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Daily Chat >> General Posts >> No insurance Little $$ HELP! http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1233780954 Message started by StevenATL on Feb 4th, 2009 at 3:55pm |
Title: No insurance Little $$ HELP! Post by StevenATL on Feb 4th, 2009 at 3:55pm
Started my most recent cycle on Nov. 22, 2008. They usually last 6-8 weeks. Currently in week 10. For the first time in my life I don't have insurance. Currently unemployed. I am on Verapamil 240mg 3x day. Livin off the refills. I just moved to Atlanta. I have 1-2 HA a day. Thought this would be over by now. Tired of begging God for relief. I'm exhausted and somewhat depressed. Anyone know of a good Dr. in ATL. Might be able to scrounge up enough for Dr visit. Any more affordable remedies? Under a Drs care its been Verampamil,topomax,O2, and Imitrex injections. Cant afford that now, but I have to do something. Any suggestions? Thanks
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Title: Re: No insurance Little $$ HELP! Post by Mosaicwench on Feb 4th, 2009 at 4:02pm
Welder's Oxygen to start off. Someone will be a long in a bit to tell you more about it. It's cheaper than prescribed (from what I've read) and it should be your first line of defense against hits.
You're not alone. We're here if for nothing else to listen. Keep your chin up. |
Title: Re: No insurance Little $$ HELP! Post by Redd on Feb 4th, 2009 at 5:51pm
Since you are without insurance, once you get to the doc, ask them to refer you to the medication assistance program office and get your paper work in. Verap, topomax and some of my imitre was covered 100% under the program, however O2 was not. My Specialist was also very kind in loading me up with samples of trex.
Depending on your income you may qualify for reduced fees for services, but you need to talk to the program director. No matter what, it's better to go into temporary debt and get seen and treated correctly. Keep us posted. |
Title: Re: No insurance Little $$ HELP! Post by Charlie on Feb 4th, 2009 at 9:05pm
Sorry you're getting hit so badly. Yup....welders O2 is....well O2...It's the same effen stuff.
Where I live, NY State, if you show less than $2,000 in your bank accounts and make less than $347 a month or so, you are eligible for Medicaid. I suppose it's different everywhere but it's worth a looksee. Here is something to try and the price is right: Dr. Wright’s Circulatory Technique: I am not sure what mechanism is triggered by this but whatever it is, at least indirectly helps kill the pain. I do know that this technique has nothing to do with meditation, relaxation, or psychic ability. It is entirely physical and takes some work. It involves concentrating on trying to redirect a little circulation to the arms, hands, or legs. Think of feeling your pulse in your hand. Increased circulation will result in a reddening and warming of the hands. The important and difficult part is that it has to be done without interruption through the pain. Do not give up in frustration. It may not work on the first try. Try experimenting between attacks. You will find that it gets easier with practice. Every now and then it will work almost immediately. I lived for those moments. I was given less than five minutes instruction in the use of method. The doctor, while placing his arm on his desk, showed me that he could slightly increase his arm and hand circulation. After several attempts, I was able to repeat this procedure and use it successfully. I have had about a 75% success rate shortening these attacks. My 20 minute attacks were often reduced to 10 minutes or less. Once proven that I had a chance to effectively deal with this horror, I always gave it a try as I had nothing to lose but pain. I used to try to imagine I was pushing blood away from my neck into my arm. Use your imagination. There is one man who wrote that his standing barefoot on a concrete floor shortened his attacks. This may be similar as it draws some circulation away from the head. Cold water, exercise, or anything affecting circulation, seems to be worth a try. My suggestion is to not let up immediately when the pain goes. Waiting a minute is probably a good idea. So long as you do not slack off, this has a chance of working. This technique is very useful while waiting for medication to take effect or when none is available. It costs nothing, is non-invasive, and can be used just about anywhere. It is not a miracle but it helped me deal with this horror. It can be a bit exhausting but the success rate was good enough for me and a cluster headache sufferer will do just about anything to end the pain. It gives us a fighting chance. Charlie |
Title: Re: No insurance Little $$ HELP! Post by StevenATL on Feb 4th, 2009 at 10:02pm
Thanks everyone. I found this site several years ago. I was so relieved because I found people who understand what its like. Thank you for your suggestions and encouragement. I also read about a vitamin cocktai. Im going to look into it. Thank You all. You have restored my hope.
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Title: Re: No insurance Little $$ HELP! Post by PollyPocket on Feb 4th, 2009 at 11:40pm
Steven, you listen up.... are you listening?
you are NOT, repeat, NOT, allowed to give up hope. Period. Now, next thing: no insurance. Ive dealt with this shit for 23 years and most have been without insurance. Guess what? You deal, you find ways to get what you need. You tell docs "I have no insurance" and you get discounts on your healthcare. Get a script for o2 if you can from your Dr. Take it to a medical supply place and tell 'em, I don't have insurance and I have CH. (hell, that worked for me, they hooked me up with a MONSTER sized tank really cheap!) In the meantime, use all the OTC remedies you find on here. If one doesn't work, try another.. fight back. You'll win. Stay strong, our new brother. |
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