Well, I was sent to Powdersville from MUSC, which they apparently mistook for progress about a week ago. On Friday evening I was in an MD360 (Doc in a box) sort of place being treated for a UTI which I was pretty certain was going to kill me long before my major, invasive surgery and having part of a pancreas or having no spleen. Tonight I am sitting in one of our incredibly efficient Emergency Rooms. I figured they would be so much more efficient because all of these people who now have Federally mandated and covered health insurance. There would only be people in the ER who had lost a limb, had a heart event, or some other impossible to foresee catastrophe. I am here because I, my wife, a good nursing friend are all concerned that I may have an infection behind my embedded zipper.

Now prior to my surgical procedure at MUSC, I received three vaccines (in my upper right arm) to boost my immune system (or keep me from throwing 100 pitches the next night - take your pick). So far, I would bet on the pitching because they have certainly not helped my immune system or I would already be dead w/out them. It is nearly 7:30PM and there is one gentleman who was brought in by ambulance, triaged and is still sitting about four seats from me; there are several others who appear to have put down roots, but with a few of these folks it was iffy at best to begin with. This is the same facility that routinely charges $30k more for 1 knee replacement than Spartanburg Regional.  They probably have people who appear to be waiting on Duke BB tix.

So, now that I have hopefully gotten you feeling significant pity for me and completely pissed off at a brand new system that is broker that the old one, I will wind down this story of buffoonery that you say could only really happen in a third world country or one with free health care. My best advice, should you become ill, is hope that it is quickly fatal or quickly fixed. Btw, I have only slid back as far as Anderson in miles, but I am pretty sure it is at least three decades in the time machine.