Barbara, first of all, you have my complete understanding and empathy. I'm the mother of seven, and I'm used to running everything and taking care of everybody. People tell me "you have to let other people help you; you have to learn to ask." And yet it seems like everyone I know has problems that are even worse than mine.

If I were in your position, I would begin by applying for social security disability. You will probably be turned down, and then you have to hire a lawyer to appeal the decision. That's how it goes. The lawyer will work for a portion of your back-payments when and if you get them. If you can get declared disabled, you will be eligible for Medicaid, which will pay all your medical bills.

Meanwhile, I know this: many hospitals will treat the uninsured for free. By the "liquid gold" treatment, I assume you mean IVIG (immunoglobulin). It sure sounds to me like you need IVIG. Ask you local hospitals if they have grants for the uninsured, and what the income limits are.

It may be that you can only receive this treatment at a hospital if it's considered an emergency. Here's something I've learned: if you have trouble swallowing--that's an emergency. Every doctor will take that symptom very seriously.

It really is an emergency. MG can tank really fast! It's unpredictable. Any time that your symptoms get suddenly worse, you're in danger.

I am so sorry for your increasing trouble.

Abby