Insure This

on April 4, 2011
in All Posts

Time to say goodbye, New York!  I’m sure we’ll meet again soon.  ;)   Catching up on weekend posts?

 

 

Yesterday, Mom and I saw Chicago (with 50% off discounted tickets from TKTS!).  It was wonderful.  The singing was awesome, and it was actually really funny, too.

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We stayed up way too late, but I slept really well (I guess that is what walking a Half Marathon does to a girl).  Upon waking, I did a little yoga in bed (don’t you love that?) and ventured downstairs for some breakfast.

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New York is so fancy… You can order your meal from computer terminals, and then another display tells you when it’s ready at the cashier.  Pretty nifty.

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I got this AWESOME smoothie.  I’m going to create this mix at home:

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In the blender:

 

  • Chocolate soy milk
  • Iced coffee
  • Banana

 

With a fruit cup:

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Knee/Leg Update

 

My knee/leg was KILLING ME (killing me) after the race when the inflammation set in (despite icing like it was my job).  Sitting in the theatre was torturous because it hurts most when it stays bent for a long time.  Thanks to some Dr. Googling, I’m becoming more and more convinced that I’ve strained a ligament (or torn it, albeit in a minor way because I still have full range of motion and it doesn’t hurt during normal activities).   Luckily, I feel 100% normal now!

 

This is one of those, “Do as I say, not as I do” moments.  People keep saying I should go get an MRI, and I should, but I do not currently have health insurance.  I’m actually in between plans and will get it back in 11 days.  Ah, the joys of being self-employed.  Not having insurance was one of the major reason why I didn’t want to run the race, in case I acutely hurt myself and ended up in the hospital.

 

My health insurance is expensive (and I don’t even have dental or maternity!) and I have a hefty deductible, so my current plan is to take a month off of running (at least), and see what happens with my leg.  If I have a Grade 1 tear, all the doctor will do is tell me to rest and ice anyway. 

 

So – that’s the update.  Expect lots of awesome yoga and push-ups in my future! ;)  It sucks to be out of commission from running, but it is not the end of the (fitness) world!

 

Do you have health insurance?  Do you buy it yourself or get it through your company?

 

PS – Check out Blogging for a Change, a Japan relief effort fundraiser.  Over 40 companies donated 60 prizes and everyone is automatically entered, even if you don’t make a donation (but, of course, you should!).

{ 165 comments }

 

  • Jenny @ Fitness Health and Food April 4, 2011, 8:34 am

    So sorry to hear about your knee I do hope it gets better soon. We are currently on a Cobra sort of health plan – totally overpriced!

  • Melissa April 4, 2011, 8:41 am

    We have insurance through work. The deductibles and co-pays got higher this year, but reading this post makes me soooo thankful for what we have.

  • megan @ blackberries for jam April 4, 2011, 8:41 am

    What an incredibly frustrating injury! I can understand the hesitancy to seek medical attention – I have health insurance but my deductible is so high something has to be REALLY bad for me to justify spending major $$$ on diagnostic procedures. It’s a really screwed up system! Best of luck with your knee!

  • Katie April 4, 2011, 8:46 am

    While you’re out of commission, read this book by Matt Long called “The Long Run”…its such a great and motivational story and I’d think you would really enjoy it!

  • Alayna @ Thyme Bombe April 4, 2011, 8:47 am

    Ugh, insurance is so frustrating. Sorry to hear you’re out of commission, you’re absolutely right to lay off running for awhile.

  • Katie April 4, 2011, 8:50 am

    i’m really lucky – my work pays for my insurance, and our co-pay is only $5 at any doctor appointment. before i started this job though, i had to find my own insurance because i was self-employed, and i didn’t erally understand what i was doing…i ended up paying over $1000 out of pocket for some stupid doctor’s visit that didn’t even tell me anything. it was awful, so i feel your pain.

    sorry about the knee injury, but at least you are doing what you can to take care of it!

  • Natalie @ Will Jog For Food April 4, 2011, 8:51 am

    Sounds like you had a great weekend! Sorry to hear about your injury 🙁

    I’m lucky that my company pays for all of my insurance…haven’t had any issues with it yet!

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday April 4, 2011, 8:51 am

    Luckily I live in Canada so I don’t have to worry about any of that. We can get additional coverage for things like drugs, dental, massage, chiropractic, naturopathic, etc. through our employers (or we can purchase them on our own)

    As for maternity leave, you can get 1 year paid by the government(either taken entirely by one parent or split between 2) and you can take a second year and have your job guaranteed when you return (but the second year is not paid by the government)

    I think everyone should have access to healthcare. It’s a right, just like education.

    • Natalie @ Will Jog For Food April 4, 2011, 8:55 am

      WOW, that’s great! In the U.S. the standard is 3 months of Maternity Leave, and you have to pay for disability coverage so you can get 2/3 of your salary while you are out. Most women I know save their vacation when they are trying to get pregnant. I think everyone should be able to have a year for sure!

      • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday April 4, 2011, 8:56 am

        Definitely! I’m not a mom, but I can’t imagine having to go back to work when my baby is only 3 months old!

    • Lucy April 4, 2011, 10:41 am

      As a Canadian, I agree 100% with you!

      It sounds so crazy to me that people evaluate if their injuries are worth a bill or not.

      Health should always be a priority.

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman April 4, 2011, 8:52 am

    Sorry to hear about the knee. It sounds like mine–patella femoral stress syndrome. Sitting with bent knees for long periods of time is torture. Hopefully it’s nothing major. I think as long as you can walk you’re OK waiting for a bit, provided you take it easy. And then once you get insurance you can make sure.

    Got to love insurance!

  • DadHTP April 4, 2011, 8:53 am

    Medicare for all.

  • Amy April 4, 2011, 8:53 am

    Oh, health insurance sucks. We’re self employed too. Ours costs over $15000 a year for a healthy family of 5 (but it includes maternity, dental, and vision, so yay).

    We are a “two person group” – since we work together, my husband and I have separate insurance policies within the same group – we’re treated as though we’re not related, basically, and this was the only way we could buy coverage. I wish you were local, I could give you the name of our agent. We’re insured through United Health Care, which I think is national, and when you call various agents in your area ask them if they can write a policy for a “two person group.” That’s the magic word you need to get in to see the health insurance wizard.

    Yes, it will be expensive (our health insurance costs more than our mortgage every month) but it will be traditional coverage – the kind you’d get if you had a regular job. If you’re going to pay for expensive coverage, it might as well cover things! I had MEGA Health and Life for a while, and it was a fortune and it didn’t cover anything.

    Sometimes you can get a discount if the same agent carries your homeowners/renters insurance, your car insurance, your life insurance, and your health insurance. You might even see if the same carrier can do your business insurance, too. If you dangle the carrot of that much business in front of them, you’ll get the best service and the best rates.

    Feel free to e-mail me if you want to talk about more specifics.

    • Denny April 4, 2011, 7:06 pm

      Wow. Here in Australia health insurance for a family of five (moderate cover) costs about $2400 a year. Extra kids do not increase the expense.

      • amy the aussie April 4, 2011, 7:18 pm

        Reading all this makes me realize HOW lucky we are in Australia! I thought paying $50 a week for two people was super expensive!

  • Jillian@ Reshape Your Life April 4, 2011, 8:53 am

    I’m sorry about your leg! I do not have insurance and it is a scary feeling, I haven’t had it for years now. Luckily my fiance does, so when we get married (next year) I will be put on his insurance (although we might upgrade his insurance at that point). I can’t wait. Luckily there is a good Women’s health program in Texas so at least I’ve been able go to the “lady doctor”. There is also a “emergency care” doctor that only charges $75 for office visits, I’ve had to go to him a couple times. But having had great insurance my whole life through my parents suddenly being without is really nerve racking.

