If you got a part time job with benefits would that screw up your disability income etc.? Around here most jobs will give benefits with only 20 hours a week work. It just terrifies me to think of being without benefits because everything is so expensive. No other advice just wishing you the best. Hugs, Jules

I'd love to be able to work even part time. Physically....I can't. Mentally....I can't. It would mess up my disability but it really doesn't matter 'cause I can't do it anyway.

Yeah, it's not a good feeling to know that I'm pretty much on my own for the next two years. :(

You have got some good advice already. :grouphug:

Do you know if there are any programs that will cover meds (diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol, any kind) for people who don't have insurance? I've heard of them in the US, but maybe others know more. I would look into the application process by getting the forms sent out to you now, and reviewing them, even if you don't end up every needing to sign up.

If LDN isn't sufficient (which I personally think it will be, but if it's not...), maybe check into whether you could get Teva (or another program) to pay for you to add on Copaxone. Alternatively, what other DMD might you consider, and do they have a drug program? Look into those things while you are feeling well . . .

I think it will be a stressful time for you Kelly, because as you know ANYTHING could go wrong with our health at any time. I think you are wise to investigate every option now, when the pressure is not on to do so.

Cherie

Just want to wish you the best of luck with all your doctor appointments.
The only other doctor I could think of was a skin doctor. Any moles you are concerned about?

Good luck Kitty! I agree with Karousel, dermatologist. I have always had moles that were benign but once I had MS I had a melanoma. You have fair skin so double check with that too. Other than that I can't think of anything.

Seems like you have it under control. I never had to look into Medicare...can't believe you have to wait 2 years!!!! Holy carp!

i was going to say everything everyone else suggested.

i'd suggest you go onto the medicare.gov site.
they have LOTS of good info and phone #'s to call.
the representatives that answer the phones are very knowledgeable people.
if you happen to get a dud and the person isn't trying to help you just hang up and call again. you'll get someone else.

for me. i researched for several months and tried to weight the different plans and costs. it's mind boggling all the info. if i took a yr i couldn't have figured it all out.

but, with being on so few meds you will have an easier time than i did.
ask your dr and/or her office manager what plans they are on and what they suggest. my pcp was not on many plans at all. her office mgr was a big help to me and answered lots of my Q's.

i ended up taking regular medicare so i could go to any hospital and see any dr i wanted. also, i just didn't want to sign up for an HMO plan altho some are very good, or so i've heard. if you don't have much $$ then it's better than nothing.

i also took a supplemental plan. but everything costs money. start early is what i'd recommend. hope this helps some. pm me if you want.

Blood Work? liked Joelle suggestion too, good point sandy wouldnt hurt to double check even though we all are annoyed by noise


get that harley tattoo removed :yikes: just funnin, good idea to get what you can while you can:hug:

maybe a mammogram?

**************

my mistake was to get a "possible MS" dx in 1988.

and I was just divorcing, so, I lost my Blue Shield insurance a month later.

I tried to get private insurance, but NOBODY would touch me with a ten foot pole... (they called it a "pre-existing condition" but I didn't even have a real diagnosis yet, how unfair!)

and I made too much $$ at my job to qualify for any state aid.

luckily, all three of my kids were fully covered...

anyway, I got *really* good at using the county health fair's yearly screenings, and paid the rest out of pocket, until I retired due to MS, in '93.

finally, my Medicare kicked in in 1995.

YAY !!!

so, I was without any health insurance for about seven years...

********************************

I made it okay, and you can do it too, Kelly !!

:grouphug:

Kelly you got approved for ssi ? right, generally 29 months after applying you should qualify for health protection too, after insurance ends maybe you can talk about them perhaps working on a slide scale? they may help at least till you get medicare or aid or whatever its called this week

I don't know about where you are, but in Virginia, the only supplemental insurance I could have gotten cost just as much as the Cobra because I am not 65. I believe someone else wrote that they had the same problem in NC.

I think this is a crock. If you are disabled and unable to work, you shouldn't be penalized because you are not 65. IMO. Good luck finding something.