It's not done!
@PointlessQuestions (15397)
United States
September 5, 2012 2:47pm CST
I had a split study last night. Next Tuesday night and I have to have another. I had to cancel a doc appointment because of finances. These two studies are costing ne $40 each in copays. I'll be running out of meds from my spine doc and psyc doc. I'll just have to make due. I still don't know if my bipap machine will be taken from me. I can't worry too much about all this or I'll just have a melt down.
Been having lots of nerve pain but my prescription ran out a couple weeks ago. We just have to do what we have to do to get by, don't we. I'll be going back to Tylenol PM for pain cause there is so little I can take.
The doc called me to say that my oxygen level gets down to 70 when I sleep. He said I stop breathing about 15 times an hour and is even worse when I'm dreaming. Some of my apnea lasts for 45 seconds to a minute. Still now I need that second test.
I'm just venting. I hope that everything turns out okay. I believe it will.
6 people like this
16 responses
@Shellyann36 (11384)
• United States
6 Sep 12
Praying for you and your health and finances. I hope it all turns out well for you. Having to stress over how to pay for medical problems only leads to more problems. Stress causes so many health issues that we just don't realize. Blessings to you.
@PointlessQuestions (15397)
• United States
6 Sep 12
Ibelieve it will turn out okay. I try to always stay positive.
1 person likes this
@PointlessQuestions (15397)
• United States
6 Sep 12
Ibelieve it will turn out okay. I try to always stay positive.
@cher913 (25782)
• Canada
6 Sep 12
i know what you mean. my hubby has had to cancel a blood test twice because we just don't have the $40 needed for it. with having to buy school supplies for both daughters and with one of them off to college, we just don't have any extra money right at the moment.
2 people like this
@PointlessQuestions (15397)
• United States
9 Sep 12
I had to cancel my spine doc twice now. I also had to cancel my psyc after having surgery and will have to wait till next month.
@AmbiePam (92864)
• United States
5 Sep 12
I'm with you. I think it will turn out okay for you. Especially concerning the machine. So often I worry about medical related finances and situations and it works itself out. Like you though, I've run out of medication before and had to make due with Tylenol because I couldn't yet get a refill. It's tough, you have my sympathy.
2 people like this
@PointlessQuestions (15397)
• United States
5 Sep 12
Yea. We have to do what we have to do to get by.
1 person likes this
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
5 Sep 12
I suppose this was doctor ordered, the sleep study? As usually with studies like that it's hosted by a hospital but they pay you for your time and provide any medicine that you have to take with it, free of charge. I imagine the bipap machine wouldn't be something they'd give free of charge though, if they were the ones to issue it.
I'm hoping you can somehow manage to pay for some more of your medications or find something to make due. That is a lot of money, $40 to shell out per sleep study, it's a little ridiculous as co-pays go.
2 people like this
@PointlessQuestions (15397)
• United States
5 Sep 12
Yeah these meds are all prescriptions. I have 3 specialists and I cancelled 2 of the appointments I had due to my finances. I'll have to try and get on schedule next month or I'll be at square one with immobility and nerve pain, and oh when I run out of Wellbutrin and Zoloft I'll be a basket case probably. I have to keep positive though.
@RitterSport (2451)
• Lippstadt, Germany
8 Sep 12
hi dearest PQ you are under a lot of stress now cause these copays eat up your money so fast. How important is that medicine for your spine and the psyc stuff? Which of them is most important and how much would the copay be for that? Let me see whether I can help out and dont worry too much. Hugs.
1 person likes this
@PointlessQuestions (15397)
• United States
9 Sep 12
Well it's just too much. The spine doc is $70 and the psyc is $40. They are noth important because of the meds that have to be prescribed. I'm just going to have to tough it out. I'm already out of some if my psyc meds so I'm depressed and crying over nothing. My nerve pain med is gone and I'm trying to space out my back pain med so I don't run out so fast. Walking and changing position in bed in difficult. I can't take Advil or any med like it due to my stomach surgery. I'm going to get some Tylenol pm to help with the pain before I run out. It doesn't help a lot but it does some.
We all have to make sacrifices sometimes. That's what I have to do now. Hope I can see these docs next month.
@RitterSport (2451)
• Lippstadt, Germany
9 Sep 12
ooopssss that system with these loads of copays where you are. I guess the psyc is more important than the spine doc.....
How about walking a little inside of the house? I guess that would be good for your spine.
@keichan1412 (247)
• United States
5 Sep 12
You also pray to the Lord for your health. One of the best ways for the betterment of your condition... Always have time to take a rest...
