I had a biopsy scheduled for 1 p.m. today. I have a minimum two-hour drive to the doctor, because of various issues, one of the key issues being the chosen clinic's use of robotics for surgery around the nether regions, or as the British might call them, 'my bits.'

I mentioned in the threads last week about a terrible urinary tract infection I have, along with the possible prostate cancer. I'll continue to use possible until it's either confirmed or denied, since the doctor said "99 percent chance" following the digital manipulation/examination.

So... the doctors called in a prescription for ciproflaxin last week. Ciproflaxin is one of the "John Wayne Tough" class of antibiotics. Thus far, I'm feeling better from it. Also, a month's supply was only 6 bucks. Given my finances, I can afford it. But 'better' remains a relative term.

You may remember the name from the First Gulf War. This antibiotic was made in huge doses because it kills anthrax, whether aeresolized or old-fashioned.

But ciproflaxin has some possibly severe side effects. The lists don't even mention the further physical possibilities of torn ligaments or tendons, nor do they mention muscle issues based on taking the drug.

Here, for example, are the major side effects:

   dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeat;
    sudden pain or swelling near your joints (especially in your arm or ankle);

    diarrhea that is watery or bloody;

    confusion, hallucinations, depression, unusual thoughts or behavior;

    seizure (convulsions);

    pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, weakness;

    urinating less than usual or not at all;

    easy bruising or bleeding;

    numbness, tingling, or unusual pain anywhere in your body;

    fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; or

    the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild.

But then take a look at the side effects considered 'mild:'

   nausea, vomiting;
    dizziness or drowsiness;

    blurred vision;

    feeling nervous, anxious, or agitated;

    sleep problems (insomnia or nightmares); or

    increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight

(Ciproflaxin, n.d., retrieved from http://www.rxlist.com/script/main/srchcont_rxlist.asp?src=cipro&x=0&y=0)

Additionally, having to urinate frequently has been listed as one of the side effects many other sources.

So... I've been experiencing every minor problem except vomiting. I have to urinate every 15-30 minutes, night or day. I awake from sleep having to urinate at least three times during my interrupted sleep, and dream dreams so bizarre they wouldn't even serve as models for postapocalyptic dystopia movies made directly for dvd.

Sleep seems nice, but I have had some ghastly dreams while taking this stuff. Additionally, I look ill, I suppose, since I was asked by three different health care workers if "I felt all right" during today's visit. A perfect opening, but I couldn't think quickly enough on my feet there. I should have replied, "Oh, I'm just fine. I'm practicing my Munchhausen's disorder."

I have a 99 percent probability of cancer, I urinate almost as often as I breathe, I haven't slept well or eaten well, especially including the cardio diet, in two weeks, I've just driven three hours for what's normally a two-hour ride do to 'pit stops.'

Topping it all off, last week it felt as though flames were shooting out of my urinary tract. I thought that it might be a new fuel source for a few days. I think a few of you may have noticed I was slightly testy.

You would be also with flames traveling the distance of your urethra, followed by imagined invisible ignited napalm dribbling (of course, no pressure, due to the prostate problem) from the end of the urethra into the receptacle.

Every 15 minutes.

21-24 hours a day.  

So, With all of the above mentioned and given that I had not intentionally nor unintentionally run over any stray dogs, cats, or people, I thought I was having a pretty good day.

Until I found out that there are cipro-resistant bacteria. If infected with one of those, then I'll have to go with IV antibiotics...I guess I should call them either "Charles Bronson" or "Lee Marvin" antibiotics.

Sigh. So I call in two days to find out whether the antibiotics have the desired effect. If they are, we re-schedule the biopsy.

I got to drive some 7 hours today to give a urine sample... which I could have had tested here.

But big clinics with many different doctors don't necessarily coordinate well on information dissemination. I called the office last week to tell them my prescription. Somebody wrote it down.

But that somebody didn't have the knowledge that some bacteria are cipro-resistant. The person who will be performing the biopsy knew; the doctor knew. Perhaps the nurse, but my doctor's specific nurse wasn't at work on Friday.

So a day, a half of tank of gas, wasted.

There was a bright spot, a surprising one. The technician who will perform the biopsy led me to the discharge to tell them to refund my money for the day, since the biopsy had not taken place. I didn't expect that.

So, my advice to you, unless you are a specialist in a certain type of medicine, whatever that type is, and unless you remain current with drug literature, don't get sick before a procedure, even though your sickness may be almost completely related to the problem you're getting the procedure for.

Frustration, thy name is bureaucracy.

This is what I consider a "health care" problem. Insurance? That remains a "health insurance" problem. I'll be facing that one in less than 30 days.

So where's the benefit of the Affordable Care Act? 2014?

Oh, thanks.

I should probably plagiarize from BTD here:

Speaking for myself only.