posted
I'm a single parent of 2 teenage girls, and drowning financially. I know alot of us are in that same position, due to this stupid, awful disease.
I really don't know what to do anymore. I'm scared every single day that I will lose our home. I do get some food assistance, and have been to the relief office for help with my electric bill. But there are other things that I can't find assistance for. Ex. - My car is falling apart, bad tie rods, wheel bearings, and tires are so bald they need air in them every other day. Not being able to afford little things like toilet paper, tampons, shampoo, laundry soap, gas.
I don't tell the girls how bad it really is, but being teenagers, they know. Neither of them have had birthday gifts this year. It breaks my heart every time I have to tell them no. And on top of that I feel extremely selfish that I am treating this disease, or trying to anyways.
My question is - Does anyone know of any resources, services, medical/prescription services, volunteer resources (to help with household things like cleaning gutters or fixing leaks in my roof) that I am not aware of?
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Posts: 111 | From northeast Iowa | Registered: Oct 2006
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nefferdun
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 20157
posted
I am really sorry to hear about your financial problems. I don't know of any place you can get what you are asking for, but just want to offer some emotional support.
I would not give up medication as you will just get so sick you cannot function to work or anything else. I don't know what you have been using but abx is much cheaper than herbs and works better, in my opinion.
There are cheaper and more expensive treatment options. You can also order abx from India which is a lot cheaper than what you have to pay for it here.
You need a sympathetic general practitioner to help with blood work. The best option is always a LLMD but they are expensive. The most important thing is to know exactly what you are infected with so you treat everything. But this means multiple drugs and you need oversight when you use a lot of abx. A smart caring GP can help.
I wish I could remember the name of this online organization. It puts people together that need services which can be traded. So you can get someone to fix your roof in exchange for what you are capable of doing, like babysiting or whatever.
i believe you do not even make a direct trade with the person you need. It is a pay it forward kind of thing. You get credits for what you do which is applied to what you need.
If you belong to a church you could check with them for help. THere is also the food pantry. Hope things begin to look up for you. I know a lot of people are suffering these days through no fault of their own and it is hard to ask for help.
-------------------- old joke: idiopathic means the patient is pathological and the the doctor is an idiot Posts: 4676 | From western Montana | Registered: Apr 2009
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glm1111
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 16556
posted
There is a thread in General Support titled
"So What Do I Do When I Run Out Of Money For Treatment."
You would probably benefit by checking it out. Good Luck,
Gael
-------------------- PARASITES/WORMS ARE NOW RECOGNIZED AS THE NUMBER 1 CO-INFECTION IN LYME DISEASE BY ILADS* Posts: 6418 | From philadelphia pa | Registered: Jul 2008
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METALLlC BLUE
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6628
posted
Go on Oral Tetracycline for awhile, see how you do with a cycle for 6-8 months. It'll give you a break financially and may also improve some symptoms along the way since it covers a wide range of co-infections (partially effective).
In the meantime you can do research and fill out forms and all that fun stuff for free services. Gael mentioned the thread "Run Out Of Money". I posted a lot in that thread and you may find some of that useful too.
-------------------- I am not a physician, so do your own research to confirm any ideas given and then speak with a health care provider you trust.
Topic: So, what DO you do when you run out of money for treatment?
======================
Your local lyme support group may have a book to loan you that can help you figure out some support methods.
Can you tolerate garlic? I know that if buying shampoo is tight, getting even one supplement can be hard, too. If there is anyway that your stomach is strong enough, one or two cloves (smaller parts of the overall garlic head) . . . well, that can be of some help. --------
Topic: How to find an ILADS-educated LL ND (naturopathic doctor), L.Ac. (acupuncturist), etc.
Includes how to find an ILADS-educated LL ND, an Acupuncturist, a doctor of Oriental Medicine (O.M.D.), or a doctor of Ayurvedic Medicine (D.Ay.), certified herbalists or nutritionists, etc.
Includes many articles and books on complementary / integrative methods - & RIFE links.
BODY WORK links are also included. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- As for other resources:
Google: "United Way" "northeast Iowa" to find your closest one. They have many suggestions for other agencies and volunteers, etc.
Best of luck. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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yes and often local churches have something they can offer...even in small towns.
Especially around holidays...
Women's shelter might have referral sources
-------------------- Not everything in life that can be counted counts and not every thing that counts can be counted...Albert Einstein Posts: 208 | From Northeast | Registered: Aug 2010
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nefferdun - if that online organization comes to mind would you please pm me? I have always loved that whole idea of pay it foward, I wish my community had something like that. That is what I would like to work on when I kick this nasty disease.
