Hi Kat,

You have some very valid points. I have received some excellent care from a number of doctors including the ones we share in common and his colleagues.

I also have received like many others all over the world a care that is more common in a third world country.

I really do not want to get into politics of our beautiful country here. I can go on for months. So here is my final comment on this subject.

I had paid a hefty amount into the bottomless pit of government only to find that some bureaucrat had decided that I should die or become disables, but its OK to waste money hospitalizing drug overdoses, gang shootings, stabbings etc. I was at TWH few months ago and even the nurses were mad as the same people who overdosed last week were there again. They were kidding that it is not even full moon yet. 

Our problem here was at the time there was no alternative to the state system. We could not buy private US type coverage. You took what the state gave or nothing.

They also lie to cover the shortfall in the system. Instead of being upfront and saying that something is available and we don't do it because of the cost, they smile and lie and say trust us there is nothing that can be done. Socialist rationing at its worst.

As to priorities I had already been paying a heavy tax load from other businesses so the state was well funded from my side. So dam n right I'm pissed, I expect value for money spent.

Why not let people have freedom of choice as to health care providers and private insurance. If people then chose to underinsure and buy a newer car, giant screen TV or take an extra vacation it is their choice and their consequence. Thing was and still is we have no choice.

That is one reason why so many insurance agents in Ontario are making good commissions on selling the catastrophe policies. That in some way gives people a choice for specified ailments. I can't get it now but the rest of the family is covered. The marketing is done by the government for the insurance companies because all the agent has to do is explain that with these policies if you have some major tragedy the funds are there to get out of Canada and head to the States. If things were so good here you wouldn't have people going south. Hell, even jean Chrétien went to the US for his skin cancer treatment.

As you stated, my condition is quite rare but the stupid radiologist should not have written in his report that it resembles Bone Cancer or I should not be told by my first RA who you do not know that he has 12 Sapho patients. I do not think there are 12 people like me in Canada.

I am knocking the doctors who are not willing to spend 10 minutes to research on the condition to find answers. Luckily, I have a good RA doctor in Canada and I have been fortunate that I can go all over the globe to seek answers which I have done. Many other people in my position would have quit by now but I am still battling, working and paying taxes. I expect better results for the taxes we pay.

I also expect to have a choice. Do I want to wait in queue for 3 months to get an MRI or pay through a private insurance and get it done in 2 days.

I know for sure people in Alberta, Quebec have those options. It is time for Ontario to get with the program.

Ali