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Posted 4/8/2011 5:00 PM (GMT 0)
Does anyone know what the government counts as "chemical dependency"?

I know we've had a lot of discussions in the past about addiction vs. dependence & all that. I am not addicted to my medication, but it is habituating and I do go through withdrawal when I stop it.

But when I googled "chemical dependency" it seems like it is a synonym for "addiction". I'm asking b/c if I can state that I have a "chemical dependency" then I can get into the state insurance pool which is 100x better than my current insurance. I would be able to see my PM on a regular basis for shots & PT & all that good stuff instead of just keep upping my pain meds. But I don't want to shoot myself in the foot and end up with a black mark on some government file somewhere.

Any thoughts? Has anyone applied for their state's high risk insurance pool? If it helps, I live in IL. But they told me it's based on the federal definition that all states must use -- so it shouldn't matter which state someone applied in. PLEASE HELP! I'm in so much pain & just want to be able to go see my doctor!

Thanks!
Tirzah
Posted 4/8/2011 5:13 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Frances,   These are different descript ions that I found re: what the government deems as chemical dependency (all 3 from different sources).  Probably similar to what you found:   *Chemical dependency is a psychological, and sometimes physical, need to use alcohol or other drugs that doesn't go away even when using them causes negative consequences. It is a primary, chronic disease with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors that influence its development and manifestations.   **Chemical dependence is also used to describe the compulsive use of chemicals (drugs or alcohol) and the inability to stop using them despite all the problems caused by their use   ***the term chemical dependency, refers to a primary illness or disease which is characterized by addiction to a mood-altering chemical.   My brain is not yet functioning enough to properly convey my thoughts.... but I do understand what you are trying to do - which is simply see your doctor and get the care you need.    However - and this is just my opinion - I'd be very careful w/ this route.  For future background checks and so forth - it would come up that you were treated for chemical dependency.  I personally wouldn't want that in any file for me....but that's me and I don't want the government holding anything over me.    On the flip side - I do understand doing what you have to do in order to get proper care.  It's a catch-22.  Hopefully, someone else will be able to offer better insight.... but those are my initial feelings....    I feel for you!  I know you are in lots of pain...  Love, Tina
Posted 4/8/2011 6:06 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, Tina. I'm hoping someone else will have an idea on how to make it work, but what you posted has been what I have seen so far.

They really ought to add in chronic pain (without addiction) to the list of uninsurable conditions. There is no insurer who will cover my condition. All I can get is insurance with that excluded -- there's almost no point. I am having the worst time of things right now. My health is going south & pretty soon I will not even be well enough to keep looking for work.

Temp work is horrible. I get no sick days. Irregular schedule. No insurance. No benefits. I bought a short-term individual plan that will last me through September. After that, I can't even get coverage for injuries. I am getting real tired of never qualifying for assistance when I need it. Then, when they finally change the qualifications, I either can't afford it or there is something new that has come up that now means I don't qualify for the changed program. I just wish I could catch a break. :(
Posted 4/8/2011 6:43 PM (GMT 0)
Tirzah , i am wondering if you are on medicare, which is what i get and the best thing i get from ssi, the monthly check is not much, but medicare pays 80% of medical bills.  i agree with momof8kids, be very careful about wording.  Chemical dependency is sometimes somebodys wording for drug addict.  We none of us are drug addicts, we take the meds we are given to have quality of life.  This is no different from a diabetic needing insulin.  I have always known its a fine line.  Withdrawal plus the cp we are in is unbearable.  no one should ever have to feel like that.
Posted 4/8/2011 8:10 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, Nini. Nope. I'm not on medicare. I don't qualify.
If my health keeps deteriorating & I can't get insurance, I guess I will end up on SSDI. Not really what I want. I want to get a decent, stable job with enough pay, benefits or both to treat my pain & neuro condition. I am fully able to work as long as I can get the shots, PT & meds that I need.

It seems kinda crazy that the state insurance pool accepts drug addicts but doesn't cover drug treatment services. That's partly why I was hoping (it was a long shot hope) that maybe that meant that they were referring to physical dependency rather than addiction. But I think you two must be right. I'll just keep trying to manage without insurance & apply for SSDI when the time comes. :(

thanks,
Tirzah
Posted 4/8/2011 8:44 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, Tirzah,
I'm not around as much as I used to be on the forum, so I don't think we've "met", but before I was forced into not working I worked in a professional capacity with both mental health and addiction issues.

