by one, my new friend. Individual by individual. You ARE educating, you ARE advocating, you ARE a wealth of resources. Oh, and you ARE greatly appreciated!

    ReplyDelete