  • lindsay @ The Reluctant Runner April 4, 2011, 8:53 am

    I don’t have health insurance, either. I haven’t for a long time! I will have it when I transfer to a new school in the fall, though, which I’m really looking forward to. I’ve needed to go to the doctor several times over the years, but haven’t been able to because it’s too expensive. Good luck with your knee!

  • Holly @ The Runny Egg April 4, 2011, 8:55 am

    Sorry to hear about your knee. Thankfully I do have health insurance through work — but with my previous job I didn’t, so I had to pay out of pocket for health insurance. The deductible was crazy and the cost per month was nuts too. It is insane how expensive it can get!

  • Brittany (A Healthy Slice of Life) April 4, 2011, 8:55 am

    Insurance sucks if you’re self-employed! I used to have to buy it for myself, but now I get it through Hubbs’ company. However, they just pay for his, so technically we still pay for mine solo.
    I’m so glad we have good coverage, now, since I’m pregnant! Don’t do anything risky for the next 11 days 🙂

  • Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope April 4, 2011, 8:56 am

    How fun that you got to see Chicago! And what a neat breakfast place!

    Augh, so sorry about the injury bothering you. 🙁 Yes, definitely get it checked out as soon as you can, and take good care of it until then. As a college student, I’m still under my parents insurance, but it isn’t the greatest plan. I had to get a bone scan for a stress fracture and none of that is cheap… trust me. But when it comes to your health, it’s always worth it.

  • Joyce @ Flowing to Fifty April 4, 2011, 8:57 am

    Universal Health Care – one of the joys of being Canadian. Oh yeah, and 1 year paid maternity leave. 🙂 Good luck with the injury. It’s nothing to fool around with. Good decision on walking the race.

    • Denny April 4, 2011, 7:07 pm

      One year paid maternity leave – fantastic!

  • kalli@fitandfortysomething April 4, 2011, 8:59 am

    i am a high school administrator and used to be a teacher so i have never had to worry about health insurance. i am so sorry! i know it is really expensive 🙁

  • Amy April 4, 2011, 8:59 am

    Health insurance is a scary subject– I have great insurance through my job but if I were to lose my job, my family would have none– and I feel like we are so active that we are constantly injured!

    LET’S START A PUSH-UP CHALLENGE FOR YOUR CONVELESCENCE!

  • Elizabeth@The Sweet Life April 4, 2011, 9:00 am

    Good luck–you’re in a tough spot! I’m so glad you had a great trip to NYC!

  • Katie April 4, 2011, 9:01 am

    OMG this is so totally coincidental. I had health insurance until Friday. I had BCBS (because my job does not offer it, I have to get it myself as an individual), but all of the sudden they decided that they were not going to cover me anymore because I was “too sick”. (I have digestive issues and was going to the dr often trying to figure out what is going on). Too make matters worse, they rescended their coverage that I’ve had for 6 months and are not going to cover ANY of the doctors appt, etc I’ve been to. I didn’t even think that they could do that. And when I applied for this insurance they ran a check on me and was approved for a discounted rate.

    • Taylor April 4, 2011, 9:13 am

      This is DISGUSTING. I hear stories like this and it is appalling. Yes, they can do that and they do it ALL THE TIME. It is absolutely despicable and sadly, I do not know if the health insurance reform totally addressed issues like this. Thank god it did away with the pre-existing condition clause because that is also despicable.

      • Sarah April 4, 2011, 11:47 am

        Actually, they can’t do that anymore. The PPACA (Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) prevents insurance companies from dropping “sick” clients and not insuring people because of pre-existing conditions. While a lot of the bill is still in limbo, this provision has already been implimented. You might want to fight this, because it’s not legal anymore.

        • Clare April 4, 2011, 1:20 pm

          Katie; that is so awful it makes my stomach turn 🙁 It’s horribly stressful to have to deal with a new medical condition but having your insurance revoked is just about one of the cruelest things I can think of. How do they get away with that?
          I hope that you are feeling better and that you were able to find some relief.

  • Errign April 4, 2011, 9:01 am

    I’m not insured…the joys of being a student. Lame.

  • Freya April 4, 2011, 9:02 am

    I don’t have health insurance, but there’s the NHS here – so provided I don’t go private, it’s free. BUT it’s an awful service with huuuge waiting lists…my mum’s friend had to wait 2yrs to her gall bladder out when she had gall stones, and was in agony :/

    I had a smoothie like that this morning! Just minus the chocolate, but it was SO good! Banana and coffee is amazing together 😀

    • Amy April 4, 2011, 12:55 pm

      That’s why we don’t want universal healthcare in the US!(at least some of us) 🙂

      • Emily G. April 4, 2011, 1:39 pm

        I’m with ya, Amy!

        I think government should stay out of the healthcare/insurance industry.

        • Rachel April 4, 2011, 9:19 pm

          Good luck Amy and Emily if you ever get dropped from your insurance or have an accident or are diagnosed with a chronic disease. How do you think private insurance works exactly? It works by making a profit off of sick and dying people. That means when people get sick, they drop them so that they don’t have to cover their expenses. Insurance companies won’t offer coverage to people with pre-existing conditions because they don’t want to lose revenue by paying for their expenses. In other words, people who need insurance the most are denied insurance under private health insurance. A government system doesn’t work like that. Why? Because the government isn’t looking to make a profit.

          Even if your private insurance doesn’t drop you, it can raise hikes on your costs at any time. Anthem Blue Cross raised their premiums by a third in California last year. Blue Shield is looking to do the same. There is absolutely no oversight on private health insurance without the government stepping in.

          Also, the horror stories about waiting for medical procedures in Canada and the UK is mostly BS. My mom is from the UK and she said she never really waited for anything. You might have to wait for say braces or to get acne medication, but you’ll never be booted off because you need heart surgery (as I did at the age of 3) and your rates won’t dramatically increase. And have you been to a US urgent care, emergency room or family doctor’s office lately? I wait at the doctor’s ALL the time! Honestly, I think Freya’s story is the exception because none of my family members in England have ever had that sort of experience. Plus, in the UK, you can always CHOOSE to have private insurance so you won’t have to wait. The problem with the US is that we don’t have a choice. You either have to pay for ridiculously expensive insurance that can get rid of you whenever they want, or you don’t get anything.

          I’m only 24 and I’ve already had my share of horror health insurance stories. But I’ll leave you with one that really showed me how ugly our health insurance system is. My ex-boyfriend was born with a very rare brain condition. He basically has sleep apnea, but it’s a brain disorder not a physiological disorder. This means that his brain doesn’t tell his body to breathe deeply enough when he sleeps. Therefore, he has to sleep on a ventilator in order to breathe while he sleeps. (There is no cure for this incredibly rare disease.) Besides this condition, which he was BORN with, he is normal, healthy young guy. After we graduated college, his health insurance switched from his parents’ plan to the one provided by his job. His new health insurance, which would have never accepted him with such a pre-existing condition if it wasn’t through work, required that he pay his entire deductible to cover the expense of renting a ventilator (over a $1000), plus an additional $100 every single month. This is on top of his monthly co-pay with his work insurance. In other words, if he couldn’t afford the over $2200 annual fees WITH INSURANCE for the ventilator, he would essentially die since he wouldn’t be able to sleep at night. That’s how private insurance works. You don’t pay, you don’t live.

