My OUDaily Article

This is great article that was published in the OU Daily.  What a great birthday present.


http://www.oudaily.com/news/2012/sep/24/elliskidneydisease/

I promised you pin-ups!!

So I did a photo shoot today with Dynamite Dames.  It was my first time modeling like this.  Really fun!

Just a taste:

I won't get the pictures for a while, but I promise pin-ups in the future.  I thought it was something to distract me from feeling sick.  And they can always photoshop the bruises!

The Tedium of Chronic Ilness

August 20, 2012

(This is a letter I wrote to my hospital and an example of the messy side of chronic illness.  I wrote this bed-ridden and sick and nearly hospitalized.  As you can see, it took me from December of 2011 to September of 2012 to clear up this issue.  After this relatively curt letter, they waived my bill and that was the end of it.  I could have been seriously injured, or hospitalized if I had continued with the instructions I was given originally.  And I am forced to go back to the same hospital where those very nurses work every time I am admitted)

To Whom It May Concern:

            I was admitted into OU Medical Center Hospital at Presbyterian Tower from December 21^st to the 29^th.  I had a central line inserted into my chest so that I could receive IV medications at home.  I was released with specific instructions on how to care for the tubes and how to give myself IV antibiotics through it.  However upon attempting to use my tube, I found that the instructions I had received were incomplete and possibly incorrect.  After getting in contact with a home care nurse consultant and the doctor who released me from the hospital, I was told to come into the emergency room for assistance. 

On December 31^st of 2011, I went to the emergency room.  I brought my own supplies and IV medication with me.  I was consulted by a dialysis nurse who came from a different floor. She explained how to use the tube correctly.  She confirmed that the instructions I had been given were incomplete and gave me the correct method of using the tube.  Upon leaving, as I had received NO treatment from the emergency room, the Doctor on duty said he would waive charges for us.  He explained if I get charged, to talk to billing and the charge would be lifted.

To reiterate, I was in the emergency room for the sole reason that a nurse from Presbyterian Tower had given me incomplete directions for my home care.  Because of this, I am contesting this charge.

I had the charge waived from the physician’s bill.  However I am still being charged for a $100 copay that I was told would be lifted.  I have enclosed the letter I received stating the charge was waived.  I have now been sent to collections for this charge.  I would like to resolve this matter. 

Thank you,

Tonia Sina Ellis