Happy New Year, Hoping this isn't too personal of a question, but as I was taking my 54 pills (this is supplements, antibiotics, etc.), I was making a my list of what I need to replenish.
How do you all afford your meds and supplements? Mine run about $570-700 per month, plus doc visits, tests, etc.
Husband is medically disabled, and I'm a teacher on FMLA for a few more weeks (and uncertain what life holds then). What I am getting at is that I want to get better and get back my health, but I can't do that at the expense of our family.
How do you guys manage that part of your health?
Not asking for anything but hints and insights on how to do this regimen and still feed and clothe our two kids. My dear hubby says it will all work out and "you just concentrate on getting better."
Hints, advise?
Posted by lax mom (Member # 38743) on :
My family puts Lyme treatment up there in the same importance as food.
If we don't eat, we die...if we don't treat, we die.
Every last penny goes to treatment. We have had to lose our home in the city we loved and move into my ex-husbands property for a reduced rent.
Our credit is shot...who cares about a credit score when your life is at stake?
If we have to move in with family, we will.
What's it matter if my kids have a nice house and all the trimmings, if they don't have a mom?
You learn to re-prioritize.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- I can't speak to Rx, so others can do that.
It took me a long time to figure out what levels of supplements to consider from
what might help
what should help
what could help, if only . . .
what does help symptoms but not necessary infection
what does help symptoms but not necessarily address the keys of: liver support; adrenal supporting; neuro / mitochondrial support.
what both helps symptoms AND address the keys of: liver support; adrenal supporting; neuro / mitochondrial support.
then you have the supplement that might just hit the most of the criteria.
I found BERBERINE to one of those. Oh, it's not enough alone but I really can only manage one-three things a month. Sometimes, it is just Berberine. And that keeps me just enough above water (much better than without it) while I just do all I can.
ASHWAGANDA &/or CORDYCEPS, FISH OIL, MAGNEIUSM are the next important supplements.
Some foods can replace certain supplements. Sardines, for instance, do double duty.
Because there are no LLMDs in my state, I could travel only to see a LLMD a few times. Could not afford Rx treatment in form suggested and could not tolerate oral abx for various reasons.
As there were no LL NDs yet educated in this matter at that time, over years, I spent thousands of dollars on NON LL NDs (and abusive MDs) . . . and supplements that really were not spot-on - but could never really get to a LLMD or more than 2 visits with a LL ND.
I wish she had been around years earlier but so glad she finally did emerge.
Those two visits really made a different with certian additional tests (Cpn; HHV-6, etc.) so I could have a better idea what I face. She also answered some key questions that no one else could answer. And I keep up with the synopsis of her annual presentations to our local lyme group even if I can't get out.
If at all possible, get the very best guidance and keep up with what the authors in the set below write.
I know it's an added cost to see a LL ND, but it can save you a fortune in the long run regarding not just which supplements are best but which are best for YOUR body. And the cleanest sources.
When considering herbal / nutritional / adjunct methods:
if at all possible - because each person & each case is different - it's best to consult with an ILADS-educated LL (lyme literate) doctor who has completed four years of post-graduate medical education in the field of herbal and nutritional medicine -
- and someone who is current with ILADS' research & presentations, past and present.
Many LL NDs incorporate antibiotics (depending upon the licensing laws in their state). Some LLMDs and LL NDs have good working relationships.
When possible, it's great to have both a LLMD and LL ND and even better when they have a long-standing professional relationship.
Integrative / Holistic M.D., etc. (Be aware that those in this category can have various levels of formal herbal &/or nutritional education, perhaps even just a short course. Do ask first.)
Links to many articles and books by holistic-minded LL doctors of various degrees who all have this basic approach in common:
Understanding of the importance of addressing the infection(s) fully head-on with specific measures from all corners of medicine;
knowing which supplements have direct impact, which are only support and which are both.
You can compare and contrast many approaches.
BASIC HERBAL EDUCATIONAL & SAFETY links,
BODY WORK links with safety tailored to lyme patients,
LOW HEAT INFRARED SAUNA detail,
BIONIC 880 (& PE-1) links, and
RIFE links. -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Pulling some of the key categories from that set:
I consider OLE esssential for anyone on antibiotics as it was a miracle to me to keep candida totally at bay for the few times that I was on antibiotics for a couple months at a time (when I could do that).
But ONLY SEAGAGE brand - all the others I tried before were a waste of money and valuable time (when talking about capsules. Can't speak to tincture comparisions).
OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT � LINKS -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- FOOT SUPPORT
I recently found this shoe website as with feet trouble, good shoes are a necessity. Don't think of trying to skimp on cheap shoes with no real support. Foot support is an absolute requirement for those with lyme (and especially with bartonella).
This is where shoes go when they leave Zappos, and are put at wonderful prices. Often the most popular sizes go fast. They even have some Orthaheel (though I've not tried those).
Because lyme often affects balance, steer clear of flip-flop designs as it's easy to get tripped up. A good shoe can help balance and help keep us upright when we want to be upright.
Best of the supportive batch there, search for: AHNU shoes. Their sole is Vibram, a non-skid. You can read reviews on other sites and come back for the better prices here if they have your size.
Twin thread to this, with some repies waiting for you there, too. -
Posted by ktkdommer (Member # 29020) on :
Dove7 I think I am right with you in the number of pills and expense (3 of us though). I use Swanson's for supplements. This week they had free shipping and 13% off. That helped a lot. Some of my other supplements are hard to find discounted like The Core. I am able to get Byron White at discount through a chiropractor friend.
I actually make a lot of my supplement money by transferring prescriptions. I get gas points at one place that equals a free fill up after 3 transfers and 3 new scripts started there. I found a grocery story that honors competitors coupons. Then when I left Rite Aid they sent me $100 worth of coupons to return 4 scripts to them. I call it my other job because it does take time and a system or organization.
We have a great thrift store called Saver's. They have 50% off every other month. My youngest is the best at finding name brand deals. We also shop at consignment.
My sister with Lyme has found a church that has a clothes closet and free clothes one day a month. Where I teach we can get winter coat vouchers for our needy families.
Someone mentioned once to try the Easter Seals for help.
I hope it gets easier for you soon.
Posted by Dove7 (Member # 39546) on :
Lax, Keebler, and kt, Thanks for the advice, hints, and resources. The brain fog gets so bad at times that I even lose my lists, but I am going to see if I can't whittle down some of these.
My daughter got so upset that I was writing the cost and date on my meds and supplements that she said sh'd help. The next morning, I found "$who cares cuz we luv u" on my chlorells bottle.
Posted by yagermeister26 (Member # 36212) on :
I have found almost all of my supplements on Amazon much cheaper than anywhere else. I have also noticed I can get most antibiotics from vet supply sites. My LLMD actually told me to look there when my insurance denied my bicillin. I thought it was crazy but it has saved me thousands of dollars.