[DarcysDob]

#1018177

Just wondering if anyone knows how long I can go without meds. I’ve been unemployed for almost two years and have been without all meds for more than one year. Was diagnosed with Graves nine years ago and had RAI eight years ago. Was doing great until this whole unemployment thing. I live in MO and since they did away with Medicaid about two and a half years ago I can’t get on any state insurance plan. I’m 51 and am starting to really feel things starting to go downhill. I have days where I can feel my heart skipping and feels like it’s rather slow. Get a lot of brain fog which doesn’t help when applying for jobs. I have a Masters from Yale so I’m not a slouch but having a very hard time focusing right now. A lot of joint pain and eye pain in my left eye and have lost some vision and have some numbness on the left side of my face. There are no free clinics in my area. There’s a community clinic but you have to pay. I’m completely on my own here. No family and very few friends now that I’ve been unemployed for so long (everyone’s afraid of being around me because they think I might ask for money – I don’t, I know times are hard for everyone) I live off of bologney sandwiches because I can get 22 meals out of them for around $6.00.

Feel like I’m running out of options and need a fresh perspective. Thanks,

[Bobbi]

#1063112

I realize that things are hideous for you economically right now. But it is really important that you find a way to receive and take your thyroid replacement. Without it, you are very, very hypothyroid. That can cause the joint aches and pains, and it definitely causes the brain fog. Think of it this way: would you expect your car to run without gas in it? Thyroid hormone is a bit like gas for a car — without it, the body doesn’t run.

Thyroid replacement hormone is — in the scheme of things — cheap. I take the brand name, so I get penalized, financially, for it and it STILL costs less than the co-pay for my insurance. The generic is cheaper still. The problem is that in order to restart it you may need to have a blood test done. (You probably absolutely need to have a blood test done, but you might be able to talk a doctor into starting you up on your previous, regulated dose, and then get the blood test done a few months later.) So, you need to see a doctor. Any GP can prescribe thyroid medication. So, the clinic you spoke of could get you a test, and a prescription. An emergency room could probably do the same. Certain pharmacies are cheaper than others, and you undoubtedly have one of those around you. Sometimes churches can help — do you have a priest, rabbi, minister with whom you could talk? Some of them have a fund to help people in situations like yours. Otherwise, they undoubtedly WILL know the best place to steer you for finding help. My former minister moved to MO a few years ago, and lives in Columbia, and works about 80 miles away in another church. If you are close to that location in the state, I could write him and ask for his suggestions. Send me a private message if you want me to check with him.

Find a way to take your thyroid meds.

[snelsen]

#1063113

Bobbi’s suggestions are great! Send her a private message. I am sure that everything about your world will improve when you get on the right dose of thyroid replacement. As Bobbi says, the way you feel, and your symptoms, are related on your Graves’ and in this case, it sounds like you will be soooooo much better when you get some thyroid circulating through you.
Do you have any other lifelines that you have not pursued? I am so sorry that you re in this situation. But if you can begin to address the medical issue, then you will FEEL like looking for a job. Have you lived there very long? Are there any options in your world for moving someplace else, or do you want to? Maybe closer to family? I know that is not a magic answer, I am just casting about for options for you in this predicament.
Sure am sorry, glad you joined this site. There a lot of good people here, and they may have more good ideas.
My state and my city is full of free medical clinics and has a state Basic Health plan, so there are more safety nets here.
Shirley

[Kimberly]

#1063114

Hello – You’ve gotten some great advice so far, but one other suggestion is to contact a medical school, as they often offer free clinics for patients with financial need. Are you anywhere near the University of Missouri?

I know that you must feel seriously wiped out right now, but please make a list and pursue each of the suggestions one at a time until you find someone who can help you. Use the ER if you need to…this is definitely an issue that you want to address ASAP. The good news is that once you find a doctor to treat you, many drug manufacturers have special programs for people who need financial assistance in purchasing medications. A doctor should be able to get you started with the paperwork.

Please check back and let us know how you are doing!

[DarcysDob]

#1063115

Thanks everyone for all your kind advice. I will try and pursue the options. Can’t get to a medical school as I live in Jeff City and can’t afford the gas. Thanks again. It’s just nice to have people respond for a change instead of telling me I’m just lazy and making this stuff up.

[Ski]

#1063116

You can get more than 3 months’ worth of replacement hormone (100 pills) for about $30, and that’s the name brand, so a generic could be less than $10 per month in order to return you to health. I realize that must be partnered with some blood tests, in order to make it the best possible dose for you, but you simply must get SOMETHING. There are programs in some places for free meds ~ thyroid replacement hormone is not something you can go without and do well, so it falls into the category of "must have" for any patient who has a prescription. It is ESSENTIAL that you get it. It’s like saying, "I wish I could breathe today, but it’s too expensive." You simply must find a way. Try this site, Patient Advocate http://www.patientadvocate.org ~ this is exactly their specialty, and they may be able to point you toward resources you may not have known existed.

Your question was, how long can you go without meds? Well, the problem is that you could potentially go a long time before you felt truly debilitated, but by then you may have done permanent harm to yourself. Your body systems need thyroid hormone, or things start to shut down. This is an urgent need, not a luxury.

You may think you’re alone, but you’re not. There are people out there who can help you. Ask everyone in the medical profession, ask everyone you come into contact with. You’ll find some way.

[rjconway04]

#1063117

I am on Levothyroxin (generic) and get 3 months for $10 at our Sam’s Club, but think Walmart is about the same price. At most of our doctors’ offices and hospitals, you can apply for financial assistance. Depending on your situation, they could write off a part or even all of your bill. You have a form you have to fill out and provide tax return information and proof of income. It might take a month or so to get an answer, but that is worth a try too. I am in NE but I am guessing other areas have something similar, especially with so many people out of work that need medical care. Good luck.

[tckaty]

#1063118

Don’t go without your meds and don’t go without food! Do not be ashamed. Many people are going thru this very same thing. This last year has been very frightening for me for many reasons. My husband had a Quintuple Bypass and is now disabled. I was laid off of my job of 12 years when Graves struck me. Your life easily falls apart when you are facing health and financial issues. You have to get some kind of help.
One thing that I found when you don’t have a long time to look for help is to contact a church. I have found that Catholic charities in particular are very helpful when it comes to food donation and it does not take months and months to get some assistance. ! Don’t be ashamed! Contact a local church, in particular a Catholic church.

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