49. Nuclear Bone Density Scan - 03sept2020

My doctor called me early this morning - I've been struggling to find anyplace that can do a nuclear bone scan, which is a requirement before starting radiation to determine if your bones are strong enough to withstand the prescribed doses.

Unfortunately, Macedonia isn't doing them at present ("try us again in a few weeks, and then maybe"), the private clinic in Pristina that did them closed down when the physician died of COVID, and everyone else I called said they don't have the equipment.  Hmmmm.

So back to my phone call - the doctor says, "My friend is the head of Nuclear Medicine at the University in Pristina - I need you here in an hour."   I jumped out of bed and ran up to logistics to borrow their car, and Shem offered to drive since it was in Pristina.  I thanked him and we quickly headed to the public hospital at the University.

Once there, they explained that they were going to inject me with contrast - except it wasn't just contrast, it was RADIOACTIVE contrast, so I would have to sit in isolation for 3 hours until they could do the test and then stay away from people for 24 hours.  Shem agreed to wait outside, and they gave me the shot then put me in a waiting room FILLED WITH OTHER PEOPLE who were also radioactive.  When I would get up and walk around, the nurse would shake her finger at me and send me back to the waiting room.

I want to be as respectful as possible because I AM living in a third world country - but I also have to be honest.  The hospital was gross.  It was run down, it was in disrepair, it was dirty.  It was NOTHING like the private hospital I've been receiving treatment at, which is right next door, and definitely opened my eyes as to how lucky I am.  I only took a few photos - but here's what I mean:

After sitting for three hours trying to socially distance in the tiny waiting room, I went in for my scan - which took about 15 minutes.  Super easy.  They scanned my whole body and sent me back to the waiting room.

Only about 10 minutes later the nurse came in with the report - the waiting room was empty by then, and she handed it to me and said, "Your bones are fine.  Except your knees.  This is because you are obese."  

Matter of factly.  No judgement in her voice whatsoever.

"Yep."  I replied.

"Do you have any questions?"  the nurse asked.

"Where do I pay?"

"Pay?  You don't pay.  You had a prescription from the doctor."  she shook her head and walked out as if I were crazy.   (I get that alot, by the way)

So there you have it - a $1400 scan - no cost because they don't charge at public hospitals.  Not that I would have minded - I DO have good insurance, but they wouldn't accept it regardless.

On the way home, I was absolutely wiped out.  The radioactive contrast destroyed me - I have never been more grateful to have Shem along because I don't think I could have safely driven.  I sat in the back seat (still radioactive) and fell asleep on the drive home.  Then headed back to my room to socially distance until my 24 hours was up.

The way is now clear for radiation therapy.  Although I PRAY there's no more radioactive stuff required.  We'll see how it goes.