This is topic Only so much money, what are the priorities? in forum General Support at LymeNet Flash.


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Posted by LymeMom Kellye (Member # 24807) on :
 
My husband was just diagnosed with Lyme and Co this past week. Now we have 2 in our family with Lyme. Both have had it at least 10 years so it will more than likely be a long haul.

Husband can't work. Insurance pays for meds but that's it. They don't cover any labs, except for monthly bloodwork. Between my daughhter and my husband our insurance copays for abx and other rx is almost $500. Betweeen them they are on 20+ RX meds.

We see an LLND who prescribes a ton of supplements as well. I have gone to iHerb and found some cheaper, but at this point the montly supplement bill is over $1000.

The LLND appointments for 2 is over $500.

I don't have $2000 per month to spend on treating Lyme. I know that I can't be the only one here without money.

I figure of all the supplements that the pre and pro biotics are the most necessary.

I understand that natto and bolouke are also important.

They both have a ton of opportunistic infections so have been prescribed Transfer Factor as well.

I look at Dr. Burrascano's guidelines and it looks like my family is on pretty much everything he says is important, plus a few more.

I totally trust our LLND and believe in my heart of hearts that integrative medicine is the way to beat this Lyme. I really don't want to cut back on what we buy to treat Lyme if I don't have to.

I know that there are others out there that have entire families with Lyme and Co who are probably struggling worse than we are financially.

I would really like to hear what other's have done to cut costs and maintain their treatment protocol.

If you've had to cut back on some things, what were they?

I don't have any family we can move in with, so giving up the house is not realistic. We drive older cars and have really cut down our budget.

I try to buy organic meats/produce/dairy because that is sooo much better for us, but boy is it costly...

HELP!!!
 
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
 
I am sorry you and your family are in this situation.

Just my opinion...

I spent years on end faithfully taking all kinds of supplements that I was told would help me.

Truth is, very few did. I wish I had that money back now. I actually see it as a waste to just pile in a ton of stuff not designed to cure Lyme.

Plus, when taking so many things, how do you really know what is and what isn't helping or making you worse (which can and does happen).

Another thought... most folks who eat healthy don't need those supplements daily. I use to take 1-3 a week if I felt they were really needed. The cost savings is good and no difference in the way I felt taking them daily.

My theory is kill the bacteria, watch the yeast and then, if able, address some of the other issues with a supplement IF needed.

I know that may not suit you 100%, but it got me through. Hope it helps.

[Big Grin]
 
Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
 
I would learn to muscle test and test for which supplements would be of benefit rather than just taking all of them all the time. Your LLND may know how to test.

I also find that I seem to want the supps that I test well for, so you can go with your instincts. I have some supps that I take some of the time, when I seem to want them. Some supps I need all the time.
 
Posted by peacemama (Member # 17666) on :
 
I muscle test as well, and since we started, we have saved a fortune. There are 4 of us sick with Lyme & co. We go to food shelfs (one that give organic food), we buy direct from farmers. We got a county social worker, then an insurance based one. We got our mortgage lowered through the stimulus plan. We got insulation in our house based on our lowered income (we are at 200% of poverty level, so not poor, just lower income).

We let people that work in restaurants and grocery stores know that we will take "buddies" stuff that is still good but no longer sellable, like bruised produce, etc.

We make our own kombucha and kefir, that saves money.

We don't shop. We don't go out. We rarely go to movies.

Every time I go to buy something, like a skirt at the thrift store, or a jacket from my kid, I ask myself, "what could this buy me in supplements". It helps me.

We are all learning how to live in this very surreal world. I wish you strength.
 
Posted by peacemama (Member # 17666) on :
 
Oh, and I host (or have other folks host) clothing exchanges, so I can refresh my wardrobe without spending money. And, sometimes I get stuff for the boys as well.
 
Posted by buzzsflybox (Member # 26808) on :
 
Kellye,
My heart bleeds for you and your family. I only have to worry about me. I can't imagine the pain & cost of having a whole family afflicted.

I suggest you listen to Tincup because I walked the same path as he did and is recommending to you.
God Bless & Good luck,
Buzz
 
Posted by LymeMom Kellye (Member # 24807) on :
 
Thank you everyone, some really good ideas. I have been wondering how much is enough with the supplements, and what I can cut out and what is necessary.

I think that one of the hardest things for me is the lack of time. Both my husband and my daughter are pretty much home/bed bound and I work full time. By the time I get home from work, and do the dinner thing, I have very little time left for much else.

Thanks again for everything!
 
Posted by seekhelp (Member # 15067) on :
 
I too feel a lot of supplements are just money down the drain.
 
Posted by JR (Member # 16898) on :
 
Since you trust your LLND so much-perhaps if you explained the financial crunch she/he would help you prioritize, too.
And perhaps allow an every other conference call which might be less expensive?
 


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