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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Shay Sweet on October 4, 2005, at 14:18:57
HI can't sit still long enough to give an in-depth explanation of what's going on, nor do I want to torture anyone with said explanation, but here's a brief synopsis. Please keep in mind that I AM SCARED.
I have been taking Xanax for extreme anxiety, Lexapro, Methadone, and Phentermine. It costs me $125 per month just to see the doctor, which is okay considering the clinic costs with the two hour per day drive included.
However, I had to break today's monthly appointment because I was recently terminated from my employer, for whom I worked diligently and reliably for two years. Prior to acquiring that job, which was by no mistake for a mental health and substance abuse facility, I lost my fiance to an overdose. Our baby had just turned one year old when he passed, at age twenty-seven. We were already separated because of his illegal drug use, but he was trying so hard from afar to get rehabillitation services. It would have been his first shot at rehab, had he not gone for one last hurrah the evening prior to his would have been admission.
That said, the cause of his death and my college background/interests prompted me to start the job at, we'll call it, for confidentiality purposes, the Betty Ford Center (alias).
My now 3-yr-old daughter has begun receiving SS Death Benefits, which bumped us just above the poverty level necessary to maintain assistance paying for daycare by the state. In retrospect, I don't know if that $$ helped or hurt us. Right now it's hurting.
Because of "the system," which was absolutely a life saver when he died, providing the *temporary* assistance necessary to propell my toddler and me gently into the respectable world of a managable lifestyle, ie. steady job with benefits (before which the state issued transitional medicaid), a small amount of cash assistance partnered with very strict guidelines, and rightly so, as well as food stamps, all of which were "transitional," and would not last any longer than the start of a full time job or four weeks, whichever came first. In order to receive Ca$h, you had to spend 40 hours per week working to find a reasonable job, accompanied by proof that you either applied for, interviewed for, and/or inquired about. If after the four weeks you still could not find a job, provisions would be made for you to work a state job.
A hugely necessary bonus to this process, which essentially is the state's way of urging you along so they could cease the cash as quickly as possible, was for the person in charge of the Workforce Program, about which I was just speaking, to refer you to the state childcare assistance agency. This was vital to job searching, as it is nearly impossible to productively job seek with a toddler in tow.
***I have exhausted my savings paying for just three weeks of childcare, and I can't afford to pay it this week, nor can I afford to lose her place there, as it is the only affordable one, in walking distance, that has a caring and educated staff, and believe me, I've done the research on ALL OF THEM.***
I was discovered by "Betty Ford" through Monster.com, and the transitional state assistance was properly utilized and taken away upon 'getting on my feet.'
I was terminated from my job three weeks ago, and I am automatically disqualified for the Cash Assistance due to my daughter's SS Death Benefits. I don't care about the cash, but there is no other way to go through the next two steps, which are the workforce program and subsequent Childcare referral, which can only be done by the workforce leader.
All three case workers I had previously answered to had been replaced, and no one seemed to be able to help.
Luckily I have skills that won't make job seeking too difficult, but I can't afford Lexapro or even the doctor's appointment. I know it's not safe to go cold turkey. Anxiety is whirring around in my brain and stomach, and my doctor is too far away (1 hour drive) to even ask for samples or a change to cheaper meds.
The Social Services office is awaiting a response from my ex-employer regarding proof of loss of income, and until then, there can be no decision made with respect to medicaid acceptance/denial, as the case mey be. Also, I have ADD but can't afford to see a doctor who can properly diagnose.
The Community Mental Health Center here in town is the only place I could even consider trying, but the person greeting me, asking me questions, doing triage and financial information, would be MY JOB REPLACEMENT. It is humiliating to say the least, but somehow I knew all those years that I belonged on the other side of the glass window.
Can anyone make a suggestion?
Is it true that Prozac works just as well as Lexapro?
What's the worst that can happen if I just don't take Lexapro anymore, after three years?
I have a bottle of older Zoloft (2 yrs). Can I substitute that until I get paid or will I face the probability of becoming more depressed?
Any advice/comments/direction would be invaluable!Shay Sweet
Posted by orchid on October 4, 2005, at 15:23:07
In reply to What's Going to Happen to Me?, posted by Shay Sweet on October 4, 2005, at 14:18:57
I don't know too much of the procedures here, and how to find out a work around. But I hope something will work out good for you.
If you can't find a state sponsored job, how about trying for some part time job in a private concern? IS there anyone else who can take care of your kid when you will be on job? like your mom or some other relative or friends?
I have heard there are some unemployment benefits which may be applicable for you.
I am sorry I don't really know too much about the funds facility here.
Take Care,
Orchid.
Posted by JenStar on October 4, 2005, at 16:46:09
In reply to Re: What's Going to Happen to Me? » Shay Sweet, posted by orchid on October 4, 2005, at 15:23:07
hi Shay Sweet,
I'm sorry to hear about your recent loss and the difficulty you're going through.If you go on welfare or state assistance, do they provide you with medical & drug benefits? I'm sorry I'm so ignorant about state benefits.
