Dreading Today

[Lauren]

Well girls wish me luck, I'm going to see my cardiologist today. I'm sooo angry w her, I think i will have to take a valium before i go. I'm dreading it!!! I'll let you know what she says.. :eek:

[Lisa V]

Just wanted to wish you good luck.

[momofthree]

Dear Lauren,

Hi. Don't know your history with your cardiologist but I cannot imagine not liking mine or being at odds with mine. They are essential to recovery I think, so maybe get a new one? You deserve and need to have a quality relationship with yours, too. I hope it all goes well. Alison

[Karen T]

Good luck Lauren, Let us know how you make out.
Karen

[Lauren]

I have been at odds w her for quite a while. I am currently seeking other alternatives. A friend of mine's father is a cardiologist and recently said that he would be happy to take me as a patient, but right now he is moving from a hospital in Berlin, NH to one in Manchester. So for now that is up in the air. I have also gotten alot of idea's from other's here and I have spoken w someone about seeing Dr.Baughman. I have no medical insurance so things are kinda sketchy!!! Thanks for your thoughts!!! Lauren

[carrob]

Good luck Lauren. I go to see my Cardio today too !!!!! I can't say I ever dread seeing him though. He gets on me and ALWAYS wants me to lose weight......and I can't really get mad about hearing the TRUTH!!! (Although I do) But, otherwise, I feel like they're really pulling for me. I really think you should seek other options if you're not happy, because that relationship is very important.

[Lauren]

good luck to you to and thank you. I know that i need to see someone else. I'm still working on it and still smiling!!!!!

[Lauren]

i went and spoke w her today and she is still saying that she thinks i should stay on meds. I told her that i was looking for another opinion and she agreed that i should definitly do that. Now i'm pretty bummed out. Oh well, not much i can do except to keep looking.

[SerenaWelsh]

Lauren, honey, your EF is 39%. You should be very afraid of any doctor who would agree that you should try it without meds right now.

Out of curiosity, what's the rush to come off them?

[Lauren]

Serena, They make me tired, i have no energy and i also have no insurance. I pay for all of my meds out of pocket and i work thiry five hours a week. I understand that without them I could get worst but it is becoming a financial hardship. I forget to take them lately. I don't know it's just hard to think that i may have to take them for the rest of my life. I'm sure that i am not the only one who feels this way.

[SerenaWelsh]

Oh I completely understand. In my case in particular, the side effects from the meds are far worse than the symptoms of the disease. I felt "fine" before I was diagnosed - just short of breath all the time, palps, and dizzyness.
Are there any programs that can help with the cost of the drugs? And can they try different drugs, or different doses with you? Have they ever tried to find a better combination for you?
I wish you luck with your search for a 2nd opinion. I went to Pittsburgh for my 3rd opinion, and can give you the name of the doc I saw there if it will help.
I do hope you'll take care of yourself. You just found us, I want you to be here to support the new gals for a long time!

[Lauren]

I have tried to get prescription assistance but my husband apparently makes to much money. That's a big slap in the face. If i were collecting welfare and wasn't married im sure they would just be forking it over, sorry i'm a bit bitchy today. :rolleyes:

[Karen T]

Lauren
Have you looked into any State programs you may be eligible for? My husband got laid of 1 1/2 yrs ago and my kids were eligible for NH Healthy Kids. We also got WIC for my daughter. There may be other programs you are eligible for. Can I ask why you don't have insurance. If you are working 35 hrs a week, you must be eligible. I know the cost of the insurance is likely to be outrageous. Can you talk with your HR person at work? Have you asked your doctors for samples of meds? Just some thoughts, I don't want to pry.

[mikeyandBellesmommy]

Lauren I know it is alot, I am sure it is tough, does your husband have insurance that you can go on, I ended up putting Mike on mine cause his was so much..

With an EF of 39% you should def stay on meds, I am still on meds with a 60% ef. If you are super tired maybe see if they can adjust your beta blocker. I am on an ace and that doesn't bother me but she told me I'd have to go on a beta blocker if my HR didn't go down and I was so upset, Luckily it went down. That seems to be the hard one to tolerate. When you find a new doc ask about beta blocker adjustment

Cari

[Lauren]

Thanks for your ideas..I work at a diner that my aunt owns..There are only about ten employees max, No insurance there. My husband is a carpenter and he doesn't have insurance either. I can usually cover most of my meds but the Coreg kills me. I have gotten samples before but they don't usually have them. I have heard about this thing called Health link but i dont know if i would qualify. I will have to check it out soon.