The run out of money thread had some great ideas also. I will check out the united way and salvation army, but I know there is neither of them locally, they may have some ideas though.
As for the church thing - I just recieved a letter from them a few weeks ago with an enclosed envelope telling me that they have noticed that I have not contributed to the church in the last few years. (GEEZ - I wonder why?) They are trying to reach their much needed campaign goal. The letter said they will be in contact with me soon, if they do not recieve a response. My God - I haven't even been able to go to church for years as I am too sick to sit through it.
Keebler - I sure wish we had a local lyme support group here. There isn't even one close. That's another thing I'll have to work on when I'm able.
Thanks again
Posts: 111 | From northeast Iowa | Registered: Oct 2006
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momlyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 27775
posted
My goodness. Churches send letters home asking for money? That is just wrong!
I have a couple of friends who have added my son to the "prayer list" at their churches. I have been trying to get up the desire/motivation to visit one of these churches... but I had a falling out with a priest and have not stepped foot in a church since. I /we as a family have other ways of being grateful to God, praying, meditating, etc. Organized religion has not been part of my life in over 10 years!
I am sorry you have no support group in your area. Have you seen anyone in this forum who is fairly close? Maybe even a long distance friend through email, facebook or PM on this forum?
Being a single mom is hard enough. Dealing with a highly misunderstood disease AND raising children on your own... you need all the support you can get!
Are you working full time?
-------------------- May health be with you!
Toxic mold was suppressing our immune systems, causing extreme pain, brain fog and magnifying symptoms. Four days after moving out, the healing began. Posts: 2007 | From NY/VT Border | Registered: Aug 2010
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posted
Our local high school French Club only does charitable work. Maybe your high school has clubs like this too. Perhaps they could help out.
Posts: 303 | From green bay, wi | Registered: Mar 2009
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posted
momlyme - yes that would be my catholic church.
Shortly before I got sick I started to go to a non-denominational church (just thought I would check it out, as it was new, and I needed to find something, as my husband was very controlling, abusive, etc.) I was feeling very alone, depressed, unloved, and had no self-esteem and noone.
I had been raised catholic, and never got or understood anything when I would go to church. Then I found this new church and loved it. The pastor there was awesome. I finally GOT it. He would take everyday life issues and relate it to the bible. I found God.
Then I got sick. I was unable to go to church as I could not walk. I was in a wheelchair. I couldn't even sit for more than 10 minutes at a time. I had a salon in my home and I had to quit working.The phsycological and verbal abuse at home continued to get worse by the day.
I had been treated for lyme, was never back to myself, but finally was able to leave my husband 3 years ago.
In those 3 years, I have gradually been getting worse. I have never been able to go back to work full-time as every day is so unpredictable. I do have a less than part-time job (12 hours/week = 3-4hr days) at a nursing home as an activity assistant. Many days unable to make it through the 4 hours, also many days can't work at all due to extreme pain, fatigue, etc. I have to use a walker to walk. Needless to say, I am just not physically capable to even go to my church that I loved so much. I'm lucky just to even get the basic tasks done.
I have applied for disability, denied twice, finally got a lawyer. It could be 12 -18 months before we get a hearing date.
Not having a support group here is very hard. My ex had destroyed basically all of my friendships when we were married as he was such a control freak and would not allow me to see them much. The 2 friends that I have remaining, I don't see or talk with much as I'm just too sick most of the time, and like you said, "This is a very misunderstood disease."
My family is good to me, but they are all so busy with their jobs, kids, etc. They help with tasks when they can - which I am greatful for.
As for my faith - that has gradually gone downhill also. Life is very hard, scarey, and very lonely when you are sick. My children are the reason I am still here. I just started treatment again about 2 months ago, finally found a llmd. Probably time to find God again also.
Sorry for the long venting. This kinda turned into a completely different subject. Thanks everyone.
Oh! I would also take any friends for support.
Posts: 111 | From northeast Iowa | Registered: Oct 2006
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nefferdun
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 20157
posted
I don't go to church any more but a lot of people get a lot of support from them It is possible you church is struggling too as most charities are these day, and the letter they sent you was out of ignorance of you situation. Maybe you should write them back.
You sound very sick. It would be a big mistake to quit abx. What are you taking? Maybe you need to take something else. Your symptoms sound like lyme.