Like others, I would caution you against going the route of having a doctor (you would need a medical professional to diagnose you with a chemical dependency, and that diagnosis would never be removed from your records; the government, per se, doesn't do the diagnosing) diagnose you with any addiction, most especially because you're a chronic pain patient. That would very likely affect the future pain management your current and future doctors would be willing to give you.

That being said, I think it's near criminal (IMHO) that state's are having to cut back so severely on what little insurance was offered for those who weren't eligible for it in other ways. Here in PA., our Adult Basic Insurance program, which cost people over $300/month, was completely eliminated by our new governor. I was nearly on that program, except I couldn't afford even that much so have had to settle for a less expensive version with very minimal benefits. My income is so low I do get a lot of my medications through the pharmaceutical programs, and pay for some of the less expensive generics out of pocket, as I have no prescription coverage. There's a lot of good information in the CP101 thread at the top of the page - you may want to check this out to see if there are any other sources you might be eligible for. Thankfully, I will finally be eligible for Medicare in July, because I was able to get SSD (but there's a 2 year wait from the date SSD certifies your disability began to when you're eligible for Medicare).

If I think of anything else, I'll let you know, but don't go by the limited descriptions you see of "chemical dependency". There's a list of diagnostic criteria just like for any other medical condition that have to be met. And as I said, once you receive that diagnosis, it will never be removed from your records, so think very carefully. Unfortunately, most of us CPP's could probably get a physician to (all too easily) label us with an addiction diagnosis.

Hope this helps a bit. I know what it's like to struggle with insurance.

PaLady
Posted 4/8/2011 11:35 PM (GMT 0)
Hi. I have lived in Washington State and now in New York state and both states I have had medicaid. I'm on SSI though. But there are people that get on Medicaid if they qualify. I find it strange that someone without a job just working thru temp agencies wouldn't qualify for medicaid. That's one thought, if it's offered in your state. It's a shame that you have to go thru all that pain and suffering. I hope you can have a low pain day soon.

hugs
Loretta
Posted 4/9/2011 3:48 AM (GMT 0)
Loretta,
I don't qualify for Medicare. Medicaid is different. Unfortunately the only PM's who accept Medicaid in my area are at the public hospital where the waiting list for an "urgent" appointment is approx. 6 weeks, and for a regular appointment it is nearly 4 months. My PM takes Medicare but not Medicaid.
While checking into Medicaid, I found out there is a SNAP program that might be able to get me some money for food, medication and/or housing right away. My state is flat out broke, but this is the first state-run program I have found that doesn't say they have maxed out & aren't offering benefits so maybe there is some money to be had. I'm going to take my application over on Monday.

PA-
Thanks for the ideas. I do get prescription assistance through a foundation ($2300/month worth of free meds) but the medicine does not work as well so I end up buying some of the good medication at my local pharmacy. I got a discount card that lowers the price by more than 60%, but even with that & only buying half my normal # of doses, it still runs me $460 per month. My PM is incredibly kind-hearted and does an epidural or a handful of facet injections for $100-200 per visit. It's way less than even what he contracts for with insurers, but it's still more than I can pay most months.
And the past few days I've been having seizures after nearly 3 years of being seizure-free. I kinda ran myself down & then my dimwitted professor thought it would be funny to tease me by flickering the classroom lights in between sessions (yes, I told him I had a medical condition that was aggravated by the flickering but he just couldn't take my word on it) so that started seizure #1. I've had 4 more in the past 3 days. Not good. I get my Lyrica for free, but I really wish I could see a doctor. And I probably need to repeat either vestibular therapy or neurophysical therapy, but my "insurance" doesn't cover those either since I have a pre-existing condition. ST insurance gets to exclude all kinds of crazy things. Obamacare will change that, but not 'til 2014 -- like I said, I'm always behind the curve.

Well, I've complained more than I intended to. Thanks all for your support and ideas. I'll try to look at them fresh again tomorrow. Hopefully I'll feel a bit better & can concentrate more. :)

t
Posted 4/9/2011 7:59 AM (GMT 0)
PaLady just a note, Do a search on both the names Tirzah and Paldy, and I believe you and Francis had several conversations together.

My memory is getting horrible as well! smilewinkgrin

I also did a search on the Chemical dependency and came up with the same information as Tina.

Tirzah, many of the companies are going to temp workers as it is much cheaper for them. I have a friend In KC Kansas, and she cannot find a job to save her soul these days,... and that is working with a temp service too!

They pull you off the shelf for a few months job , and then put you right back on the shelf, until needed again.

