# Don't tell anybody. A Big Secret MMP **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Tags:** mmp\ **Created:** [August 1, 2016, 4:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-tell-anybody-a-big-secret-mmp/761442 "2016-08-01T04:46:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2016, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-tell-anybody-a-big-secret-mmp/761442/81 "2016-08-03T00:18:05Z")
Don’t damage your retinas. :dubious: ---
**Author:** ![gotpasswords](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c57346/32.png) [@gotpasswords](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gotpasswords)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2016, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-tell-anybody-a-big-secret-mmp/761442/82 "2016-08-03T00:25:54Z")
Today’s Adventures in Zany Medical Costs is a comparison of a test I had about a month ago with the cardiac monitor implantation. The test was a “[tilt table](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tilt_table_test)” exam where I’m strapped to a table that’s tilted up while my heart is monitored. No exotic equipment, no fancy scanners, just a table that can be rotated to nearly vertical. The test was billed to my insurance for well over $31,000. The cardiologist billed another $350 for his efforts in watching the process. Nearly $32,000 total. The monitor implant procedure was a minor surgery to install an expensive [little gizmo](http://www.medtronic.com/us-en/patients/treatments-therapies/fainting-heart-monitor/reveal-linq-icm.html) in my chest under sterile conditions. Total cost for this was just short of $40,000, $5,800 of which is for the monitor device itself. When I told my EP how much the tilt test cost, he was stunned at the price and had no idea what makes it so much. ---
**Author:** ![swampbear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampbear/32/467_2.png) [@swampbear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampbear)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2016, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-tell-anybody-a-big-secret-mmp/761442/83 "2016-08-03T00:39:17Z")
**gotti** :eek: The cost of medical stuff has gotten way out of hand! Looks like we got some tstorms headed this way. Bring it on I say! ---
**Author:** ![Catamount](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/catamount/32/2840_2.png) [@Catamount](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Catamount)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2016, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-tell-anybody-a-big-secret-mmp/761442/84 "2016-08-03T00:54:09Z")
> [@carnivorousplant](#): > > Fine. > I’ll just sit in the dark and eat grapes. > :mad: _turns on light_ :eek: Hands off my grapes! :mad: ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2016, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-tell-anybody-a-big-secret-mmp/761442/85 "2016-08-03T00:56:17Z")
> [@2gigch1](#): > > Big Secrets, eh? > > Well now that it’s all over I guess I can say I bought a house and moved this summer. I preferred to keep the process quiet until it was over but it’s all done now, just settling in. & I can say I’m good at keeping secrets. BTW, thanks for coming out on settlement weekend! **Nuts!!!** Welcome back! Where’s ya been? **Rio** , congrats! > [@carnivorousplant](#): > > It is so very sad. …that you don’t know what GOOD is. I learnt about them not that far from you, in Vicksburg, MS. With the exception of the cole slaw & drinks, _everything_ on the menu was fried, appetizers, sides, & entrees. Tomorrow night will be my first at the county fair, they have various fried things to try. However my favorite is the ice cream sam’mich on the just-off-the-waffle-maker-&-still-hot waffles. Though others rave about the roasted corn. > [@dogbutler](#): > > I worked. I will have to drive in tomorrow, on my day off, at 0730 to deliver register tape since the warehouse didn’t send me any.:smack: Ummm, just why do you have register tape at home? Did you steal all of the supplies? :o > [@dogbutler](#): > > **Marion\_Wormer** , sounds like _Poltergeist_ “You only moved the headstones!” 😉 And welcome to the MMP. we can call you **Flounder**" Uh-uh. Dean! **Gotti** , get one of those free alt-weekly papers. Open to the classifieds in the back, _those_ classifieds. Look for one from Mistress \_\_\_\_\_. Call that #, bet she has the same type of table for a lot less $. :dubious: ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2016, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-tell-anybody-a-big-secret-mmp/761442/86 "2016-08-03T01:02:32Z")
\*\*gotti \*\*- As I understand it, doctors and hospitals bill insurance for crazy high amounts, hoping to get at least 10% of that amount. For **FCD** ’s last surgery, the Dr billed something over $12K, and the insurance company paid just under $1500. It’s a game… This week’s adventure will be even more expensive since it’s a much more complex procedure, but thanks to it being the 3rd for the year, we’ve met our out-of-pocket for him, so we’re done with his bills. First time we’ve ever hit that magic number. Ugh. Well, I need to go to bed. I’s tahred. _ **MWAH!!** _ ---
**Author:** ![Sahirrnee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sahirrnee/32/13937_2.png) [@Sahirrnee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sahirrnee)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2016, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-tell-anybody-a-big-secret-mmp/761442/87 "2016-08-03T01:10:59Z")
> [@Spiderman](#): > > **Gotti** , get one of those free alt-weekly papers. Open to the classifieds in the back, _those_ classifieds. Look for one from Mistress \_\_\_\_\_. Call that #, bet she has the same type of table for a lot less $. :dubious: True, but it’ll come with a whip and chains, which will affect his heart rate. It’s been a long day, I’m tired. ---
