Posted by finelinebob on August 26, 2006, at 17:08:39
In reply to Coming to terms/grieving losses related to illness, posted by Vintagemama on August 25, 2006, at 22:10:41
Is the September 11th comment truly appropriate? If so, if what you are going through is related to the events of that day, then call 1-800-LIFENET (543-3638) or go to http://www.9-11MentalHealth.org . LifeNet runs the mental health benefits program sponsored by the Red Cross for people suffering from 9/11. The program is coming to an end in a little more than a year, and from the letters I keep getting it sounds like the generousity of people back then still has a lot left to help out others. If you qualify, you may be able to submit medical expenses that date back before your acceptance into the program, but I'm not sure on that one.
Contact Social Security about disability insurance. I had to go this route. Even doctor and psychologist I know kept telling me "Whatever they tell you at first, fight it and keep fighting it until they say yes to you." Well, I got an electronic funds deposit of 2 years of payments in arrears (the limit by law that they could give) two days before I got the letter saying I was accepted into the program. They said yes on the first "try". When you are ready for work again, you continue to receive benefits for 9 months, then you have a case evaluation to see if you still need full benefits, can move down to SSI, or are ready to leave the program completely.
Contact the department in your state's government that handles Medicaid as well to see if you can gain some coverage through them. I didn't have the greatest experience with Medicaid where I was when I needed it, but it did get me a doctor when I could afford none.
Do you feel you have been treated unfairly by your employer? Can you locate a mental health/disability advocacy group in your area? You are disabled. You should be protected from certain actions under the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you can find the free legal aid to help sort through the situation and the law and see if there is something wrong going on, at least file a complaint against them through the EEOC. It may not make your situation any better in the long run, but it will give your company a taste of their own medicine. If you can't find any such advocacy group, try calling your local bar association. Many have service programs for free legal assistance.
If medications are getting too expensive, then check out the web sites of the companies that makes them. Many drug companies have programs for reduced or even free medications for people who demonstrate financial need.
Punch out your pastor. Let him know he "needs God" more than you do, if all he knows of God as a pastor of God are rote-memory platitudes.
(sorry deputies, but I can't be civil when it comes to hypocracy (and her pastor, AFAIK, is not a Babblelander))
Come to Babbleland as often as you want/need. Let us know how you are doing. If you're brave enough and/or trusting enough, bring your husband here, too -- he may be overwhelmed himself with wondering how to support you best. If he wants support himself, or if he wants to ask us how to be supportive of you, you can bet we'll let him know!
My $0.02. Welcome to Babble. May you find peace, strength, support and hope here.
flb
poster:finelinebob
thread:680155
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/newbs/20060108/msgs/680317.html