Is there any other way to get the drugs? Could you call your doctor and beg (or demand) for samples of Lex/etc. to carry you through?
You're right - it is NOT recommended to go cold turkey, esp. after taking it for several years. Likely you'd be "Ok" but it's much safer and better to do a gradual taper down over a course of several weeks or even months. At least, that's what I keep reading in the literature and on the net.
Also, if you're not READY to get off of it, especially at this difficult time, it might make your anxiety worse.
I wouldn't mix the drugs or take the old drug that you have, because it too requires a taper up period. It can be dangerous to mix different SSRI's at the same time and should only be done under Dr.'s advice.
All that being said, I think the worst of a cold turkey it would be difficult side effects for a few days, but if you're caring for a small child and trying to find work, it definitely wouldn't be advisable, just in case you DID have a bad reaction.
I wish there was a way you could get your meds without a break in service. Can you explain your financial situation to the Dr. and see if he has any advice?
good luck!
jenStar
Posted by Dinah on October 5, 2005, at 7:30:37
In reply to What's Going to Happen to Me?, posted by Shay Sweet on October 4, 2005, at 14:18:57
I haven't had a chance to look at the medication board, but have you posted the medication part of your question there? If not, I can do a redirect for you if you like, or you might want to post the question there for insight on medication possibilities.
Posted by JLx on October 5, 2005, at 11:24:54
In reply to What's Going to Happen to Me?, posted by Shay Sweet on October 4, 2005, at 14:18:57
I suggest you check out this site:
Free Medicine Program
http://www.freemedicineprogram.com/index.htmlMore options:
Special Reduced and Free Prescription Drug Programs
http://www.peoples-law.org/health/charity-care/special_drug.htmFree Medicine: Resources
http://www.wndu.com/news/freemedi/freemedi_1228.phpFree Meds: Information on how to obtain free or discount medications.
http://www.mcmanweb.com/free_meds.htmOr just google "free prescription drugs" or similar.
JL
Posted by Shay Sweet on October 5, 2005, at 15:37:44
In reply to Free meds » Shay Sweet, posted by JLx on October 5, 2005, at 11:24:54
I really appreciate everyone's thoughts and suggestions, especially the links you provided, JLx.
I don't want to sound like an ingrate, but I'm living my worst nightmare! See, the position I held at the Center for Mental Health and Substance Abuse afforded me not only privileged information about patient assistance programs, Medicaid/Medicare options, etc. It also showed me the bare truths that accompany the welfare reform that recently went into effect, eliminating 85-90% of the psychotropic drugs used by our patients, forcing them to switch to uniform brands that in most cases did not work for them, usually that they had already tried and had failed progress with.
I always took the extra steps to cut through the red tape, so patients who had left their message on the 'warm line' to be answered by a nurse within two days (really effective for those who left a message on Friday and were too delusional by Tuesday to remember that they were on them in the first place), and the nurses work their CANS off to assist these patients with forms, financials, samples, pharmacy calls, etc. But the state programs have been trimmed down to Charlie Brown Christmas trees at this point.
I met with a Christian counselor this afternoon, who told me I can't be asolved of my sins, or even hear what God is telling me, unless I "cleaned my vessel", which brings up a whole debate topic that is probably inappropriate for all forums here, so I'll just leave that alone.
Yesterday I had to choose between $20-gas to get to the doctor + $125 for the visit + $60 for not completing the freelance article I was working on OR $72 for Lexapro. I had to go with the Lexapro, and that still left me short on the $$ to pay for my daughter's daycare.
Awaiting Medicaid eligibility is torture, since the process is contingent upon my ex-employer faxing the Dept of Children and Families my proof of employment/loss of income report, which I sent to them on Monday. I doubt it's on the top of their list.
JRx: Three years ago I received Zoloft from the patient assistance program, and I still have the 90 100mg pills here b/c I switched to Lexapro. Prozac is much cheaper, but all of these choices must first be taken up with the doctor, who, as stated above, I don't have the $144 to see.
I wish I could get out of these handcuffs called meds for good.
Posted by fairywings on October 5, 2005, at 18:05:14
In reply to Re: Free meds » JLx, posted by Shay Sweet on October 5, 2005, at 15:37:44
It's really sad that the psychotropic meds are so expensive, and I'm sorry you're going through so much right now. I know it's humiliating, but can you bring yourself to use the healthcare that's available? It might be the only option, and it might not be safe not to take your meds after being on them so long.The faith board is available for talking about your faith issues, and, like Dinah said, the psycho babble board, for discussing whether you could possibly take the old Zoloft, but I don't think I'd chance that without knowing a lot more.
Good luck,
fw
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