Let me first say how sweet you are to help your Aunt and be so concerned. Those with Lyme do need help sometimes and I am glad to see you pitch in like this...very good.

Next...I am in a big hurry but stopped in while having late lunch...so...I don't have time to sort, read, and make this a nice, easy to read post. I have gone thru my files and pulled a few links where we have discussed drug info at a low cost. I haven't even reread them but since you are going tonight I wanted you to have a response of some sort in case someone else had not checked in before you left.

If at all possible have your Aunt visit us here. We have support groups in different areas and tons of info. Someone here can probably answer most of her questions and provide some understanding and support.

Again, sorry this isn't as neat and easy, but here are a few things to read. Oh yeah...You may want to find Dr. Burascano's Guidelines 2000 here at this site and print them out for her. They are long...but she can refer to it often and it is well worth the effort. Look to the online library for his guidelines (to the left of the screen).

May I suggest she contact her old doc's office that treated her before. They should have info on how/where to get drugs at a discount.

Let us know if we can be of any help. I do not know if she can lick the disease so I can't really give you a good, honest answer. There is hope, with the right treatment, and long enough treatment, this would be very possible. We have seen it happen.

One more note....She is probably very depressed at this point. Knowing you care will help her spirits. Tell her we care too.

It is over 30 pages but well worth it!
Good Luck to you and your aunt.
Paula
1.Free medications http://www.themedicineprogram.com/

The Medicine Program RX
P.O. Box 515
Doniphan, MO 63935-0515
Telephone (573) 9967300

2. Many pharmaceutical companies have patient assistance programs and provide free meds to those who need them. For IV Rocephin, Roche Pharmaceuticals manufacturers it, and their phone number is (973) 235-5000. Call and ask about their patient assistance program.

For a list of other drugs, their manufacturer, and contact information, check out: http://www.institutedc.org/pd370r4.htm

3. The following website is for free or low cost medical care and drugs. The organization was established by volunteers dedicated to helping people who cannot afford medical care or prescription medicine. www.FinancialAssistanceNetwork.org

or the phone number is 202 595-1039

4. Drug assistance program:

http://www.phrma.org/patients/

5. This site lists a lot of the different meds and how to go about getting them. http://NEEDYMEDS.COM/

6. Free Medications for Low Income Patients http://www.cpmission.com/gallery.html

7. Links to Insurance Assistance, Claims, Disabilities, etc.: http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Oasis/6455/insurance-links.html

8. The following are state telephone numbers to call for information about pharmaceutical-assistance programs in that state. Sorry not all states are listed. This came from an AARP newsletter.

Connecticut:860-832-9265
Delaware: 800-996-9969, ext.17
Maine: 888-600-2466
Maryland: 410-767-5394
Massachusetts: 800-243-4636
Michigan: 517-373-8230
Minnesota: 800-333-2433
Nevada:800-243-3638
New Jersey: 800-792-9745
New York:800-332-3742
Pennsylvania:800-225-7223
Rhode Island:401-222-2858
Vermont:800-529-4060
Wyoming: 307-777-7531

I can't thank you both enough for the information and thanks for getting it over so quickly. Due to the snow storm we are getting in Boston I will be heading down to see my Aunt Saturday instead of tonight (which is great because I have a lot of new info to read). Right know I am printing Dr. Burrascano's Guidlines and will be bringing much more info down also. I did a lot of research today and really feel for those who have to deal with Lyme. This network seems great and very supportive and I will definately tell her about you all. One of the toughest things about Lyme seems that family or loved ones usually don't understand the disease and may not be supportive - especially to those who have had for long time (I know this because I have seen in my own family).
Thanks again, KEITH

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Amoxicillin is a lot less costly and has been much more effective for me. See:

Lyme disease personal history for Art Doherty http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Spa/6772/my-lyme-disease-history.txt

Doxycycline vs amoxicillin and Lyme disease http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Oasis/6455/doxy-amox.txt

Lyme disease information from Art Doherty http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Spa/6772/on-lyme-disease.txt

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For more information on Lyme disease, see:

Lots Of Links On Lyme Disease http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Oasis/6455/lyme-links.html