#StrangeLivesMatter (Health Update Part 2)

Sorry for the near12800274_10154548613658098_950625536735421894_n radio silence for the past month, gang. Being diagnosed with crisis-level high blood pressure has been one of the most stressful experiences of my life. But things are looking much better now, I’m glad to say. I’ve seen a lot of doctors, both from the perspective of an uninsured patient and an insured patient. And let me fucking tell you guys. Get. Health. Insurance.

The difference in the level of care is undeniable. But even if you’re in a situation where you simply cannot afford health insurance (it’s essentially free through Obamacare if you’re poor enough), DO NOT avoid your doctor. There are many ways to help cover healthcare costs that will NOT burden you with medical bills for life. I can’t stress that enough. I’ve learned a fucking lot about our healthcare system over the last few months and that’s the thing I walk away from this experience with the most. You will be taken care of. It may take time, and a LOT of patience on your part, but you will be taken care of. Don’t put off seeing your doctor if you feel ill. Fuck even if you DON’T feel ill, see your doctor a few times a year.

I thought it was a badge of honor to say I hadn’t seen a doctor in 12 years. Turns out I was just a fucking dumb ass walking around with a head full of pressure and a pickled brain that almost popped.

The good news is, I seem to have avoided the big scary complications that come from walking around with BP of 198/131 for god knows how long. I still have a few more doctor visits to make and tests to do, but they’re only designed to help me get even further from poor health. So it looks like ole Kevin Strange will live to fight another day.

I’ve taken this month of uncertainty to re-connect with old friends, family and spend time with those closest to me. I’m eternally grateful that I have good people all around me who want nothing but the best for me. I’ve been a fucking selfish asshole with my head up my ass for a few years, had become bitter and angry to some extent and almost threw my life away because of it.

I’m here today to tell you that I’ve woken back up to who I really am, and who I’m capable of being. I have no beef with anyone anymore. Fucking life is too short to fight over trivial dumb shit. If you and I haven’t gotten along in the past, I encourage you to reach out to me if I haven’t already reached out to you. I promise you, you’ll be speaking to a Kevin Strange with an entirely different attitude.

So what happens now?

Well, I can tell you this. You will continue to not see me post as much on social media. When faced with something as fucking crazy as I faced, the true shallow nature of our social media posting really hit home. I’ll be out of the house much more, participating in my community much more, and continuing to spend time with my friends and family.

No this will not affect my writing. Most of the hours in the day I do not write. The writing hours will now and will always remain a priority. You will still get your regular dose of Kevin The Strange Fiction for as long as I’m healthy enough to write it. This I guarantee you.

It’s all love, gang. If you’ve got my number, call or text it. I want to see you. Even if you think I don’t like you.

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