**Author:** ![dogbutler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dogbutler/32/428_2.png) [@dogbutler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dogbutler)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2016, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-tell-anybody-a-big-secret-mmp/761442/88 "2016-08-03T01:37:59Z")
> [@Sahirrnee](#): > > True, but it’ll come with a whip and chains, which will affect his heart rate. Sticks and stone will break my bones, but whips and chains excite me. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2016, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-tell-anybody-a-big-secret-mmp/761442/89 "2016-08-03T01:40:54Z")
**Mooommm** , you already have your political bumper sticker for this election, but does **Daaaddd** have [one](http://www.zazzle.com/ficticious_putin_trump_bumper_sticker-128699055629506350)? 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Seanette](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/seanette/32/9139_2.png) [@Seanette](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Seanette)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2016, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-tell-anybody-a-big-secret-mmp/761442/90 "2016-08-03T02:20:55Z")
> [@Filbert](#): > > Congrats **Rio**! Where is pictures to squee at? > > On another note: > To whom it may concern; > > I am thoroughly unimpressed by today’s weather. This August, so far, is unsatisfactory, and does not meet the expected standard of ‘summer’. Unless it improves in terms of temperature and lack of precipitation soon, I shall demand a refund. > > Yrs sincerely, > Disgusted of Bristol. You’re more than welcome to my heat and drought for a little while. I’d gladly take cooler, wetter weather in exchange. Rough day. Calls were slow, and damn near every one of them had some problem, two of which wound up escalating to a supervisor. Only one actually paid his bill. ---
**Author:** ![Buttercup\_Smith](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/buttercup_smith/32/473_2.png) [@Buttercup\_Smith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buttercup_Smith)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2016, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-tell-anybody-a-big-secret-mmp/761442/91 "2016-08-03T02:21:13Z")
Another hard day at irk. Tahred. Made egg salad and regular lettuce and tomato salad for dinner. Quick and easy with minimal cleanup. My new dishwasher still sits uninstalled. Hubs says too bad. “I have a man with terminal cancer without A/C and another house with no A/C in half the house and it will just have to wait til I have time to install it”.Dammit Irk is driving me bonkers. Wish I could retire or just have a week off. I have come to the conclusion that the workload is just impossible with the paltry amount of staff I have. Something has to give. Tis raining. We are getting some the outermost bands of Tropical Storm Earl. Forecast is for 80% tonight and tomorrow. Bring it on I say. ---
**Author:** ![Sario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sario/32/18580_2.png) [@Sario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sario)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2016, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-tell-anybody-a-big-secret-mmp/761442/92 "2016-08-03T03:34:26Z")
As [del]demanded[/del] requested, [pictures.](http://imgur.com/a/G3LbM) ---
**Author:** ![kopek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kopek/32/337_2.png) [@kopek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kopek)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2016, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-tell-anybody-a-big-secret-mmp/761442/93 "2016-08-03T03:51:43Z")
> [@Sario](#): > > As [del]demanded[/del] requested, [pictures.](http://imgur.com/a/G3LbM) Look, face it ----- when it comes to kids I am this close to being W C Fields. But even I have to admit that that ism one cute little darling! On the other events of the day; HR still has no idea how my file got/gets screwed up so bad. The good news is that I have screenshots of enough of the silliness that I probably can’t get fired if their computer software burps and loses all of my UPT at once. There are days when I love everything related to work. And then there are days like today when I know why the company was named after a mysterious jungle. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Seanette](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/seanette/32/9139_2.png) [@Seanette](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Seanette)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2016, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-tell-anybody-a-big-secret-mmp/761442/94 "2016-08-03T03:58:13Z")
> [@Sario](#): > > As [del]demanded[/del] requested, [pictures.](http://imgur.com/a/G3LbM) Sorry about the earshattering SQUEEEEEE!!! OK, not at all sorry. You made a VERY cute baby. Just hope he/she soon masters “sleep at night, let Mom/Dad sleep, everyone’s happier”. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![dogbutler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dogbutler/32/428_2.png) [@dogbutler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dogbutler)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2016, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-tell-anybody-a-big-secret-mmp/761442/95 "2016-08-03T04:02:33Z")