[Mandy's Mom]

Mandy is applying for help through the drug rep. You can apply through your doctor. She has a really good cardio right now they are giving her vouchers for her Coreg till she can get approved from the drug rep. That might be worth a try.

[Carnation]

Lauren, I hope you find a new cardiologist. One that you can feel comfortable with and know he/she is making decisions about your treatment with your best interests at heart.
As for meds, with an ef of 39%...I definately wouldn't go off them. My ef went from 45% to 55% after being on the meds. We were very pleased, it appeared I had recovered completely! Here I am 4 months later and my PPCM is back. My ef is back to what it was when I was pregnant with the twins! Meds really do make a difference in the performance of our hearts, try to remember the good they are doing for you. To help with the cost, try to get samples from your cardiologist or your family doctor.
Good luck to you!! :)

[SarahsMom]

Lauren,

What med's are you on? I just got off all my med's and I have a bunch of Coreg and Lisiniprol left that I can send to you if that will help and it's the medication / dose that you need.

Let me know...I'd be happy to send them...they're just sitting in the cabinet collecting dust :-)

Kari

[SusanD]

Lauren, I can *truly* feel how tired and frustrated you are. But you honestly need to know that with an EF of 39% you can quite possibly go back into failure....which would be MUCH costlier than your monthly meds.

I'm wondering....you say you are on Coreg ? I think that is way costlier than Toprol, does anyone know ?

[momofthree]

Dear Lauren,

I agree with Serena about your meds. Personally, I was feeling much like you when I had to start all the meds and new lifestyle things. But I was in denial about the severity of the condition and when my doctor took me off all my meds, which he never should have done, I nearly lost my life and was worse than when I was originally diagnosed. I nearly died as I then went into right side failure and liver failure, etc. It was horrible and recovery from it was awful. I take my meds and don't like it, either. Your situation about the finances is a concern I am sure. Let's think of a way to help. Have you sought out government assistance or anything like that. There has to be some help with this sort of thing somewhere. Hang in there. I believe a way can certainly be provided. Keep taking those meds and remember that this too shall pass...you are worth it. With love! Alison

[marissar]

Have you tried for disability? If you are so sick you can't work you shouldn't be. Oh and they usually turn you down the first time. But if you get an attorney you can usually get it the second. At least you could get your meds paid for that way. My attorney said that even though I didn't get a check he should be able to get them to pay med bills. There is something called a closed session whereyou can get that.

I missed a few days of mine when I was at 45ef and thought I felt bad on the meds, I was so tired I couldn't get out of bed off of them.

[SusanD]

Lauren, I had some more thoughts for you and I hope this doesn't come across as too harsh. I don't know exactly where you live (i.e. bigger town, small town,etc.), but meds are going to be a way of life for you right now. If finances are a problem, i.e. no med coverage, then you might be better off changing your thinking from "how can I get off meds" to getting to the real root of the problem which is no insurance. No doubt your job at your aunt's restaurant is very physically demanding as well ? That, plus an EF of 39% is probably what is causing a lot of your fatigue. Is there any chance at all of you finding another job that will provide benefits ?

I've always said if I was desperate for benefits, I would go work at Starbucks or Barnes and Noble..they have great benefits even for part-time workers.

[Lauren]

I live in Plymouth, NH. It's a very small college town, No Starbucks here. Yes, Melissa i applied for disability. I got denied said screw it and went back to work. Owen's food is incredibly expensive. He has PKU..anyways. Thanks I think im gonna stay on my meds and quit the bitching.

[SusanD]

Lauren...please don't ever feel like you can't whine/vent/moan here. We all have stories and all have different experiences and problems. Sometimes having others give you more objective points *does* help. We only want the best for you and *truly* do understand and want to lend you support. We also want you to remain a healthy mommy, ok ?

Is the local college not a good source of employement and benefits ? (I'll shut up now !)

[Lauren]

Susan, Please read my newest post. I don't want you to shut up, i am just hard headed. I really appreciate all of your great ideas. I have decided to listen to you girls before i even decided to listen to my own cardiologist. Thank you all for everything!!!!!! Oh, yeah classes are almost out at the school, maybe ill go over to the college, they do have a board posted w employment. It is a great idea.

[SerenaWelsh]

Lauren,

I have a cousin who began working in the cafeteria of the small university in my home town about 15 years ago. She's still pretty young (43ish?) and will be able to retire, if she wants, in 5 years. Her benefits are AWESOME, not to mention, her child will be able to attend the university tuition-free if he chooses. For her, it was kind of killing two birds with one stone....Insurance in a town where most people don't have any, and college savings plan all in one!

I want to strongly back what Susan said. ALWAYS feel free to vent to us.