The first drug I did was doxy and then I got Ketek from the GP. You might try one more doctor and ask for a different drug. Ketek is very powerful but you need to monitor your liver.
At least you are out of an abusive marriage and have supportive family. I hope you get some help soon.
-------------------- old joke: idiopathic means the patient is pathological and the the doctor is an idiot Posts: 4676 | From western Montana | Registered: Apr 2009
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I was a single mom with two daughters too... and treated this 9 yrs ago (first time). I know all about the burdens of the everyday bills and things.
I was living in q town in Montana at the time, and there was an organization that was a christian one in the area, in which they would have one day a month dedicated to fixing single mom's cars and helping with what they needed. It was called Love INC.
This is the website. And it looks like there are locations in Iowa!!! There are 4 locations!!
Churches do not make us christians... having Christ in our hearts do.
-------------------- Lyme, Babs, Fry Bug..... Whatever it is, may a treatment be discovered to make us all whole again! Posts: 941 | From AZ-MT | Registered: Oct 2004
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Hoosiers51
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15759
posted
I would just ignore the letter from the church, and not take it personally. I'm sure if they knew your situation, they wouldn't have sent it.
Personally, I would not put myself into financial ruin for treatment. This comes from someone who has done a lot of treatment. I like Metallic Blue's idea of just going on one cheap antibiotic for a long period of time. Another option is Amoxicillin. That is very cheap. It works best in high doses, but even the high doses are very cheap, out-of-pocket. Some people do well just on Amoxicillin alone.
If you can't afford a doctor's appointment, you can order Amoxicillin or Tetracycline online through one of those overseas pharmacies that doesn't require a prescription. Just be aware that there are risks in treating yourself. I would do a search on this site to figure out which sites are recommended for that, if you are interested.
If you can't afford anything at all, I would just take good care of your body....obviously no alcohol, etc etc.
Good luck!
Posts: 4590 | From Midwest | Registered: Jun 2008
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sixgoofykids
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11141
posted
I agree with Hoosiers .... it sounds like the Church doesn't know you are in need. You might go to them for help. The letter is a perfect opening ..... maybe they can at least point you to people who can help.
Since you're Catholic, you also might ask for the anointing of the sick. I got great benefit from that sacrament and turned the corner shortly afterward. It's not a "miracle", it just gave me the grace it's supposed to give.
I agree with the posters who have mentioned inexpensive abx.
Also, be sure to exercise. Yoga or light pilates is good for someone with limited abilities and involve exercises that are on the floor so you aren't so limited by your need for a walker. Walks are good, too. Light strength training. Dr. B has seen people go into remission with exercise alone. I realize you're limited, but there has to be some level you are capable of doing three times per week.
EFT/tapping can help with emotional trauma. Dr. H, a top LLMD in NY, says that people have to address emotional trauma to get better. It sounds like you've been through your share. The EFT manual can be downloaded for free. It helped me get through old verbal abuse issues I had, and most importantly, it's free.
You might treat parasites. Most Lymies have them and they make you feel horrible. The herbs are not expensive. Parastoy is one that people seem to be using lately, and I hear it's cheap. Humaworm is another.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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Lauralyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15021
posted
FWIW coffee enemas are for me the cheapest and one of the most effective detox methods. Instant relief from lyme symptoms. I know this isn't curative and a solution to your problem but it can make you feel alot better to be more functional.
I also agree with Six......herbal parasite treatments are very inexpensive and parasites are a part of this picture for most of us.
-------------------- Fall down seven times, get up eight ~Japanese proverb Posts: 1146 | From west coast | Registered: Mar 2008
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littlebit27
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 24477
posted
I hope you can find some help somewhere. I too am in the same boat except I'm not single. Our daughters are 2 and 6 and we haven't work (and not because of Lyme, but the economony) steady in a while. Our boss is a you know what...
Christmas is around the corner, plus all the past due bills and current bills that are being posted already for due by the beginning of next.
Anyway my point is I get it, I'm drowning too.
I use prescription cards. Either the one the pharmacy uses (they will use one but usuaully they won't offer than info up, usually you have to ask them).
Usually I find the usa drug plan works better. It drops my scripts down from like $180+ to $30. It's extremely helpful when you're broke and don't have any insurance.
Also many pharmacies have that program 4$ or 10$. Usually the script costs a little more than that because you would be taking it in a higher dose and longer duration but it doesn't make it THAT bad.
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