> [@Sario](#): > > As [del]demanded[/del] requested, [pictures.](http://imgur.com/a/G3LbM) _ **SQUEEEEEEEE** _ Cute kid. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![gotpasswords](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c57346/32.png) [@gotpasswords](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gotpasswords)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2016, 5:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-tell-anybody-a-big-secret-mmp/761442/96 "2016-08-03T05:44:22Z")
[QUOTE=Spiderman] **Gotti** , get one of those free alt-weekly papers. Open to the classifieds in the back, _those_ classifieds. Look for one from Mistress \_\_\_\_\_. Call that #, bet she has the same type of table for a lot less $. :dubious: [/QUOTE] Swap “Leather Daddy” for “Mistress” and it’s a deal…but as noted, it is likely to have an effect on my pulse rate. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2016, 7:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-tell-anybody-a-big-secret-mmp/761442/97 "2016-08-03T07:59:46Z")
> [@Sario](#): > > As [del]demanded[/del] requested, [pictures.](http://imgur.com/a/G3LbM) It’s a snugglerio! ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2016, 8:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-tell-anybody-a-big-secret-mmp/761442/98 "2016-08-03T08:46:14Z")
> [@Sario](#): > > As [del]demanded[/del] requested, [pictures.](http://imgur.com/a/G3LbM) Very cute! Now, more pictures! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Lacunae\_Matata](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8491ac/32.png) [@Lacunae\_Matata](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lacunae_Matata)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2016, 8:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-tell-anybody-a-big-secret-mmp/761442/99 "2016-08-03T08:56:48Z")
Conga-rats, Tia Nava and Rio (and, speaking as a mother of 6 who knows about these things? Hella adorable kid!) Speaking of kids, the littlest big girl and the biggest little girl are back at school. First grade and tenth. I’m tired and happy. The girls are tired and happy - summer is dull for poor folks, and a new student on the bus route has changed scheduled pick-up from 7:21 am to 6:30 am. Eek. The evening has been spent packing the truck for The Boy’s move. His apartment actually comes available next weekend, but we decided to move everything up to the farm for the next 10 days, because the clutter is making us crazy. Er. My biggest secret right now? My house looks like a “before” shot of Hoarders. There’s a dammed refrigerator in the living room. And a month of clean laundry on the little girls’ art table. We cleared Grandmother’s house last month, and my parents are downsizing, and I’m so overwhelmed with stuff that I can’t process anything. Which is why we’re moving some stuff up to the farm right now - I need some mental and physical space. Yeah, we will drive an extra 25 miles next weekend, but I just can’t deal with anything with so much clutter. And then we have automotive drama. Had a flat on the Family Mobile Friday. It was time, and the shop had a good sale, so we replaced all four tires, and had an oil change. No worries there, but then the brake lights weren’t working. 2 trips to the shop, a new set of lights, diagnostics, a new circuit board. And the problem? A fuse. I do even want to know how much my darling husband paid for a fuse. (For the record, I asked him to replace the fuse Friday, because that was the fix 4 years ago, when the same problem arose.) And we have just learned that a rebuilt title from South Carolina isn’t automatically transferable to Georgia. Long story, but now we need a new inspection, after we get all of the records from the previous owner. Fortunately, he has the file, because he had to submit everything to SC four months ago, after he repaired the car. Unfortunately, it’s complicated by a language barrier. The previous owner is a Russian immigrant, and drives a truck, so we have to work around his schedule and a translators’ to get the records faxed. It’s a nice little car that we bought - a combination graduation/birthday/Christmas gift for The Boy. I knew it was a rebuilt title, and the circumstances. I double checked with the insurance company before we bought it. But I was still naive about title. I had no idea that a certified and inspected title wouldn’t transfer to another state. Aaaauugh! ---
**Author:** ![anyrose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/54ee81/32.png) [@anyrose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anyrose)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2016, 9:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-tell-anybody-a-big-secret-mmp/761442/100 "2016-08-03T09:19:01Z")
first day of school in _August_, **Peaches?** What happened to waiting until after Labor Day? Or is that just in the North? I am up waaaaaay too early, but it’s okay because now breakfast and meds can “cycle through” in plenty of time to go shopping. It’s EBT-Load day! Looking forward to having yogurt and berries tomorrow for brekkies. I’ve been trying to think of a secret in my life, but other than my gossip days back in the 90s, I don’t have any. There are things I don’t tell folks, but they’re not secrets. If folks find out, it’s fine. I’m just not a “full-disclosure-24/7” kind of gal. and with that, I shall BLURF! and sip my coffee while staring at this screen. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-tell-anybody-a-big-secret-mmp/761442.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-tell-anybody-a-big-secret-mmp/761442.md?page=6)