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Show 348 My theory is that I will not be additionally startled as often at home as I am when in the hospital, where there is simply the frequent startling ambient noise typical of hospitals. "If I am not additionally startled," I continue, "I will never have to be placed on such high doses of Versed." Being on high doses of that drug requhes a gradual withdrawal, a long hospital stay, and additional constant risk of yet another startle. "We need to reduce to possibility ofthe vicious circle," I finish. He is considering the idea. "It might work," he is saying, "if we can find enough on-call staff to cover it. And if we can get Medicaid to pay for it." Medicaid is not fiscally intelligent and this might be the biggest problem. He is testing my stiffness, raising my arms, pulling on my legs. I am moderately stiff. The plasmapharesis is much less effective now and is needed much more often. "You know," he is beginning, tapping for reflexes on my knees, "there is a drift in health care towards treating the many and not the few." His voice is flat as he says this and his eyes do not meet mine. I am not certain I am understanding this sudden change of subject. |