      • Jazz April 4, 2011, 3:29 pm

        Maybe reading some actual studies comparing the two might help: http://www.openmedicine.ca/article/view/8/1

    • D April 4, 2011, 2:09 pm

      I’m actually shocked to hear a british person saying this, and saddened to read the replies. So because some people with non-life threatening or non-urgent conditions don’t want to wait and
      want immediate care no matter who else needs it, everyone must suffer? I am a brit who has alternated between the uk and us her whole life and I am disgusted by the attitude that universal healthcare is wrong. I collapsed out of the blue my first year of college and spent several days in the hospital and endured many more visits through the years, for a severe but unidentifiable condition. I had no family in that part of the country and was terrified. Thank GOD I was not in the states at that time. Yes, I waited, while in agonizing pain…I waited because some people had more severe conditions. But I was certainly treated before all the people with less excruciating pain. The alternative? I risked a far more serious condition by not getting in the ambulance for fear of medical bills. For those who think that healthcare should be restricted to those with endless money, what should an 18year old girl in that position have done? Should she have stamped her feet and complained she wasn’t getting the royal treatment that they would have generously offered in the US? Or should she be thankful that she only had to wait a few hours ad opposed to dropping out of college due to thousands of dollars of debt? Yeah, the US has a really awesome system.

      • Freya April 4, 2011, 3:09 pm

        Gosh, I didn’t mean to cause upset – I was only going by my own personal experience, which is obviously one-sided. I’m lucky enough never to have had any family or friends go through emergency situations – only the kind of thing I just described. I also don’t know anyone involved in the NHS.
        My comment was just the first thought that came into my head, I wasn’t looking at the larger picture. I’m sorry if I offended you 🙁

    • Jennie in Wonderland April 4, 2011, 3:01 pm

      I’m saddened by this comment. I’m a Canadian and feel very, very, very thankful for the wonderful healthcare we have here. I never have to worry about insurance or whether or not my Health is worth the ‘bill’ I’ll get in the end. Thankfully, my government believes that healthcare is a RIGHT and not a privilege.

      My fiance is Welsh, and his Mum is a nurse in the NHS and they do phenomenal work. Perhaps yes, there are waits for non life-threatening procedures, but they ALWAYS look after you. My fiance’s Grandad just died of bladder cancer, but he was looked after like a King – they were so lovely to him, and he had all the care and treatment he needed, till the end. Oh, and he didn’t have to sell his house to pay for it.

      Really, the idea that the government should “stay out of it” and let insurance companies run rough-shod over health care is absurd, troubling and I have no doubt, maddening to those in the US without access to healthcare.

      • Freya April 4, 2011, 3:11 pm

        I’m sorry if my comment offended you – I’ve never experienced any life threatening situations with the NHS (luckily) so I couldn’t comment. I was purely basing my comment on the limited experience i have had, which is biased. I really didn’t mean to cause upset, and I do know the NHS work hard (for little ££).
        Again, sorry if I offended you.

      • Freya April 4, 2011, 3:16 pm

        I’m sorry if my comment offended you – I’ve never experienced any life threatening situations with the NHS (luckily) so I couldn’t comment. I was purely basing my comment on the limited experience i have had, which is biased. I really didn’t mean to cause upset, and I do know the NHS work hard (for little ££).
        Again, sorry if I offended you .

        • Jazz April 4, 2011, 3:18 pm

          I know they did those ‘scare’ ads in the US saying Canadian wait times were redic… it’s just not true most of the time, I needed a surgery and had it booked for the next week… All of my family who has needed surgery or appointments, even that day have had it..

    • Caitlin April 4, 2011, 9:22 pm

      Good discussion, guys! Keep it kosher 🙂

  • Dee April 4, 2011, 9:08 am

    I’m sorry to hear that your about your knee/leg discomfort. 🙁 I think it’s awesome that you are listening to your body and staying positive. That’s so inspirational. 🙂

    I have awesome health insurance from my job for my husband and I. I don’t know what we’d do without it.

    I was without health insurance for quite some time though and totally feel you in being reluctant to go to the doctor without any kind of coverage. The fees are killer! 🙁

  • Sara April 4, 2011, 9:08 am

    I live in Massachusetts and, by law, we are required to have health insurance, though I think the minimal insurance needed IS pretty minimal. One of my friends moved here from another state and was planning to wait until insurance kicked in a few months into her job. She had no idea about the law and ended up having to pay a fine (when she did her taxes) because she was without insurance for part of 2010.

    I’m so sorry to hear about your knee. Resting sounds like a good idea and I hope it’s exactly what you need.

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) April 4, 2011, 9:10 am

    We have health insurance and it is such a touchy subject for me. We own our own business and with two kids, it is a heft price every month. On top of that, the premiums go up every year, which I think is a horrible scam. I will never go without it again though because when my husband and I first got married, we didn’t have insurance. We were looking for jobs and he woke up one morning with an appendix that was currently bursting. It was horrible and we had no insurance. This was a lesson for us to never go without. I think your doing the right thing with taking a breakfast from running. There are other great workouts you can do that will keep you in shape without the strain on your knee. I know it sucks, but ya gotta take care of yourself.

    Chicago sounds like fun! I love the movie, so I imagine I would love the play. Have a great day Caitlin!

  • Katie @ Healthy Heddleston April 4, 2011, 9:10 am

    I have health insurance that I pay for myself. I’m actually quite proud of the plan I found because it has 100% maternity and is less than $300/mo. Plus my deductible isn’t outrageous either! I don’t have dental or vision but those things don’t cost too much anyway!

  • Jazz April 4, 2011, 9:11 am

    Move to Canada! Free healthcare!

    • Patricia April 4, 2011, 11:09 am

      Not exactly a solution for 300 million Americans….

      • Jazz April 4, 2011, 12:19 pm

        Worked for my American hubby and his 70,000 heart surgery! yeaah!

    • Lisa April 4, 2011, 2:06 pm

      It’s not “free.” You pay for it with your tax dollars.

      • Amy April 4, 2011, 2:41 pm

        This.

      • Jennie in Wonderland April 4, 2011, 3:03 pm

        Of course it isn’t free. And yes, we do pay for it, in a sense.

        But oh my, is going to the doctor and not worrying about the bill afterward, TOTALLY TOTALLY worth it.

      • Jazz April 4, 2011, 3:15 pm

        It’s true! But yeah, I definitly think it’s worth it!

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat April 4, 2011, 9:11 am

    That smoothie sounds delish!! Yes, I do have health insurance through the company I work for. There was a period for about a month or two after I finished university and came off of my parents’ plan where I didn’t, but then I got a job (yay!) and thank goodness nothing terrible happened to me in the interim!

  • Marie D April 4, 2011, 9:13 am

    Like the previous commenter I also live in MA and I think the individual mandate (everyone must have insurance or potentially face a tax penalty) we have is great. The fiscal strain the uninsured puts on state and local governments is totally unavoidable. Yes insurance is expensive, but getting into an accident and using all of the medical services provided to you without insurance, especially if you cannot afford 100% out of pocket, is a total drain on the government who must foot your bill, ultimately. Sorry to hear you are uninsured and I hope you can overcome your injury fast!

  • Miranda @ working mom works out April 4, 2011, 9:16 am

    Sounds like nyc was fun.

    I’m so sorry about your knee. Not having insurance stinks. I’ve been there too.

  • Annie@stronghealthyfit April 4, 2011, 9:16 am

    I don’t have insurance, and haven’t for about 6 months now, since I graduated from college and my plan through my school ended. Luckily I haven’t needed to go to a dr., I go to PP to get birth control. My husband has been able to find discounted medical services for urgent care, dental work, etc. We cannot afford to pay for insurance ourselves right now!

  • Ali @ Ali on the Run April 4, 2011, 9:21 am

    So glad you had a great trip to NYC! I loved walking with you guys & chatting during the race.