@PointlessQuestions (15397)
• United States
5 Sep 12
Amen to that. I'm better than I was 2 weeks ago. 3 weeks ago I couldn't puck my own feet up to get in the tub or put my feet on the ottoman. I have come a long way.
@PointlessQuestions (15397)
• United States
5 Sep 12
Thank you for the thoughts. Yes things always work out. I always try to stay positive in my thoughts.
@cutepenguin (6431)
• Canada
6 Sep 12
I hope everything turns out okay for you as well. If you can treat the sleep apnea, you should feel better because poor quality sleep is probably making you feel worse.
It sounds like at least the tests are getting you answers. You can deal with this, just take it one step at a time.
I hate that medical care costs so much money for you. Here in Canada, we don't have to pay for basic medical care and it's still expensive because of the need to pay for prescriptions.
1 person likes this
@PointlessQuestions (15397)
• United States
9 Sep 12
I don't understand why the US can't have health care more like Canada. Maybe Canada has less people? I don't know. I think it would be good if we could buy insurance out of state.
@winterose (39887)
• Canada
8 Sep 12
oh hon I know how frustrating and discouraged you are. life is hard. What is the normal for oxygen levels while sleeping. I wish you the best of luck.
1 person likes this
@PointlessQuestions (15397)
• United States
9 Sep 12
It sure does get frustrating and depressing. It's hell to get old and I'm not even that old. It's just our health system.
@BarBaraPrz (47343)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
6 Sep 12
Vent away. We don't mind. Just take care of yourself the best you can.
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
6 Sep 12
hi pointlessquestions I do wish there was something we could do
to help but I am going to send prayers that you will get the
financial help you need to get medications and medical
procedures you need to have done. I believe in G od and maybe he will hear all our mylot pray ers to help you. I feel so helpless
knowing my friend here needs these things and can not afford
to get themkeep pra ying PQ and perhaps everything will
turn out okay, hugs
1 person likes this
@PointlessQuestions (15397)
• United States
9 Sep 12
Hi Aunt Hatley. If I have to drop the other docs so be it. I have to keep the pulmonogist.
@savak03 (6684)
• United States
8 Sep 12
Sometimes we just have to have someone to listen to us. We know there is nothing they can do to fix the problems but we need to put them out there anyway. I can definitely emphasize with your pain problem. No matter how many pills the doctors prescribe they never seem to be enough, do they? And of course the longer we take pain pills the more we will be dependent upon them.
1 person likes this
@PointlessQuestions (15397)
• United States
9 Sep 12
I've already gotten the refills so I'm running out or have already run out of some. I'll get by. Everyone has to get by the best they can. 
@CookingIsMyPassion (653)
• United States
5 Sep 12
Glad that you finally had one of the tests done already. It is nice to know what is going on when you know there are problems. Hopefully after the second test your doctor will be able to put all the eggs in a row and come up with the best solution that will work for you.
It is tough having to pay Paul by robbing Peter so to speak. But so many people have been in similar situations and we manage by doing the best we can. It isn't always easy but you are a trooper and will get through this tribulation like so many before.
Can't believe your oxygen level is so low and the apnea occurs so often. Glad that you have the oxygen at home to use as well as the bi-pap machine. I doubt very much with only half the results he'll pull the usage of the machine from you. It is keeping you alive at night by being aware of those times and kicking in when you can't automatically.
Wishing for the best - our prayers are with you always my friend.
@PointlessQuestions (15397)
• United States
5 Sep 12
Thanks. Right now the bipap is on loan. If he can get me qualified with the insurance company it will be paid for. I cannot buy it on my own or make payments if I do t qualify. I will just think positive and hope it all turns out okay.
@safwan0012 (117)
•
6 Sep 12
you must beleiv yourself under all conditions.no matter what the conditions is just do as you think is right.work hard is sure to bring you success.wish you best of lucks and may the succes finds it.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (167071)
• Boise, Idaho
6 Sep 12
I am flabbergasted. It must be very hard to get a good night's sleep. And unable to get all the help and meds you need to be healthy and half way happy must be horrid. Stopping breathing 15 times an hour while sleeping. Ugh! I was thinking that maybe you could have a Yardsale and make alittle extra. That might be too much for you even with the help of your lovely daughter. I wish I had more good ideas that would help. I am sure things will go well too.
@courtknee525 (3742)
• United States
5 Sep 12
Try not to stress, it will only be worse on your health. Things will have a way of somehow working out, just focus on one thing at a time and try not to overwhelm yourself. Maybe list out all the things that need to be done and put them a list with 1. being the top priority that needs to be taken care of first.
Good luck with everything and keep us updated! I wish you the best
