One day before my pain management appointment I received a call from UCSF saying my injections were still pending insurance approval so I could not get them the following day at 930am. I was devastated yet determined. The wonderful @ucsfhealth team encouraged me to call my insurance company while scheduling me for an alternate day. Thirty minutes later Dr. Akilah Cadet was able to get patient Dr. Akilah Cadet an approval and authorization number to proceed. When I called UCSF back they were impressed (I was formerly a health administrator so I know how to play the game). Everytime something like this happens it frustrates me that I have to advocate for myself and that I have the skills to do so. So many disabled and chronically I'll folks do not. So they wait in pain and discomfort. This past Friday I received 7 trigger point injections in my neck and a cortisone shot in each hip. I am still tender and recovering but I'm in a lot less daily pain. This is just the beginning of my pain management injections but for once I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel 🥹 Anyway America's healthcare sucks. #changecadet Image Description: Dr. Cadet's golden braids are twisted up by her hand showcasing her injection sites on her neck. Her carmel skin shows her pain and strength at the same damn time.