    Your attitude toward your injury and taking time off running is refreshingly optimistic. Keep taking care of yourself and I look forward to seeing your awesomely jacked arms after all the push ups!

  • Marci April 4, 2011, 9:21 am

    I have the same kind of insurance as you. Self-employed, part of a larger plan with no dental or maternity! My monthly isn’t bad for now, but I’ll be joining my husband’s plan over the summer, and basically my income will pay for my insurance. It’s a terrible program we have in this country.

  • Elisabeth April 4, 2011, 9:26 am

    I feel very lucky to have health insurance through my work. I work in a medical laboratory that is part of a group of hospitals, clinics, etc. that is non-profit, so we have very good insurance that is a very decent price. The costs goes up a little every year, but when I see some of the comments on here & think about the people that don’t have it/pay a lot for very little…I don’t even worry about that. One more reason to work in healthcare! Hope your knee gets better 😉

  • Cindy April 4, 2011, 9:28 am

    As a grad student in Scotland I am covered through the NHS. So far everything I have needed I have been able to get- granted I have had to wait to be seen by a new (x5) neurologist and have waited a few months to see a physio about my shoulder.

    Previously in the states I had coverage through my employer, or last year had to pay out of pocket as I lived in MA and it is mandatory. I went through the state and it was a PITA b/c you had to wait a few months until coverage went through, which was stressful with the chronic headaches. The coverage was ok for what I got, and I was lucky I was able to have the breast reduction covered to start recovery for back/shoulder issues. Now I need to have a revision and don’t really want to have to go back to the US for it even if it is free, but b/c airfares are EXPENSIVE!

    I hope the next 11 days are pain free!

  • Bethany April 4, 2011, 9:37 am

    Both my husband and I have health insurance provided by each of our jobs. Our portion is still a pretty hefty price, but I don’t complain. In 2004 he was in a BAD motorcycle accident and from then on I realized I should never complain about the price of health insurance. I’m thankful to have it and the $200,000+ price tag on his accident, helicopter ride, surgeries, recovery and physical theraphy for 11 months – we could have never afforded without health insurance. Before our jobs we have Individual Blue provided by BCBS for $99/each person. Have you considered doing something like that?

  • Lindz @ Happy or Hungry April 4, 2011, 9:40 am

    Sorry to hear about your knee Caitlin! I hope the resting and icing works for you. Awesome job with your walking though!

    You’ve enticed me into commenting with your health insurance dilemma. I live in Toronto, and it is awesome that health care is free for everyone. It’s something that I think we Canadians take for granted :). It’s definitely nice to not have to worry about it.

    Love your blog!

  • Michelle April 4, 2011, 9:42 am

    Oh man. This post just made me grateful for the health insurance I do have. It’s not the best in the world but I’m glad my company offers it.

    • Caitlin April 4, 2011, 9:44 pm

      Gratitude is a blessing!

  • Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun April 4, 2011, 9:59 am

    Insurance is such a pain. Luckily we have it through my husband’s work, but even with it things are so expensive. I couldn’t imagine how it must be with the self-employed route.

    On a lighter note – so jealous you saw Chicago. That is the main musical I want to see some day.

  • Megan @ Healthy Hoggin April 4, 2011, 10:02 am

    I have a lot of “do what I say, not what I do” moments. 😀

    I do have insurance through my company, but I still HATE going to the doctor and avoid it at all costs! I’ll typically do the same thing that you are– rest, and see if whatever is bothering me heals itself. Obviously, if it doesn’t get better, I’ll go to the doctor. But usually, it works itself out and I saved myself some time and money!

    Hope your knee recovers quickly!!

  • Jess@atasteofconfidence April 4, 2011, 10:03 am

    Sorry about the pain and insurance woes! I luckily still have insurance through my parents.

  • Caitlin @ The Caitie Experiment April 4, 2011, 10:05 am

    Like two other commentors before me, I’m also in Massachusetts, where health coverage has been state-mandated for the past few years (if you can’t provide proof of insurance, you get slapped with a pretty hefty fine on your state taxes). As a result of the system, there are more options for affordable healthcare than in other states, but even the cheapest plans end up laying out a bigger deductible. Working in the medical field, though, I’ve seen the difference it has made, especially with lower income people (kids in particular) who would otherwise skip treatment.

    When I first started my job, I was frustrated that my roommate made more money than I did… until she asked for my help with picking out her insurance coverage through her job. I was amazed that her options were 80/20 (she pays 80% of the bill; her insurance/job pays 20%) — mine is the opposite, and I have WAY more covered services than she did…. and I pay substantially less out of each paycheck. I also have dental and vision, both of which I’ve maxed out the last two years, as well as a medical flex account. That was when I first started to understand that salary is only part of the equation — I’d take my benefits package any time, any way over a larger salary without good coverage. I have a few chronic health issues and hit various specialists a lot, and I sleep a lot better at night knowing if something happens, I have coverage. My mother, who lives in TX and only had basic health insurance, flipped her car 5x and barely made it out alive… it breaks my heart to hear her talk about the expense burden that she’ll never, ever be able to repay. 🙁

  • Kelly April 4, 2011, 10:07 am

    My husband and I are both self employeed so we have our own health insurance. It isn’t awful…we have a $1500 deductible and we pay about $375 a month for the both of us. It sucks but we gotta have it…you know?

  • Orla April 4, 2011, 10:15 am

    Our health system here in Ireland is based on the principle that if you require hospital treatment, you will get it regardless of your income – through the ER you will have an excess payment of about $115. However, it doesn’t work like that and the queues are ridiculous with people waiting up to 40 hours on trolleys waiting for admittance to hospital or for further treatment. I pay health insurance as I have a condition that means I end up in hospital every now and then and by having insurance I am guaranteed a private or semi private room. I also have any tests covered (with a small excess of about $80).
    However, it is a very unequal system. If you wish to go private to see consultants or specialists, it doesn’t matter whether you have health insurance you will pay for the appointment. But if you need treatment, depending on your level of cover, your procedures may be covered.
    While I give out about the cost of my health insurance I do know that I am super lucky given the situation in the US – I have family there who have told me the cost of insurance.
    I hope that you feel better soon and that your knee mends quickly.

  • Rachel April 4, 2011, 10:18 am

    I have to pay for my own private health insurance. I actually have a somewhat affordable rate, but it doesn’t include vision, dental, or maternity. And I’d really really like to have all three of those.

    My fiance has an amazing plan through his company and we looked into putting me onto his plan…only $600+ a month for me! 😉 Yeah, right.

    Oh also, the fiance is on his way to NYC for a business trip right now! Ya’ll can wave in the air 🙂

  • Orla April 4, 2011, 10:20 am

    Do be careful with your knee – I have a partially torn ACL and it’s largely symptomless, but could become a fully torn (= awful surgery + massive rehab) if I’m not very cautious about what I do while it heals. For example, no yoga because twisting = bad. I understand not wanting to pay $$$ for an MRI but you should probably go to a physio. It’ll cost about $75 and could show up something that needs more than rest.

  • Lauren April 4, 2011, 10:21 am

    Thank you so much for writing about your injury. About a month ago I injured my knee while running, and it has left me so frustrated. After my last doctors appointment that once again provided no answers I decided that I just needed to look for ways to exercise and be healthy that don’t involve my knee. I am going to do the 100 push up challenge and work on my core. Hopefully before long we will both be back to running in the lovely spring weather!

  • cathyk April 4, 2011, 10:23 am

    another grateful canadian chiming in…i do think we, in canada, take our free health care for granted. it’s something that we’ve all grown up with, and few people even consider what life would be like if we did not have it. yes, we complain about doctor shortages and waiting times for care like MRI’s but really, we are so fortunate.
    you know what, caitlin? i would not worry about NOT getting an MRI. i have stubbornly ignored running injuries over the years, and you are right: whatever it is, it requires rest, ice…doing whatever doesn’t make it hurt. yes, it’s nice to get a diagnosis, but the treatment required will not change.
    all the best!!!!

