This is truly an exercise in swallowing my pride, but I'm in need of some help. I have been having chest pains/heart palpitations for the past year and a half. After seeing a couple of doctors, I was finally referred to a cardiologist. Because of my symptoms and family history he has done a bunch of tests, a couple of ultrasounds on my heart and has prescribed some medications, but also wants me to have an arterial CT scan to check my arteries for blockages. My dad has some heart problems and currently has a pace maker, my grandfather died of a heart attack. My brother also died of a heart attack at the age of 41; my current age! The procedure costs R12,000 which at the current exchange rate is approximately $1,000 US dollars, and I simply can't afford it. It is very stressful feeling like I am going to pass out and die every time I get pains in my chest/heart, which lately have been almost a daily occurrence. The medical insurance I have is only a hospital plan and doesn't cover the procedure, but if the scan shows something serious is wrong, I might be admitted to the hospital for treatment and, hopefully, the costs incurred will be covered. As of now, all doctors visits, blood tests, ultrasounds, and medications are an out of pocket expense, and quite costly. So that's it. That's my plea. Thanks for reading!
~Caleb