i'm new, please advise! ramble...

i'm recovering from pneumonia again. i haven't had it for a couple years. in fact, i was trying to not have to go to the dr at all just so i could try again for insurance! ha!

how do i get help when i can't afford the doctors, the tests? can't get insurance? i feel like i just have to deal with it. my pcp is considerate when i call. most times i don't have to go in.

when i complained to him about it all, he said fibro. but unless i go through a battery of tests, see specialists, can't know for sure. so no true diagnosis.

that doesn't help with work-no real diagnosis. i've read and read, and i know i may get flak about it, but i know i'm not crazy. i'm not making it up.

my aunt has had a diagnosis, though. we have so much in common. heredity...

i don't know what to do from here. good diet. gentle exersize. i think my recovery from pneumonia has dragged a bit. i'm really trying to take care of myself. it's still cold outside, so i'm going a little stir crazy on top of everything.

please, someone. a kind word. i'm like my dog-grabbing my tail and twirling around and around. blah! thanks for listening.

As for meds, there are a lot of websites where you can qualify for free meds. The one I like the most is www.needymeds. com

As far as tests for fibro, there really are none. Most everyones bloodwork comes back normal. The only tests are the tender point tests that the doctor will do to see if you have the tender points around your neck, shoulders, etc.

I wish you luck. Feel free to PM me anytime, I will try to help you with medication sites to go to. Also try Target, Walmart and Kroger, they all have $4 meds.

I know it can be really difficult to deal with the lack of insurance while trying to get medical treatment. May I ask why you don't qualify for government help? I don't mean to be nosy, but I might be able to help you work around it. Sometimes you might qualify for Medicaid, but no other assistance. It is worth a try.

You can also try teaching hospitals or doctor's offices for possible discounts (check with university), health fairs (check w/ local hospitals), and I am trying to think of some others.

Some of the drug manufacturers also offer discounted or free prescription programs.

Try this website:

https://www.pparx.org/Intro.php

Either way, this site is a Godsend. There are many people here to help you and provide support.

Keep your chin up!

doctors that are in private practice have given me discounts (they're hard to find!), but they will not when they are working in a group for a hospital.

i have gotten discounted meds by providing proof of income. thank you both for those rx websites--i bookmarked them!

but for a "real" diagnosis-my pcp wants to run a bunch of tests to eliminate other possibilities--nevermind that i passed the "tender point" test--that's where he said i "might" have fms. heavy sigh.

i was really frustrated this am, crying, typing. thank you all for the hugs and kind words.

Welcome to the best support group you will ever find!

I am sorry you are having such a hard time. I find that I am in the same boat as you so if you find anything out. Let me know.

As far as getting answers we are in the best place.

When we are having a bad day, one of us who is having an okay day, will be here to lift us up. If one of us is having a bad day, it might be you that makes all the difference.

We laugh here and we cry here. Sometimes member don’t sign on for weeks but when they come back, it is as if they never left.

I hope you find what you need here. We all are living our lives with FM so never be afraid to vent or ask ANY question you may have.

HUGS!

Amy

We made up FM car magnet ribbons as a group. They are really nice. I have some extra at cost. They are $1.50 if you want one, just PM me. Thanks!

Welcome to our familly. I know you will find alot of understanding and help here. Glad to have you here. Jean

Sorry to have gotten off topic a bit there. Anyways, check with some of your local churches, red cross, and other organizations like that. Often times they may not be able to help, but know of others that can. If you do a web search for pharmacutical (sp?) programs, you can find several that will help as long as you don't have insurance for medicines. These are offered at very low cost in the most extreme cases to no charge at all. You do have to get your physician to fill out forms and send proof of income. It takes about a month the first time and then your doctor can mail/fax/call in the following refills. I will see if I can find some other suggestions for you also. My brain is kinda on "fibro brain fog" today and the weather is rainy and damp which makes the pain a bit worse. Luckily it's not freezing

I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and will post any further suggestions I can find. Would you mind posting your general area or state? That way can specify the area to find more relevant results.

God Bless!