    • Amber from Girl with the Red Hair April 4, 2011, 12:31 pm

      I agree! A fellow Canadian here and I’m reading through these comments with my jaw on the floor. How can people afford to pay this much for insurance?!?! YIKES! We are so lucky in Canada!

  • Parita @ myinnershakti April 4, 2011, 10:25 am

    I have health insurance through my company. However, during my last semester of grad school I went w/out it (no longer covered under my parents) because I was cheap and didn’t want to pay up the wazoo for 6 months of coverage. I was SO super careful those six months because I knew if I got hurt/sick I would be paying a lot of $$$!

    Get some rest this month! Yoga and pushups sound good to me!

  • Stephanie April 4, 2011, 10:33 am

    We don’t have health insurance. Before my husband got a job, it was impossible to afford without giving up food or a working car (we already don’t have TV! lol). Since he has gotten a job, we have been shopping around for it. It’s one of those things that I cannot stand to spend money on it…until you need it.

  • Natalia - a side of simple April 4, 2011, 10:41 am

    It looks like you and your mom had a great weekend in NYC. So happy for you! I’m sorry to hear about your knee/leg pain, but it’s great that you’re taking time off and not letting it get to you too much. It will be a great opportunity to focus on yoga and other non-leg stress activities! And if you need any condolence, just refer to your own posts 🙂 You give some pretty great advice about recovering from injuries!

  • Serena April 4, 2011, 10:46 am

    It’s strange reading about health insurance since here in Europe is almost free!

    I’m so sorry about your knee, if you want to visit Italy you can come here and go to my doctor =)

    Hope you feel good soon =)

  • Jen April 4, 2011, 10:48 am

    Good luck with your knee!!!
    We have insurance through my husband’s company.

  • Kate (What Kate is Cooking) April 4, 2011, 10:50 am

    I am lucky enough to be covered by my parent’s health insurance. It’s great, but because I am considered a ‘dependent’ for tax purposes, I can’t get financial aid or student loans for school even though I pay for it myself. Double edged sword!

  • andrea April 4, 2011, 10:50 am

    New York always amazes me!

    On the insurance issue, the hubby and I own our own Remodeling company and it’s just the two of us. We actually have a pretty good plan through Blue Cross Blue Shield with an HSA account that we max out every year to pay for those inevitable Dr.’s appts. The nice part is that my annual exam is always covered 100% b/c its considered preventative care. Also we have maternity covered on our plan after our deductible is met, which is around $5000…but so much better than paying for a birth that starts around $10,000 without any issues. It’s around $450 a month but we are also both over 30. It’s a lot but worth it!

  • meagan April 4, 2011, 10:56 am

    From a yoga instructor–be very, very careful about doing yoga injured. I’d be wary of doing it at all until you talk to your yoga teacher. You should do that anyway so they can modify the classes for you and tell you what you should and shouldn’t do in your home practice. I’d stay away from all hot, power, ashtanga, vinyasa and flow yogas. If you’re going to try a practice injured, keep it in the gentle/yoga-for-injured/beginners styles. You can get a lot of good foundational yoga work with those classes. And, always be sure to tell your teacher.

  • Christy April 4, 2011, 11:00 am

    At least you are remaining optimistic about the whole situation.

  • Heather April 4, 2011, 11:11 am

    I hear ya! Insurance through my husbands work is expensive b/c its based on an average of the women there, and they are all old!
    So we pay out of pocket for mine….you really should probbaly get maternity insurance just in case. We arent trying to get pregnant but if it were to accidentally happen I dont want to go broke paying OOP for everything. Its expensive but better to be safe than sorry!

  • Ash Bear April 4, 2011, 11:16 am

    I’m glad you enjoyed Chicago and were able to score a great ticket discount. I already miss you and really want to plan another reunion soon..hmm where to meet. 🙂 Also, I think it’s great that you explained the insurance situation to your readers. Maybe someoen will offer you free insurance.:)

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine April 4, 2011, 11:27 am

    Ugh, I’m sorry to hear about your knee 🙁 I agree, though, that taking some time off is probably the best thing you can do for it. I woke up this morning and can’t straighten my leg all the way- my dad things I probably pulled my hamstring tendon by overextending my knee when I was walking for so long. Walkers are hardcore! Fortunately I’m still under my parents’ plan until I turn 22!

    • Caitlin April 4, 2011, 9:44 pm

      Walkers are hardcore!

  • Julie (A Case of the Runs) April 4, 2011, 11:28 am

    I hate health insurance woes… I buy mine through school, but if I am graduating soon, I’m pretty screwed. And everything’s still expensive. Ah, the joys of full-time work with no benefits.

  • Bronwyn Coyne April 4, 2011, 11:31 am

    Just wanted to thank you for sharing so much on your journey through your injury. I hurt my planter fasciitis in the fall, and have only just started running again. I can’t believe how much I missed it.

  • alison April 4, 2011, 11:34 am

    Oh man, insurance woes only compound your problem, don’t they? I hope rest and ice will do the trick.
    My husband is active duty Army, so our health insurance is el freebo. We pay for dental for my daughter and me, but that’s about it. Thankfully, we’ve had excellent care, so I can’t complain.

  • Lisa April 4, 2011, 11:37 am

    I’m sorry you are in such horrible pain. I was dealing with that since September! Stupid IT band!

    I have health insurance through work. And it’s great insurance. I will never work a job that doesn’t offer decent insurance. It’s too expensive without!

  • Susan - Nurse on the Run April 4, 2011, 11:37 am

    Glad you had a good weekend in NYC! It’s a bit unnerving about the fact that you don’t have insurance. I’d be way too scared to travel and such without even basic emergency insurance. (Which is super cheap compared to normal insurance, and it only covers you if you go to the ER.) While insurance is crazy in this country, I do think it’s nuts when people have cell phones and such but not health insurance. Granted, people will get treated with or without insurance (and who knows who will pay those bills…and trust me, we have patients with millions and millions of dollars in hospital bills that will probably never be paid). I think that having health insurance makes you more responsible…you never know when an accident could happen (hence calling it an “accident”), and besides the physical effects of it, the financial aspect could be devastating.

    Just my opinion. 🙂

    • Alissa April 4, 2011, 4:14 pm

      I completely agree with this comment. My father was sick when I was younger and was laid off from his job (due to health issues). My family went on Cobra and thankfully were covered (bare minimum) but it saved us from filing for bankrutpcy. We lived very very poorly to afford his medical care, you never know what’s going to happen. It is very scary to not have insurance and frustrating that so many people who have insurance end up covering those who aren’t insurance and unwilling to pay. If you can afford luxuries (Trips, Cell phones, cable) in your life, you should be able to afford insurance.

    • Caitlin April 4, 2011, 5:40 pm

      I do not have health insurance for 15 days – I have always chosen to pay through the nose for my own health insurance since becoming self-employed. But due enrollment dates, I am without temporarily.

  • Annabel April 4, 2011, 11:38 am

    thanks for giving Blogging for a Change a shout-out! And, thanks for donating the Operation Beautiful book!

  • Renee April 4, 2011, 11:40 am

    Congrats on the marathon!! It was probably very cool to enjoy Central Park at a walking pace rather than running. You’ll be back running soon!! Love your blog! It always brightens my day!