Good luck to you,

SE wink
Posted 4/9/2011 8:25 AM (GMT 0)
Tirzah,
Did you change your HW screenname? I've not been around much, and I see everyone is calling you Frances, so I'm wondering if you were Frances2008? If so, I definitely remember.

Re: the seizure disorder. I've had some experience personally with this, too, and have found that some of the meds. I take for CP have screwed up my main seizure medication levels and now I've got to be more careful. I don't take lyrica, but do take neurontin and suspect you know they're in the anti-convulsant arena, so if you take other meds for the seizures they could be interacting. I even had trouble with my anti-depressant at first, and had to move very slowly on dosage adjustments, even though it's not supposed to affect seizure threshold. Gets interesting, doesn't it? And that little trick your prof. pulled....shame on him, to say the least.

PaLady
Posted 4/9/2011 8:34 AM (GMT 0)
Palady she went by both screen names and she signed her name as Frances2008 when you and her were posting back in 2009 and earlier.

In fact,.... when she was posting as Tirzah back then, you addressed her as Frances several times. Oh our memory! What will we do!

SE wink
Posted 4/9/2011 10:32 PM (GMT 0)
SE -
Yes, I had a prior screen name. I changed it out of respect for a family member who found out what my username was & was angry I was posting (I was asking for support with a difficult relationship on the Depression forum; though I never used her name or gave identifying information, she was still distressed that I, even using a pseudonym and only posting from my private laptop, would post about our problems to a website).

I never used both names at once, but my posts from before changed over to my new user name and kept the original text (with my old signature). So that's why PA would be confused. I was hoping that it would not be something that could easily be searched, but seeing that it is, out of respect for my family, I think I need to stop my posts and maybe focus on a more private setting for support.

All,
I have very much appreciated the support you have given over the years. You are all wonderful people & I wish you nothing but healing & happiness.

blessings.
Posted 4/9/2011 10:54 PM (GMT 0)
Tirzah/Frances2008, using multiple usernames is against forum rules, see rule number 8.
Posted 4/10/2011 6:09 AM (GMT 0)
Tirzah,
I'm so sorry my question about your name seems to have opened up a can of worms. I had no idea someone would do a search; I certainly didn't. I was only trying to get clarification, and I figured you would answer my question if/when you wanted.

Unfortunately with computers most things can be found one way or another, but I hate to see you leave when you need support.

Straydog - I thought it was only against forum rules if you were attempting to use more than one screen name and/or account at the same time; I think Chutz told me this awhile back when there were problems with a member who was using multiple screen names at the same time. Tirzah said she wasn't doing that. I think other members have changed their screen name, Dani being one I noticed since I haven't been around much. Maybe you could clarify this with Chutz?

Anyway, Tirzah, I hope you return for the support you need.

PaLady
Posted 4/10/2011 6:38 AM (GMT 0)
These are just my thoughts....

I recently changed my "screenname" to reflect my additional children (went from "Momto6boys" to "Momto8kids".  However - everyone knew it was still me...I even made note of why I was switching my name over.  I don't think it's a matter of switching to a new/updated screenname.  That's not what constitutes "having multiple usernames".

I just don't know why anyone (and I'm just saying this in a broad sense) why anyone would post and act like they don't know people they've clearly come to know for many years now (for 3+ years!!). 

I understand on the internet - we can be whomever we want to be.  However, I think of us here as a "family" of sorts and this whole situation felt slightly deceptive to me.  I'm sorry if my comment offends anyone.

I certainly don't want anyone banned who needs support.  But it's hard when you come to care about different people here on the board....people we've interacted with many, many times....and tried to support.... and then they act like they don't even "know" you?? 

I hope this thread doesn't get locked, as I feel it's a healthy discussion that needs clarification.  Thanks.

--Tina

Posted 4/10/2011 7:27 AM (GMT 0)
This has been turned over to the administrator to handle as he see fit.
Posted 4/10/2011 8:27 AM (GMT 0)
Just to clarify - I personally did not feel deceived, as I've not been active on the forum consistently for the past several months. I figured I missed it when Tirzah changed her screen name, as others seemed to know who she was. I was just confused.

But of course I can't speak for others, as I've not been around to make any observations.

PaLady
Posted 4/10/2011 8:45 AM (GMT 0)
As Susie said, it's going to get turned over to administration and we'll go from there....  I don't know why we have to have this drama.  Really. 

I don't think it's a matter of being active, or missing for awhile, on the forum.  There have been times that I've been gone, too.  But we've both been members for years now.... and I've come to remember the majority of people who post frequently, what their stories are and so forth - mostly because I really do care.  When you give your time and such to someone - even if a screenname was changed - it's frustrating for someone to act like they don't know you or that you've just "met".  I have a terrible memory, too, so I don't think it's that either.

