Mr. President, let me say initially I am thrilled to have you as my Commander in Chief. I am a ardent supporter of yours and agree with all you have accomplished in such a short period of time. There is much on your plate. Here's my story: I am paying out of my checkbook for all health care and prescriptions. i wrote a $22,000 check to have my thyroid removed in 2006. One night in the hospital! $8.00 charges for generic baby aspirin! That was money saved for a down payment on a home. I am going bankrupt. I had $140,000 saved in 1997, and have very little of that left now. Let me also mention this. I have had chronic, debilitating lower back pain since 1985. that's 24 years and i can only describe the pain as barbaric and horrific. I cannot even get a cat scan or mri without paying 'up front'. I've never had a colon cancer screening, nor a stress test. I simply cannot afford them. And while I am not a pauper, I cannot develop a relationship with a specialist because of the expense involved. I need surgery or intervention on my knees, my lower back, shoulder, legs and neck. I must say that here in New York it seems doctors are running scared by our states legislature. I mention that because its like pulling teeth to even receive nominal pain control. I asked why and the reply I got was that NY state seems to frown on continued pain medication for chronic pain. To me, that makes absolutely no sense. The NYS Senate seems not to understand I have no other options. So I must say this is quite the quandary for me. 24 years Mr. President. Anyone who has dealt with chronic pain knows it can be excruciating. So I live two lives now. the life I would like to enjoy, and the life that has offered me so many limitations that could easily be dealt with. How? by adequate pain control, or a health plan that would allow me to explore my health issues with a specialist. and yes, I'd be happy to pay premiums. I am not looking for a handout, just a helping hand. a start. I don't have that option. Chronic pain Mr President can destroy a relationship with ones family also. It has mine. I guess if you actually cannot see a medical problem, it's not serious. That's the mind set many have. Chronic pain isn't seen. It's felt and its a hurt that I can only describe. My family couldn't handle my inability to make plans, or take part in family functions, and they've pretty much shoved me to the curb. I am not a quitter. I enjoy life and get to laugh, smile and do at least one good dead daily. But as I get older, 58 now, its become more difficult to understand why I cannot receive the appropriate treatment. Chronic pain is not for wimps. And it leaves me in tears I will admit. We seem to live in this medical caste system. Those whom have health care and those who do not. It's infuriating to me. I voted for you Mr. President and I believe in your health care initiatives. Those of us without health coverage need your help. Now we need to convince the health care providers, insurance and pharmaceutical companies, and those elected officials who seem to feel this isn't a priority. Its the single most important issue facing our country today. and for 47 million Americans we cannot wait any longer. Thank you Mr. President and God Bless.