  • April April 4, 2011, 11:40 am

    I have insurance and a knee problem. I saw an orthopedist for it, but before I saw him my primary care physician ordered an MRI. The orthopedist didn’t even look at the MRI. He said, “An MRI only tells me there is a problem. It doesn’t tell me the problem. I won’t find the problem or the scope of the problem until I get in there (surgically).” I do know I have a torn meniscous (sp?). For my current job I had to have a physical with an OT. He said the best thing to do is knee stregthening exercises. When my knee starts to feel week I do a lot of yoga. I think I am going to start doing the knee stregnthening exercises you posted in a youtube video a while back.

  • Laughter-Loving Stacy April 4, 2011, 11:42 am

    Well congrats on walking! And omg that smoothie sounds exactly what I want right now!! Yum!!

  • Jasmine @ Eat Move Write April 4, 2011, 11:48 am

    We just found out that our health insurance is going to cost $550 a month. It’s very stressful. The state of healthcare in this country is very frustrating. 🙁

    Thank you SO MUCH for mentioning Blogging for a Change and for donating the Operation Beautiful book! Exciting things! <3

  • Caitlin April 4, 2011, 11:50 am

    I had a stretched/strained ligament in my knee last fall and it was awful. I had so much pain for a few weeks, but after 2 separate doctor’s visits they said that even with a terrible strain or even a smaller tear, rest and ice was all I could do. It took a good 7 weeks to fully heal, but the good news is that they said you can’t really hurt it more by using it. So really you can just go by your pain and use that to moniter what you can and can’t do.

    Rest up and take the time to just do lots of yoga!

  • Amber K April 4, 2011, 12:07 pm

    I finally got health care through my husband’s job after years of not having any. So now I’m trying to fit in all of the problems I have put off, but the doctors still don’t have answers for me. And I keep racking up bills becuase the insurance only covers about half. We pay more than I’d like to every month and they only cover half? So anyway, I have more tests that need to be run, but I can’t even afford to make an appointment right now.

    Hope you’re able to get some rest in and I hope it feels better!

  • Euniece[innerpeacehealthytreats&runningfeet] April 4, 2011, 12:17 pm

    My friend introduced me to your blog today when I showed her a picture of an operationbeautiful post it note in Pitt’s bathroom!! <–absolutely lovely.

    • Caitlin April 4, 2011, 9:43 pm

      🙂 I love PITT! I’m alumni!

  • Ellen @FirednFabulous April 4, 2011, 12:20 pm

    What insurance plan are you on?? I started looking into Freelancer’s Union, but it’s just AWFUL! I need to suck it up and get insurance stat!

    • Caitlin April 4, 2011, 9:43 pm

      Blue Cross!

  • Amber from Girl with the Red Hair April 4, 2011, 12:26 pm

    I’m Canadian so when I tore a tendon in my foot last fall I was able to get x-rays/doctor visit for free and then it only cost me $10 to go to physio since I’m on premium (low-income) medical from being a student!

    Anyhoo, my torn tendon wasn’t visible in x-rays (not sure if a ligament would be the same thing) but the physio just guessed that’s likely what it was. I took 6 weeks off of running and it actually hurt to WALK on for about 4 of those weeks. I found that icing really helped and I would swim and do spin classes for fitness (the elliptical hurt as well).

    Good luck, I’m sure your knee will get better if you take some time off of running and ice and foam roll like it’s your job 🙂

  • Carol April 4, 2011, 12:35 pm

    I have insurance through work, however just today I’m mulling over continuing on as I am or finally having my knee scoped. Part of my hesitation is wondering how large the part of the bill I’ll have to pick up is. I have other questions too as I live alone and my car is a manual. 🙂 It’ll be $40 alone to go back to the docs and talk things over.

    (side note – my insurer had another company contact me and question why I went to rehab in February. Was I in an accident? Was it a work injury? – in other words was there someone else they could pin with the bill?)

  • Justine April 4, 2011, 12:56 pm

    I’m a nurse, so the great advantage is that I can get decent insurance, it’s about $150 a month for hubby and I (was only $40 before I got married!) pre-taxed and I chose a high-deductible of about $1000 since we are both relatively healthy.

    He’s British though and thinks all of this is nonsense since he had the NHS in the UK.

  • Christine April 4, 2011, 1:02 pm

    I have decent insurance now, since I’m a teacher, but I went a few years in college without it. I remember I nursed myself through some serious bronchial issues over Christmas but refused to go to the doctor because I couldn’t afford it. Insurance is so expensive and confusing. Umm, Groupon, how about ya’ll get on this?

    • Allison @ Happy Tales April 4, 2011, 2:43 pm

      OMG what a great idea… Groupon should *totally* get on on it!!

  • Ash @ Good Taste Healthy Me April 4, 2011, 1:03 pm

    That really stinks. 🙁 Do you regret walking the race now?

    • Caitlin April 4, 2011, 9:42 pm

      Naw – it hurts no more than it did when it hurt last week. No better, no worse.

  • Mary (what's cookin' with mary) April 4, 2011, 1:18 pm

    I feel your pain with the injury… my chest issue that the doc thought was a sprain is STILL BUGGING ME 🙁 I’m thinking it may be a tiny tear or something bc I have been resting it for a month now ?! *sigh* I have insurance through my husbands work and feel very lucky! …but the doc didn’t ‘fix’ me… still contemplating either going back, trying to find a sports medicine doc or trying acupuncture. I just keep hoping it goes away, but I’m pretty sure hope doesn’t heal muscle tears 🙁

  • Meghan April 4, 2011, 1:19 pm

    Hi Caitlin!

    I’m really sorry to hear about your knee =/ I’ve had two close friends go through ligament tears (complete ruptures) and its not fun. I’m curious as to whether you’ve considered seeing an athletic trainer yet. Athletic trainers, because they specialize in the assessment and treatment of athletic injuries, would be much more specific to your knee problem than just seeing a regular doctor. Also, sometimes physical therapy clinics that employ athletic trainers (for example, to contract with a local high school and provide athletic training services) offer free injury evaluations! I think its definitely worth looking in to if you haven’t already – and good luck!

    • Caitlin April 4, 2011, 9:42 pm

      I will definitely see a specialist over a regular doc! 🙂

  • Dori April 4, 2011, 1:25 pm

    You are so smart and setting a great example by taking this month off now since you don’t have insurance. I hope your pain goes away by the end of this time! I have health insurance through my job but I have a very high deductible (which I already met) and now my insurance won’t pay for anything until I provide proof of my TWO prior insurances to this one. I am working on getting that to them. This means I won’t be able to get coverage for my chronic GI condition though, since now they will know it is “preexisting.” Freaking out…

    Before this, I had to buy my insurance myself through my old job. It was $700/mo. Hell.

  • Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife April 4, 2011, 1:25 pm

    I am in the midst of changing health insurance stuff too-ugh. I like yoga and swimming (can you swim do you think?) when I have a running injury. good luck-and hope it gets better soon!

  • Clare April 4, 2011, 1:28 pm

    Hi Caitlin; I’m so sorry about your knee and the insurance snafu. Hang in there but definitely try to get it checked out. It took me 6 months to get my stress fractures diagnosed ( originally thought it was a muscle strain) because most of the time it felt *fine* but during that time I continued to (try to) run as it’s so tempting to just keep “testing” the injury but it only prolongs things and can even make it worse. You need to know what you are dealing with so that you have an appropriate healing timeline to work with.

    • Caitlin April 4, 2011, 9:41 pm

      I will try not to test it 🙂 Good advice.