All that said, I respectfully disagree....but I was by no means calling any one person out.  My comments were broad based and really meant from a non-argumentative perspective.  I personally hope this thread doesn't get locked or deleted as I really do think healthy disagreement can be fine, as long as it is done in a respectful manner. 

I gotta get to bed!!  Night to all of you -- Tina

 

Posted 4/10/2011 9:20 PM (GMT 0)
I didn't see it as Frances trying to deceive us.

Hugs,

Flower
Posted 4/11/2011 5:53 AM (GMT 0)
Sigh....

I have to say some of what happened here is one of the reasons I stopped reading and posting. Honestly, I don't see any disagreement among any of us. The admin will decide if a rule was broken or not and that will be that.

As far as drama, I think that might have been avoided if Frances had just been given the time to answer my question. This thread's topic wasn't one I would have recognized right away as being hers, although I remember many of the struggles she was having (I was having many of the same ones) with working, finances, etc. I did notice that Tina addressed her by name, and wondered if it might be her, but if her name change hasn't been deceptive to anyone and it's not against the rules, then there's no big deal right? Again, just my opinion.

I'm still sad Frances felt the need to leave, especially if she's not broken any rules, but I guess that's her choice.

Hugs to you, Frances, just in case you're reading.

Sweet dreams to everyone,

PaLady
Posted 4/11/2011 6:12 AM (GMT 0)
I could be wrong....but this kind of "drama" and/or disagreement hasn't happened in a long time.  In fact, I'd say the board has been relatively supportive and peaceful.   I don't know why we can't have a discussion w/out it turning into a drama-fueled situation.

I didn't want Frances to leave.... but, as said, that is her choice. 

I've been on here since 2008.... over time, we've come to know each other, each other's stories, the struggles, the good times and so forth.  The only point I was making was this.... Let's say I started off as "SleeplessinCA".  I made friends, told my story, all of that.  Had many, many conversations w/ all of you with this username.  Then, I switched to "Momto8kids".  Fine - no problem.  We are all entitled to "change" our username.  But then to act like I didn't know any of you???  Especially if someone says "Hey, we haven't met before". 

I'm sorry if no one else agrees w/ me.  I found it bizarre.  I didn't ask for anyone to leave, get banned, get in trouble or whatever.  But it is hard when you give your heart, time and soul to help support other people....and then things like this happen. 

And, if you do a search in 2008 (again, I was member so I didn't just look it up - I remember) - there were many conversations between all of us w/ this person's username.

Enough said.  I know what's going to happen because it always happens.  This thread will get locked or deleted. 

These things happen from time to time.  Overall, though, everyone here is wonderful, supportive and so forth.  Most of us consider each other "family"..... I'm sorry if you disagree w/ my position on all of this, but I still hold to the principle of it.

--Tina

Posted 4/11/2011 6:25 AM (GMT 0)
Tina,
Now that you explain it, I do understand where you're coming from. I just thought she would have come around to doing that (clarifying her past name so I'd know - which she did) if given a chance. Had she NOT done that, then I would agree with you.

Like you, I hate to see threads like this deleted, although maybe enough has been said to have it locked (after we get a clarification of the rule so we all know). I think airing this out is helpful. It's hard when things are only on paper and you don't get any non-verbal cues from communication.

Sweet dreams!

PaLady
p.s. I bet with the new twins you could use the name "Sleepless"! wink

Post Edited (PAlady) : 4/11/2011 12:29:10 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 4/11/2011 6:32 AM (GMT 0)
You too, PaLady.... hope you can sleep, too :)  Just by the time I pass out - someone is waking up to eat.  It never fails.

This situation will work out - as they all tend to do!! :)

Night! --Tina

Posted 4/11/2011 10:17 AM (GMT 0)
Momto8,

I understand where you're coming from too. Before I had written that, I went back and read posts, and there were a few posts I read where everyone was addressing Tiz as Frances, so I figured that everyone knew it was her, so I guess that I was trying to say that I don't think that she was trying to deceive anyone, but, yes, if someone I knew pretended not to know me then I would be upset. I shouldn't have posted anything here. I should have kept out of it, so I am sorry for that. There has not been drama here lately, and it's been WONDERFUL!

Hugs,

Flower
Posted 4/11/2011 4:47 PM (GMT 0)
No worries, Flower :)

I agree w/ ya - we've all got enough going on health-wise, that we don't need any additional drama :)

Have a wonderful day.

--Tina
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