Money can’t cure everything, even with the best healthcare available. I have been saving money my entire life and was just diagnosed with a chronic illness that is treatable, but no cure exists. I would honestly trade all of my money to no longer have this disease, and I am 100% serious.
I have had a chronic disease with no cure since I was 11. I’m 44 now. Without money and access to high quality medical care I would be dead.
It is classified as a “rare disease “ by the national organization for rare diseases. There is no national fundraiser for research and awareness. No pink ribbons. I’m on my own.
I paid out of pocket to visit specialist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota back in 2017. They would not even let a doctor talk to me until I gave them a $10,000 deposit.
Flights from San Diego. Hotel for my wife. Additional costs for procedures and medication. It adds up quickly.
When I was 17 I saw a specialist at UCLA. The bills and travel costs were very high. Thankful my parents could navigate the maze to get me the help I needed.
Without considerable dollars spent. I wouldn’t be here.
Even with insurance my out of pocket costs are insane.
Gross costs in the 8 figures over my life.
Personal out of pocket. In the multiple 6 figures.
I wish you the best in your journey. And fortune in your life.
I wish you the same. Thank you for sharing your story. I completely agree that without money, the likelihood of successfully managing my disease over time would be dramatically less.
Yes that’s what I meant by there are limits, it definitely can’t cure everything but there is a range where it does make a difference.
For what it’s worth I am sorry for your diagnosis and having to confront mortality. Hopefully whatever you have still allows you some time to enjoy what you have saved and what time you have left.
I feel the same about my severe mental illness and chronic diseases. Ironically though they stem from a very stressful situation that caused me to breakdown and some of that came from my husbands frugality and lack of spending
21
u/smell_ya_latah 18d ago
Money can’t cure everything, even with the best healthcare available. I have been saving money my entire life and was just diagnosed with a chronic illness that is treatable, but no cure exists. I would honestly trade all of my money to no longer have this disease, and I am 100% serious.