SunRa
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3559
posted
just wondering if anyone had ideas...
i still cant drive and i cant handle public transportation due to severe neuro sx (besides, i am not in a city and the transportation in my area is not close enough or convienient).
my wonderful bf and friends drive me when they can, but everyone has busy schedules during the day and i'm often cancelling appts just b/c i cant get there.
cabs are pricy here and i'm nervous enough about having to go to appts alone when i feel this sick let alone worrying about creepy cab drivers.
are there other resources I dont know about?
any suggestions would be much appreciated. thanks!!
oh, and i have a long ways until i'm elderly (age wise), or else i'd hop on their bus
[ 01. February 2007, 07:29 PM: Message edited by: SunRa ]
Posts: 1563 | From MA | Registered: Jan 2003
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Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707
posted
Hey there Sunshine!
You certainly do have a problem on your hands, don't you? But, I think there could be some resolutions worked out if we collectively put our brains together.
Just off the top of my head...
Have you tried contacting any of your local support groups? Perhaps you could share a ride to the doc on the same day as someone else? Or perhaps someone would be willing to pick you up and run a few errands while your apt. was happening?
I know that there are also local church groups that are willing to offer this sort of service for those in need. Try checking the phone book and calling around to see who offers this in your area.
There is also a National Ride Share program in place. It may be a long shot, but one never knows? www.erideshare.com
Are you near a campus? Most college students would do practically anything for a little extra spending money, and many are willing to volunteer simply out of the goodness of their hearts.
High school students may also be able to get some sort of credit for volunteer hours, so I would contact local schools as well.
The Metropolitan Transit Authority in many cities offer special buses and other services such as discount fares, "reserve-a-ride programs, or regional ride sharing.
Medicaid can also offer free transportation to your doctor's office. For details on available services, check with your local Metropolitan Transit Authority.
What about neighbors? Can any of them spare an hour or so periodically? (could be in exchange for something you feel you could do for them?)
Lastly, I would most certainly speak with your doctor about this. Perhaps one of his/her staff members or patients would be willing to help you out.
Take good care of you!
Much love, Melanie
Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003
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posted
Hey there!! I think contacting a support group is a very good idea! Let us know if you are successful in finding a solution.
If you were here, I'd pick you up!!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
melanie, great ideas; just added this link to my newbie's links/advise! thanks mel!
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SunRa
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3559
posted
quote:Originally posted by Melanie Reber: Have you tried contacting any of your local support groups? Perhaps you could share a ride to the doc on the same day as someone else? Or perhaps someone would be willing to pick you up and run a few errands while your apt. was happening?
Melanie! WOW! you're too much!!! THANK YOU for all these wonderful ideas!!
I haven't contacted any local support groups, but especially for getting to LLMD appts, that's a great idea.
quote: There is also a National Ride Share program in place. It may be a long shot, but one never knows? www.erideshare.com
cool, I love this, I had no idea it existed! I checked it out and didnt see any rides in my area at this time, but I'll definitely bookmark it.
quote:Are you near a campus? Most college students would do practically anything for a little extra spending money, and many are willing to volunteer simply out of the goodness of their hearts.
yes i am near a couple! getting them to not have the music on and understand why I STILL need to have ear plugs in may be confusing to most though, hehe. I wonder how I'd go about asking? I thought about putting a post on craigslist or something, but worried I'll get some creeps rather than the sensitive art school hottie i'm looking for. haha jk
quote:Medicaid can also offer free transportation to your doctor's office. For details on available services, check with your local Metropolitan Transit Authority.
wow how do you know all this?!! you're amazing. I do have medicaid, so I will definitely look into this.
quote:What about neighbors? Can any of them spare an hour or so periodically? (could be in exchange for something you feel you could do for them?)
I moved to this town in the summer and have been quite the hermit. I DO KNOW there are way too many loud kids around for my brain to handle! I believe the few adults I've met work during the days.
quote:Lastly, I would most certainly speak with your doctor about this. Perhaps one of his/her staff members or patients would be willing to help you out.
again, good idea.
seriously, I can't thank you enough for all the time and energy you put into your response. I will look into some of your suggestions tomorrow.
much gratitude and love to you too! Posts: 1563 | From MA | Registered: Jan 2003
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SunRa
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Member # 3559
posted
quote:Originally posted by Lymetoo: Hey there!! I think contacting a support group is a very good idea! Let us know if you are successful in finding a solution.
If you were here, I'd pick you up!!
awww thanks Lymetoo!! but are you sure about that? b/c i just may move to TX someday and take you up on that! one ride with me and you'll be eating your words Posts: 1563 | From MA | Registered: Jan 2003
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sizzled
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Member # 1357
posted
SunRa, I will PM you.
Posts: 4258 | From over there | Registered: Jul 2001
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cactus
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
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posted
Hey SunRa, here's one more idea. I made all the phone calls to local churches & services as well (didn't like needing to ask for help, but I did it!)...
Ended up getting a referral to a one-person company called something like "Sending an angel" - for a minimal fee, she drives people to appts, and helps out with anything that needs to be done (from cleaning and shopping and cooking to rounding up escaped cows! No kidding.)
She was also very helpful in referring me to students and other people who could help out for small fees.
I keep her magnet on the fridge, as my back up - just in case all the other options fail.
Maybe there is something like that in your area?
Good luck!
-------------------- �Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?� - A.A. Milne Posts: 1987 | From No. VA | Registered: May 2005
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Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707
posted
Hey Sunshine,
I am so pleased that a few of these ideas seem doable for you! I am happy to help in anyway. You know how it is...there is a small window of opportunity at times when the brain kicks in, and you happened to of caught me on an open window day
Most of these solutions I simply pulled from an older post:
I had actually forgotten that you were a fellow art student! I would then suggest that you contact the Chair of the Art Dept., explain your special needs... and I am sure that he/she will know of who could be counted on to understand your requirements.
