need some shoulders

I'm sending you hugs (( ))...

That's the hard part about disability...even though there have been a few people who get approved early...it's more likely that it will take us even up to a few years.

And I can certainly empathize with the money issues. I have had no insurance for 6 years now as well as 0 income, I went on food stamps last November, and I am single and had to move in to help take care of my mom. I have had to sell pretty much everything I own and I do not eat out, go out, or spend a penny on entertainment. I have my old laptop and computer that would be worth a few hundred bucks at a pawn shop but worth so much more to me as my only entertainment and link to the world.

So...it's really about trying to take it one day at a time. I think we have to mentally "steel" ourselves at how long this process is going to take and if something happens faster..then that is a bonus...but I prefer being more realistic and planning around the fact it may take years.

Hopefully even though the prices went up for you....that you don't have to make many trips to the ER for life threatening issues.

As far as Christmas goes...besides any children you have...I would just not exchange regular presents with your hubby...There can be fun non monetary presents that you can give like gift certificates to a backyard picnic, back rub, special evening that you cook whatever they like..etc.

And even with children...you do not have to cave into outside pressure with buying expensive "gadgets" for them...I grew up without much and it's about the love and the quality time they spend with you.

So...it's more important to put every penny aside for the possiblity that the disability can take a long time.

It's wonderful that you have a spouse who seems to be understanding and loving and willing to step up to provide for his family...that is a HUGE blessing that many don't have..

So even though things seem bleak right now....try to think about all the things you do have.

Remember: most offices work a standard Monday-through Friday schedule, and that in these days of budget cuts, callbacks are not as speedy as we might wish. At least two business days is not unreasonable.

Oh, Lady, that does sound tough.

But it's not in any way your fault! Feeling lousy and under so much stress, it's so easy to spiral downward into guilt. Sometimes I think that's our "default mode," for whatever reason.

We are on the edge of having to go without health insurance. It's scary. I scrimp and cut coupons and try to hold down costs on groceries and the little things because that's all I have control over. I'd like to have a garage sale (but my hubby always says that's pointless, and that I don't understand the big picture. Of course he's right, it is just a band-aid fix - and anyway, I sure can't do it without him.) I take little sub jobs when I feel well enough, and check the want ads....and there's never anything in there I could do.

I watch him work too hard, pay all the bills, and try to bring in more business. After being in private practice for 28 years, this is what it's come down to. It's largely due to my medical bills, and of course, the economy. And the fact that I've never been able to pull my own oar financially. He understands, but sometimes I feel he does resent me for this, though he says he doesn't.

So I know what you mean about feeling responsible...even though I know logically it's not my fault, not due to bad choices or a character flaw. In our culture, less able = less worthy. It takes a lot of positive self-talk to buoy myself up each day.

At least we can come on here and support eachother.

Debbie

As of today I have no insurance either. My only income now is a small unemployment insurance wage. I'm trying to find a job I can handle and pay my bills with.
I found out the supplier of my asthma medicine has a free medication program for needy people. I've just got to get the paperwork filled out and get the doctor to fax my perscription to them.

I spoke privately with the accountant of one of my doctors and she said if I had no insurance my next appointment will just be $40 and nothing else! I'm hoping my other doctors are that understanding. The next appointment is in October.