  • K April 4, 2011, 1:41 pm

    I had a similar problem with my knee about a year ago. I don’t know if all our symptoms match up, but I know when I sat for any extended period of time with my knee bent, it would kill. At the time, I worked at a fitness complex that had physical therapists and I had one look at it. She didn’t do any formal testing or scans, but she thought it sounded like the irritation was coming from the IT-Band insertion by the knee. I’m not a runner (I run here and there for a cardio option, but nothing serious), but I was teaching a dance fitness class at the time that involved a lot of high-impact movements, twisting, etc. and I think it was just over-use related. Mine did clear up on its own by me not running at all (I couldn’t – obviously – it hurt when I did!), and also not practicing for class so much. Hopefully yours clears up as nicely as mine did (I haven’t had problems since).
    Oh, and I know all about insurance “fun”… I’m currently not covered and I cross my fingers that nothing major happens before I get coverage again!

    • Caitlin April 4, 2011, 9:41 pm

      This gives me hope!

  • Sana April 4, 2011, 1:45 pm

    Going to the doc is SO annoying but getting better is worth it. When you get your health insurance back I would recommend getting an MRI before PT. You can be treated for the wrong thing, which sadly has happened to me.
    But I really hope you get better on your own!

  • Cristina April 4, 2011, 1:47 pm

    That sounds really rough. Rest up!

    My fiance and I are very lucky to be insured by our individual employers, and also eligible to be on each other’s plans. Both plans are affordable and comprehensive. I am really surprised by how many of the commenters don’t have insurance. Hopefully healthcare reform will allow working people to afford insurance!

  • Johanna B April 4, 2011, 1:49 pm

    I have very good health insurance through the company I work for. Of course, I work in a hospital and one would expect them to have good insurance. My primary care doc is into sports medicine so he does his best to help me stay healthy so I can get the exercise I need. He can’t prevent injuries but he can help me heal them. I wouldn’t trade his care for all the money in the world.

  • Angela @ MyPinkyToes April 4, 2011, 1:51 pm

    Sorry to hear about your knee! I really do hope and pray it gets better for you. I am really paranoid about injuring my knees these days.
    As far as health insurance goes, I get health insurance through my college since I’ve returned back to school, but I wasn’t able to qualify for so many insurances because of my inpatient treatment for my eating disorder. Luckily soon I will be five years recovered so it can disappear from my history. I hate health insurance. LOL!

  • Alexa @ The Girl In Chucks April 4, 2011, 1:57 pm

    Awesome about Chicago, I’ve never seen it, but I would like to! I’ve used TKTS every time I’ve visisted NYC (all two times.. 😉 ). I saw Avenue Q and Spamalot for 50% off and I saw RENT for free as I won the $20 ticket lottery! I’m lucky!

    Aw, bummer about the knee. Smart to try and avoid further injury though.

    I do have health insurance from my employers…but it sucks. It covers not very much, I have to get referred every single time I want to have something checked out. The prescription plan is lame also. They fought with me over getting medicine that I needed because it was a brand name and there is no generic. My doctor had to prescribe me something else instead. Also, when I was on HBC, they would only dispense my pill packets once every 28 days. So if I screwed up in taking the medicine and needed a new pack, or if I was going to be out of town when I ran out and needed to fill the script early, I had to pay for it myself at full price ($35 v. the $10 copay if I wait the 28 days).

    My job doesn’t have dental or vision care at all. I haven’t been to the eye doctor in 6 years…and my glasses don’t work very well anymore, so that is not good. As for my teeth, I go through periods of not going to the dentist for years, and then when I go, everything is wrong. I’ve been putting off getting my wisdom teeth out for over 3 years because of the cost. It’s about $2,000-$2,500 to get all 4 impacted removed with IV sedation at a normal oral surgeon. I had to go to the dental school. I finally had it done this week for $1,366…but I had to wait a long time and go through lots of red tape. Plus, they wouldn’t give me a payment plan. Apparently, since most people who go to the dental school are poor, they assume you will skip out on your bill. You only get a payment plan if you have other work scheduled, which I didn’t.

    I had to charge it to my VISA. 🙁

  • Ashley @ Thefitacademic April 4, 2011, 2:08 pm

    so sorry to hear it! I’m a grad student so I get the “student health” insurance plan…which is basically little more than catastrophic coverage. It doesn’t even cover prescriptions. I guess it’s better than nothing, but it seems like every time I actually get sick I end up having to pay out of pocket. It’s so stressful!

  • Lili April 4, 2011, 2:22 pm

    I can’t currently run either. I get shin pain after I run a cpl times. It goes away, but as soon as im back running, it comes back after the run. I have health Ins. through work. The podiatrist recommended custom orthotics. They costed me $250 (my insurance do not cover those) and guess what? Still hasnt resolved the problem. I had requested an MRI but the Dr thought it wouldnt be necessary before I ordered the orthotics. But I totally feel you, Caitlin. Im a ‘walker’ right now as well. If you can at least still ride your bike, take an outdoor bike ride 🙂 and hopefully after a break from running, you’ll be all healed soon!

  • Jenny April 4, 2011, 2:23 pm

    I’ve had a few running injuries and other health issues – tough pregnancy, gall bladder stones, etc. I’m so fortunate to have excellent coverage through my employer and that my son has coverage too. My mom however doesn’t and we work so hard to find specialty clinics that will take her and treat her glaucoma. It’s a nightmare.

    Definitely rest – I wouldn’t even do yoga for a couple of weeks. You’ll do yourself and your body more good if you sacrifice the short-term gain for the long-term one. I struggle with that advice myself too but I try to remember that I can always regain my pace, lose the 5 lbs, build up my endurance – health? not so much.

  • Christine @ Burning It Off April 4, 2011, 2:26 pm

    Man, reading all of these comments makes me appreciate living in Canada. Sorry to hear about your knee… hopefully a month of rest is all you’ll need to heal.

  • Kiran April 4, 2011, 2:27 pm

    We had insurance through company, but fell through once hubby was forced to join a new company. Insurance are darn expensive in US! I hope you get well soon Caitlin.

  • Kara April 4, 2011, 2:33 pm

    Do you think your husband would mind if you got a second husband? I recommend a military man, then you won’t have to worry about health insurance again 🙂

    Or maybe you could enlist? 😛

  • Allison @ Happy Tales April 4, 2011, 2:42 pm

    Because I only work part-time, the medical benefits at my work place are very slim. Thus, i pay for my own independent and comprehensive medical insurance. And yes, it is quite a hefty expense (and I do not have dental, eye or maternity… either!). Can’t wait for the day I am out of school and full-time somewhere!

  • Nicole April 4, 2011, 3:07 pm

    You could divorce K and marry me to be on my cheap group insurance plan. 😉

    • Caitlin April 4, 2011, 9:40 pm

      You will just give me therapist face all the time.

  • Dee April 4, 2011, 3:12 pm

    When you wrote about ordering food at computer terminals, makes me remember one reason I prefer the Northeast over the Bay Area, despite the wonderful weather out here. I’ve always noticed that the Northeast has all the newer, cooler technology years before we have it out here. I think I care more about tech than weather- a move may be in my future!

  • Emma (Namaste Everyday) April 4, 2011, 3:55 pm

    YUM I want that smoothie, too! It’s such a shame that health insurance is so expensive. Luckily, I’m still in college so I have a nice plan with the school. Plus free health services!

  • Jess April 4, 2011, 3:56 pm

    I am very lucky to live in a country with free medical care. The only thing not subsidised is the dentist, which is why I haven’t been since high school. My partner needed a kidney transplant 6 years ago and got it, completely free. If his parents had to pay for it they would have been looking at $250,000! Whew, glad we live where we do!

  • Clarissa April 4, 2011, 5:01 pm

    So glad you guys had a great time in NYC! The weather was so nice outside on Sunday!! I have health insurance through my company, but I know a lot of people get it through the Freelancers Union here in NYC. That might work for fulltime bloggers!

