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Posted Yesterday 6:08 AM (GMT 0)
I just lost my part time job today - which carried my medical benefits. I've been out on medical leave for a lumbar fusion surgery 2 months ago. NOT protected by FMLA because I didn't work enough hours. I have a small part time business, but haven't been active in it since surgery. And now winter is upon us, so there's snow shoveling to contend with and the surgery did not relieve the nerve pain. Guess I just needed to reach out for some support. Keeping my health ins. will cost me $300/month. I'm nearly 58 and have never been in this position - no job, and no physical ability to work somewhere else at the moment. I know many of you can relate. My stomach feels like someone punched a hole right through me. I'm scared. Alone and scared.
Posted Yesterday 6:32 AM (GMT 0)
IM SORRYthis has happened to you.  its rough, "not sure what to say" Dont give up, believe the best... its a long road.

One way we make, some how, some way!  sure others will respond, I just wanted to say Dont give up , believe.

Prayers for you PA lady!   (HUGS) in Jesus  :)

Posted Yesterday 12:26 PM (GMT 0)

I'm so sorry to hear about what you are going through.  I'm 52 and I haven't worked for two years but thankfully I had disability through my employer.  BUT --that ended in July when Liberty Mutual decided that I could do some type of work and cut off my benefits.  I was already in the process of applying for disability through the government and just recently received my first denial from them.  SO - I'll have to have my lawyer file for reconsideration which will be denied too and then file for an appeal.  This could go on forever.  My husband works but he can't handle all of the expenses so I am now faced with the task of finding a job after the first of the year.  I have bad back issues and don't know what I'll be able to do.  I'll be on pain drugs whatever I get hired to do.  Our insurance benefits costs us $770/month and with my health problems I cannot be without it.

 

You said you had a fusion?  I had a triple fusion in 1998 and was pain free until 3 years ago.  I just finally had to leave work on disability.

 

I understand all the feelings that you are going through - I never sleep any more because I just lay awake at night worrying - ha - like I can do anything about the problems at 2 AM!! tongue

 

I don't know if I can be of any help other than to be here to support you when you need it and pray for you too!

 

Melanie

Posted Yesterday 2:33 PM (GMT 0)
Is that Cobra insurance you have . You might want to check AARP insurance it may be cheaper .

Posted Yesterday 3:17 PM (GMT 0)
I have no idea what to say. I am so sorry you are going thru this. See about getting disablity. Big Hugs!!!!!!!
Posted Today 12:18 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for all your support everyone. Melanie50 - your response was very helpful. So good not to feel completely alone, but I'm still pretty terrified about my future. I know applying for disability is at best a long term solution, and I'll have to use the remainder of my small 401k to survive for a couple of months. Beyond that it'll be government programs, and I'll likely lose everything I've spent my life working for. Be grateful you have a husband who at least is bringing in some money, and hopefully is supportiv in other ways - although I could really relate to the lying awake nights comment!
Posted Today 3:31 AM (GMT 0)
Hi PAlady!

And welcome to our family. I'm sorry you're so alone...that must be an awful feeling. But there are resources for people in your situation. Many drug companies will give you free medications if you need them. Call your local Red Cross. They might be able to get you on state insurance. Doesn't have to be a national disaster to get help from them. Also, below are some sites that can help with medication programs. Maybe on of them can help.

We're here for you any time you need us.
Chutzie

http://www.themedicineprogram.com/
http://needymeds.com/
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofa/
Posted 12/3/2007 2:51 AM (GMT 0)
melanie50 - the same thing happened to me. Had LTD benefits supposedly to age 65, but at one year, Mutual of CrapOnAll decided I too, could work. I love the way they said that evidence leading to initial acceptance would NOT be considered for continuing benefits. They got no updated information from my doctors, and used only information from "their" doctor. "Their" doctor's first words to me were, "I don't do (your medical problem), I do spines. Why did they send you to me?" Nice huh? So yeah, I'm in the same boat. Selling off assets, and now trying to figure out how to pay a $4,000 tax bill that my DH somehow managed to not save for over the past year. THAT's a whole different set of issues, but somehow it's entirely my fault for our financial situation. Ugh, I never should have gotten started down this path. Pain really does screw up your whole life...
Posted 12/3/2007 5:47 AM (GMT 0)
You said it all in that last sentence, Tex!
Posted 12/5/2007 6:51 AM (GMT 0)

Don't feel alone, there are a lot of us right here with you.  I am also in chronic pain and cannot find the cause and it's been almost 2 years and they can't find the root of the problem.  I wish I knew more abt. Insurance to help you.  I do know that Starbucks gives benefits to part time employees and 401 K etc.  You might want to check into a job there, maybe that would help.  Just an idea, sometimes life just hits with a big snow ball and all you can do is put it where you hurt and numb it up.  We are here if you just need 2 let off some steam.  Take care good luck and pray, I will send some prayers your way...

Happy Holidays,

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