Healthcare the Canadian Way

My ex-homeroom teacher who I have known since I was 12 years old and am now 35, recently moved to Canada. She is the textbook, hippie feminist...love her to death anyway...awesome teacher. She sent me her story about how great their healthcare is and I don't get it. I would have to pay around $300 a month for me, my husband, and one kid and it doesn't sound that great. I thought it was free! :) My experience in Italy was that it was ALL free. I am so angry at Republicnas for not doing a plan like John McCain's before now. The thought of being subjected to all of Obama's stupid ideas on this subject is going to be more than I can take. But read her "wonderful" healthcare story. I can't find the good part.

Hi! I remember that several of you had questions about Canada's health system. Now that I have been through something major (gallbladder surgery), I feel that I am better qualified to speak for it. To be more precise, however, I am actually speaking about the British Columbia system, because health care is provincial here, much like in the states, and it can vary widely. I think Ontario (OHIP) is widely regarded as the best, with BC right behind in 2nd place. So here goes... First of all, let me say that Wayne and I pay $96/month for our MSP, which is basic health care. It does not include "extras" such as dental, vision, or drugs (no, not even the legal ones). Wayne works for the provincial government (the LDB, Liquor Distribution Branch), so we have extended healthcare in the form of Pacific Blue Cross, which helps with the "extras" but does not cover them fully. There is also something called Pharmacare, which helps low-income families with the cost of prescription drugs, but we don't qualify until we have paid out a large percentage of cash. It is based on income. Now for my medical adventure. I went in Thursday for a gallbladder surgery. I was told to arrive at 8:30 a.m. I had been seen one week prior for all the pre-surgical tests (labs, EKG, x-rays, instructions, etc...) and was fully prepped. The admission process was efficient, and the admissions nurse (Jean) was a gem of a woman. I was in surgery by 10:30 a.m. (as scheduled), and the whole team was stellar. They were kind, funny, intelligent, and efficient. The anesthetists had been instructed that I get very nauseous with anesthesia, and I can say that I experienced NO nausea -- not a bit! I have no idea what they put in that IV drip, but it worked, thank God! More importantly, I was out cold for the whole procedure, felt nothing until I was in the recovery room, and woke up when I was supposed to. Recovery was good too, although very busy. My blood pressure was quite low, and they kept an eye on me until I got back to "normal" -- otherwise, I was feeling much better than expected. I was given water, then ginger ale (Canadian "champagne"), and finally digestifs (yummy little cookies). From there, I was taken to the day surgery ward (6 beds, co-ed), where Jean was waiting for me and helped me do even the simplest things. By 6:00 p.m., after a short visit from the surgeon, I was released and went home by taxi (5 blocks). Since then, I have been recuperating at home, aided by Tylenol 3, a unique cocktail of Tylenol, codeine, and caffeine (you can't get it in the States). I've been intermittently resting, moving about for exercise, and reading/watching TV. I even swiffered the floor yesterday! A couple of anecdotes: 1. The OR nurse (Joan -- it seems that nurses are required to have 4-letter names beginning with J) asked me for a list of kids' books for her 2 year old just as the anesthetist put me under. I was too woozy and told her I'd have to get back to her. It's the last conversation I remember having before recovery. Guess what? The nurse in recovery had a piece of paper and a pen, and had been instructed by Joan to get that list from me! 2. The surgeon (Sam Wiseman -- one of 3 wise men? :P) told me that his mom, Eva Wiseman, is a well-known author of historical fiction for young adults. He will be bringing her to Once Upon a Huckleberry Bush for a visit (and maybe an author signing???). You can google her. She has won the prestigious Governor General's Award, and her work is related to the Holocaust. He was delighted to make the connection, and so was I. So there you have it. All I can say is this: I can't imagine having a more positive experience, considering the circumstances. Our system isn't perfect, but it works WAY better than all those nay-sayers would have you believe, eh? Love from E