  • Mary (A Merry Life) April 4, 2011, 6:17 pm

    Yikes!! Not having health insurance is scary. I didn’t have it last year when I ended up in the hospital in Maryland with kidney stones. I had no other choice at the time and needed the help. The bill afterward was a few thousand dollars, but because I didn’t make a lot of money at the time the hospital granted me financial assistance and I didn’t have to pay. I got so lucky and I’m really grateful to now live in NZ where they have healthcare for everyone and to have insurance in the states too. I figure I’m doubly covered now until I’m 26 at least. Good luck with the situation. Stay safe for 11 days!

  • Meredith April 4, 2011, 6:55 pm

    I currently am insurance-less, and have been for about 6 months. Luckily, I’m relatively healthy. The tough part is I don’t qualify for the women’s health program due to my income, so the boyfriend and I are no longer able to use birth control.

    • Caitlin April 4, 2011, 9:39 pm

      My BC is off-brand and is only $35 at Rite Aid without insurance – cheaper than a bebe!

      • Meredith April 4, 2011, 9:43 pm

        Eeeteresting! The off-brand is 106 here 🙁 Cheaper than a baby, but for the time being, we’ll just stay abstinent.

        • Kari @ Human, MD April 4, 2011, 10:43 pm

          There should be a couple that are on the $4 list at Walmart and Target. They are $4 for anyone. and I think the list is available on line. They also have an app for it…

    • elaine! April 6, 2011, 4:46 pm

      My company had to cut its insurance plan, and the individual plan I got myself only covered off-brand prescriptions. My doctor was insistent on me getting brand-name birth control, so she gave me some sort of Bayer referral card that lets me get Yaz — normally $90ish, I think — for $25. It might be worth asking your doctor about.

  • Laura April 4, 2011, 6:59 pm

    Not having health insurance is really scary. My health insurance isn’t great, but it’s through my company and definitely better than no insurance! The coverage and cost are about the same as when I was on my own plan with Tonik.

    Hopefully lots of rest and ice on the knee will help your knee recover. I over-strained my knee a couple years ago on the 3-Day, and it took months and months to fully recover. I still ice it frequently and make sure I always wear a support when doing longer walks or jogging.

  • Moll April 4, 2011, 7:06 pm

    I have it through work and have awesome coverage, but am still bad about going to the doctor. Did I mention I work at a hospital, too? Ooops. 🙂

  • Jill April 4, 2011, 7:11 pm

    This post makes me very thankful to be Canadian.

    • Jen April 4, 2011, 8:38 pm

      Ditto that. Our system isn’t perfect but at least we never have to choose between paying the rent and seeing a doctor if we need to. Seeing some of the prices people are mentioning for insurance and/or treatments is just mindblowing!

  • Haley April 4, 2011, 7:40 pm

    I don’t have health insurance, either. Both me and the hubby are in-between with our jobs and it’s kind of a scary thought, even if we believe in non-traditional medicine.

    Which brings me to my next point: it’s a really great thing you’re married to an awesome Traditional Medicinist!!

  • Kim @ Kim Lives Healthy April 4, 2011, 8:05 pm

    Mine is through work so I’m good at the moment, but all 4 years of undergrad I didn’t have health insurance, and honestly it wasn’t all that bad. Even with the crazy partying and all-night study sessions, I managed to avoid getting really sick or injured. Other than women’s wellness visits (which we got for free on campus), I ended up doctor-free. Now that I exercise more intensely, and have become more aware of serious injuries that can happen… glad to be insured.

  • Jamie April 4, 2011, 8:33 pm

    I’m also currently injured (went to the orthopedic surgeon for the second time today and paid $30 co-pay just for another recommendation.. ughh!) I spent 10 months on emergency-only health insurance and was not able to pony up the money for a proper doctor’s visit. It was extremely frustrating but thanks to the new healthcare law I got it back Jan 1, and 7 days later was my half-marathon and resulting injury. They want to send me to 6 weeks of physical training, not sure how I feel about that. I just want to run again!! So it’s nice to have a fellow injured buddy for encouragement.

    • Caitlin April 4, 2011, 9:38 pm

      PT really does help! Give it a shot.

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) April 5, 2011, 12:23 am

    I live in Canada, so everyone gets free doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, etc.. (Well, we pay taxes that go towards this). I have a health/dental plan through work that is not optional, it comes off of our check for about $100 per month. It covers me 100% for travel health insurance, dental check-ups, surgeries, fillings, eye doctor, eye glasses, massage, nutritionist, naturopath, acupuncture, etc. etc. etc..

    This is pretty standard in Canada.

  • Lizzy April 5, 2011, 12:39 am

    I’m a 24-year-old grad student, so I’m mainly on my mom’s insurance–but I do have special sports insurance as a member of US Figure Skating. Perhaps there’s something similar for runners, to cover athletic injuries?

    LOVE the blog, BTW, it has been & continues to be a big inspiration and help–and as a fellow veggie I adore the recipes 🙂

  • Jenny April 5, 2011, 1:40 am

    Caitlin, I’m super inspired by your willingness to take off from running and give your body the rest it needs. I’m currently OORC (out of running commission) too, after running a marathon on an already sprained ankle. While I don’t regret that decision, I am finding it so difficult to take the necessary post-race weeks of rest. Reading your posts plus the support of my other running friends is really helping me force myself to take the weeks off I know I need. Thank you!

    • Katherine: Unemployed April 5, 2011, 7:06 am

      this is exactly the though I have as well; Jenny: I just want to encourage you to keep resting and loving your body!

      • Caitlin April 5, 2011, 8:33 am

        Feel better, Jenny!

  • Katherine: Unemployed April 5, 2011, 7:06 am

    starbucks makes smoothies that I love (totally not worth $5)! They have a banana and chocolate one that is really just milk, chocolate, banana and protein. They also will add a banana to your frappichino if you ask! (yes, I am “that guy” whose order takes 15 words and a cup marked to the top with sharpie-notes)

  • Sam @ the neurotic yogini April 5, 2011, 1:22 pm

    I LOVE Chicago! Such a girl-impowering theme there too! 😉 Hope your knee gets to feeling better soon!!

  • Ally April 6, 2011, 9:30 am

    I just moved back to Canada after a looooong stint in Australia, so the kicker is I can’t even get private health insurance – I have to wait three months to get approved for the public system first, THEN I can buy private insurance. Fun, huh? So I basically have to pay a fortune in travel insurance until then.

    All complaints aside, the public system is really quite good in Australia (and I think it’s ok in Canada), so I am really thankful for what I have!

  • elaine! April 6, 2011, 4:41 pm

    It’s criminal that you can’t go to a doctor because you can’t afford it. Health coverage in the U.S. is bullsh*t. A Harvard/Cambridge study reported that those without health insurance have a 40% higher death rate. And yet it’s nearly impossible for the self-employed to afford health coverage. I was Googling for a story I read about a journalist who died because she couldn’t afford to go to the doctor. I didn’t find that particular story — but I did find three other stories. A 12-year-old boy died of a brain infection related to a tooth problem because his family didn’t have health insurance. A college woman died of swine flu because she couldn’t afford to go to the doctor and didn’t have health insurance. A 30-year-old died of lupus because she was too sick to work somewhere she could get health insurance.

    I just watched a really interesting TED talk by Michael Specter about the dangers of science denial. But what’s the point when even those who do trust science no longer have access to its benefits?!

    Sorry for ranting, but this is ridiculous. Out of Australia, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the U.S… the U.S. has the worst health care. And the most expensive. WTF!

    All that said — I hope your knee feels better. 🙂 At least you’re not likely to die from a bum knee…

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