Remember, even though those ``artist types'' are a bit odd, their sensitivities also usually include much empathy to others with special needs.
You may also want to do the same with the Psychology chair?
Also, the local High school counselors would know who was reliable there and could be trusted.
Although Craig's list is a wonderful resource, I too think I would be a bit leery of finding someone without recommendations first.
Best to you on your search! Oh, and BTW, how is that funky calf sis of yours doing?
Hey Cactus, Great idea! Hey Mizz Sizz! Hey Toots! Thanks Miss Betty.
My best, Melanie
Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003
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CaliforniaLyme
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 7136
posted
I would definitely contact a local support group!!
Many members here locally have carpooled over the years and also some people will simply drive you as a service to a fellow Lymie. I have driven dozens of people to appointments, one for over 4 & 1/2 years every 2 months!!! It is actually a really nice way to get to know other Lymed people!!!!!!!!!!
MOST support groups have an online group now so you could even just join your local state or local area group ONLINE and write in for help!! Best wishes, Sarah
-------------------- There is no wealth but life. -John Ruskin
All truth goes through 3 stages: first it is ridiculed: then it is violently opposed: finally it is accepted as self evident. - Schopenhauer Posts: 5639 | From Aptos CA USA | Registered: Apr 2005
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SunRa
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3559
posted
Thanks everyone!!!
while researching some of your ideas today, I decided to look in our local paper and there was an ad for "Driving Miss Daisy" - not the movie, but a woman who brings clients shopping, to dr's appointments, etc!! (but if she's Miss Daisy, shouldn't I be driving her? )
I didnt have any referrals for her, but thought I'd call anyway and she seemed like a lovely lady. I'm desperate for a ride this monday and she was available, so we'll see how it goes! Hopefully I make it back alive. living in this day and age does make one a bit paranoid huh?
I'm actually more nervous about having to go into an appt alone! my brain is so bad I can never comprehend or retain what the dr says. but i always go in with everything i need to say written down so i dont need to think too much.
I can't believe I saw her ad! I still need to find someone more affordable and will definitely look into your suggestions, but for right now I hope this works out.
cactus and CaliforniaLyme - thanks so much for the advice, I really appreciate it!!
Melanie - again, I'm soo grateful for all your help. thanks for the ideas about contacting schools too. haha the little calf is doing pretty well! she's living on your coast now - out in Victoria, British Columbia with her wonderful Canadian boyfriend. I miss her! ::sniff sniff::
she's still battling lyme, but doing it with style...literally! she's a talented artist as well and started her own clothing company!
I hope you have more and more "open window days" take good care of yourself and thanks again!
I'll keep you all posted...
Posts: 1563 | From MA | Registered: Jan 2003
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Melanie Reber
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posted
Hey sweetie pie,
I am so pleased that you saw the Daisy Driver- wonderful! At least this week will be covered.
If no one can go with you to the doc, try and take a small tape recorder with you.
I know how much info is quickly discussed, and how easy it is to forget what is said (by both of you), even when you do try and write down things and come prepared with your questions.
A small tape recorder, will let you remember everything.
So happy to know that sis is doing so well! Bless her heart. Tell her hey when you get a chance.
Love ya, M
Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003
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just don
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posted
Hi SunRa, I was going to suggest a small recorder too, anything you could replay for the full effect every few days.If needed.
I have a question for 'you' AND Cactus---
How much do these people charge for driving you to appointments, doing stray errands, chasing cows( I 'AM' qualified there) etc.??
Reason I ask is I had a brain charge(either that or stray voltage) the other day that 'maybe' I could do something similiar since I need employment of gainful nature!!!
I would think a 'stronger' guy might be useful for some situations. I would have to saw off my horns and polish my pitchfork some,,,but do-able!!
Anybody know what if ANY special insurance one would NEED for this???beings --just don--here
-------------------- just don Posts: 4548 | From Middle of midwest | Registered: May 2001
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posted
Hi SunRa, pm me and let me know where you live. If near me I may be able to help. My brain is working these days and I don't get lost driving any more. Haven't lost my car lately either. hats
Posts: 956 | From MA | Registered: Nov 2004
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cactus
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posted
Sunra, glad you found some help!
Don, if you're still looking for gainful employment - she charges $15 per hour, within 10 miles, with an additional charge per mile after that.
No clue what kind of ins. you'd need, but we got copies of her driving records, police report (clean), and references. Seems like she had some kind of ins, too, can't remember.
Cactus
-------------------- �Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?� - A.A. Milne Posts: 1987 | From No. VA | Registered: May 2005
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SunRa
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3559
posted
thanks for the advice. And for reminding me about the tape recorder!! I always forget that option!
just don - there are lots of people out there needing all types of handyman work. Miss Daisy charges $12/hr for shopping and rides to appointments. I don't know anything about insurance though.
I was researching on craigslist.org and I couldnt believe how many creative situations are out there! There were people (even a professional chef!) who were willing to do household chores, shopping, cooking, etc. in exchange for a room.
I seriously thought about it since we have an extra room, but then I decided as much as we need and would LOVE the extra help, I don't think I could share my living space with another person right now.
Around here, people who own trucks often make money by offering to help people move (cheaper than UHaul), deliver furniture from a store, etc.
good luck!!
Hats - I will PM you! thank you! Posts: 1563 | From MA | Registered: Jan 2003
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hopeful123
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posted
hi,
i live in a teensy tiny town and we have an organization which drives folks to doctors' apointments.
hope you find something in your neck of the woods.
i know it's tough.
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