rehabilitation, travel to doctors

My name is Iwona. My health and life situation is getting more and more difficult. In 2016 I passed surgery to remove a lung due to cancer. I have serious and painful damage to my chest and entire spine. Shortly after surgery, I was diagnosed with RA. I am a disabled person, I suffer from a lot of pain and I have been looking for help to no avail.

My disability is getting worse. Additional diseases are emerging due to opioid use. They are not recommended because they make breathing shallower, which may result in stopping breathing.

Rehabilitation is necessary - the National Health Fund allows it to be carried out once every 9 months. Two years ago, I had the opportunity to make a private visit to a pulmonologist. The doctor said that I should start rehabilitation immediately after the procedure, which would prevent my troublesome pain. Four years ago I was in hospital for an intercostal nerve block. It gave me relief, but only for a month. Another referral has been in the ward for a year and a half and I'm still waiting for a call. I'm trying to win against the disease, but I'm losing against the system.

I can't afford private treatment. I have a very low sickness benefit. 18 years ago I became a single mother without a roof over my head. I currently live with my daughter in a rented studio apartment that is not adapted for disabled people. After paying the fees, we have PLN 1,000 left to live on. In 2017, I submitted an application as a disabled person to rent an apartment from the City Hall. Only this year did I qualify for the list. I don't know when I'll get it or if at all.

Due to the long waiting time for rehabilitation under the National Health Fund, the only solution is to use it privately. The cost of one visit is PLN 70, but the doctor informed me that it will be a long process. Each infection increases the pain and weakens my body

I should be under constant care of specialists, and the waiting time is often several months or longer. I can't always go to the appointment because I'm often sick and too weak to leave the house. Recently, this is how I missed an appointment with a pulmonologist for which I had been waiting for 8 months. The next one is scheduled for April 17, 2024. The last X-ray performed in September this year showed a focus of abnormal signal in the thoracic spine. Diagnostics are still ongoing.

I never asked for anything even though I raised my daughter on my own. I don't give up because I know he needs me very much. I will be grateful for any support.

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