granniebj

I'm starting to wonder. They seem to need a hundred tests, and still don't know whats wrong! Don't get me wrong. I love my doctor! Shes patient and kind. Its just that I don't have insurance, and now I'm in debt beyond belief! It started when I was 45 and had my first heart attack (without insurance). I did have insurance when I had a triple by pass, but it was amazing how much they didn't cover. I've had several major surgeries since then, all without insurance! Guess I'm just alittle depressed because it never seems to end. Now I'm dealing with all this pain from a sciatic nerve, and needing more tests (MRI). Hubby fell off a semi and hurt his back, and I'm almost resentful that workmans comp pays all his medical bills! Hes brought up the subject of how much this MRI is gonna cost. I know he prefers that I don't have it done, but I'm just tired of the pain! I once gave up all my meds because of his remarks about how much they were costing us...big mistake!
Thanks everyone. Guess I just needed to vent!

purplemem

Grannie,
I am in the same situation. My husband has medicare, but I have nothing. My medical bills are well over $100k. After having 30 blood clots in my lungs, weekly blood tests, ER, MRI's, etc., I am just where you are. I have disability but am waiting to get medicare. And yes, the bill collectors only want $25, but there are like 15 different ones and that multiplies fast. It is very stressful. I am waiting for coverage and praying another crisis doesn't happen.

granniebj

My hubby just got disability. I really feel for you! It seems like an endless pit! I sure hope you get some relief from your medical problems and win the lottery! Wouldn't that be great? Money isn't everything, but being able to pay your bills sure is a plus!

donnajean

I do have Medicare insurance. However, I don't always agree with the tests doctors want me to get. An MRI would probably show you have some disk issues, but what are you willing to do about it anyhow. I have had back problems for many years - siatica with pain going down my leg. I've learned that you have to keep the lower back muscles strong & bending & stooping in the garden really helps with this. I see you have a little girl. Picking her up is a no-no. Anything that puts more stress to one side vs. picking up with your knees bent & object directly in front of you will aggravate your back. Carrying a child on your hip will aggravate a back problem.

Gyno doc gave me script for bone density test. My response is that I am not willing to take anything beyond the extra calcium & vitamun D, what purpose would the test be?

Unresolved medical issues can really take a toll on you mentally as well, which lowers your immune system. Hope you get some relief without the MRI. Make sure you are drinking pleanty of water. That also helps my joint issues.

grann of 6

I have had sciatica since my middle son was born 44 years ago when the nurse gave me an intramuscular shot for the childbirth and it hit my sciatic nerve. I now know what I can and cannot do. I can't sit too long in one position or my toes go numb on that side. I have had x-rays & mri's, but they show nothing, of course. Nerve damage won't show. The doctor says there is no arthritis there and no tumor. So now I just suffer, sometimes worse than others. One thing I have learned, I have to keep moving. If I carry a child it is always right in the front with his legs straddling me. I can't be off balance. And when I sew I make sure I am getting up and moving around the room instead of just sitting in one spot for long periods. Good luck with your health issues; they are a "pain". :lol: :lol: Keep smiling!

DA Mayer

What a difficult time for you, I know how you feel about medications, the cost and getting comments about them. Does your state have any kind of assistance for the meds? I know Iowa did, I am not sure if they do anymore, the home health agency helped people with the meds directly from the drug company. Have you contacted the drug company directly because many of them have programs for people who can't afford the medications.
I would ask the Dr what the MRI is going to show and if it is worth it. Hope you get some relief soon. Did she suggest physical therapy? That is a lot cheaper than the MRI and maybe you would get relief from their treatments. I know my FIL did after having pain for months.

watterstide

they just did a special on our local news station about the big differences in costs for tests. they gave an MRI as an example..hundreds of dollars in price differences...
i am so sorry you are going through this..my friend has cancer with no insurance...

mom-6

A Catholic friend of mine told me about a program through the Catholic church (open to all, not just Catholics) that will help with the cost of medications. I don't know if it also will help with testings or not, but it certainly wouldn't hurt to check this out, as well as checking with the pharmaceutical companies on your medications. If you get some of the medication costs covered, then the testing cost might be more 'doable' if you decide to go on and have it done.

Dodee

My heart is really bleeding for all of you. In fact, it has brought the tears. I know what you are going thru as I am a diabetic, have neuropathy, sinus problems, spine problems, etc. It seems like it just keeps building up. Fortunately, I do have insurance as well as medicare, and I am worried about what the future holds for all of us. I have had a stroke, and I've had MRI's. That is a lot of stuff going into my body. I'm 78 years of age and hope to hit at least 99, but - will it be worth it?
I love you all and will add all of you to my prayers.
God bless all of you.
Dodee

stitchinwitch

Do doctors really know what they're talking about?

In answer - NO!!!