Posted by JadeKelly on March 17, 2009, at 22:07:33
In reply to No insurance / No doctor / Need help, posted by detroitpistons on January 10, 2009, at 18:06:36
> Hi all,
>
> It's been a while since I've been on this board, although I was never a regular. I mostly lurked in the past, but also did some posting....
>
> Anyways, I'm back because I need some opinions. I was laid off from my job and then was on COBRA for several months, but couldn't afford it anymore (almost $400/ month). I recently moved back home to go back to school because I couldn't find a job. I had my last appointment with my old doctor in December, and I got 3 months worth of meds at that time. It's been that way for a while. I've been relatively stable for a nice, long stretch. I just had maintenance appointments every 3 months and my pdoc would refill my scripts.
>
> I'm on Effexor and Lamictal (I also take Xanax as needed). My last doctor thought I was BP2. I've been doing relatively well on this combo. I just need to continue my supply. I could probably afford to pay $100 for a pdoc maintenance appt every 3 months (although there will be an expensive initial intake appointment), but I don't think I can afford the Effexor XR until it goes generic. Lamictal is already generic, but I don't think Effexor XR goes generic until the summer.
>
> I've been fortunate to never have been in this position until now, but I have no experience with this and I don't know where to go or what to do. I've always had some form of insurance.
>
> Anybody have any advice?
>
>
> Thanks a million!Hi Detroit,
This is a long thread so I haven't read everything but wanted to share a couple things. It is common for a drug to be working, then dicontinued, then fail to work a second time. I urge you to recall how you felt before taking whatever med you are considering d/c'ing or replacing as you may not get a second chance. If its not helping at all, then...
Secondly, I believe you mentioned several bouts of serious depression? This is my first, but the unfortunate fact is you will likely need to stay on meds to stay well. Is it a great choice? NO! But we have to pick the lesser of two evils. If your depression is mild, thats one thing. If its like mine was, major, I'll stick to my meds.
As for your med situation, again, may have been said already, I would think PDoc would cover you for a while in samples, mine did, also, could you hit up you regular GP? I'd bet they would help with samples if you have proof you are taking it. Did you say you hit up the school clinic? Also I'd google free clinics, even if they are a distance. Just make sure they prescribe or carry the med first. Maybe there is some kind of student disability program in your area. Call local hospitals and ask for either patient advocate or Psych dept and tell them your situation. Seems like someone out of that group can help or would know where to get it. I'd try to stay with exactly what your taking if its helping. I've found if you start changing things, ie: XR to reg, it may not work the same. It'll take some time but if you stay on it I believe you'll get what you need.
Good Luck ;-) ~Jade
PS-Might be good to put together a generic letter that describes your situation, and keep mailing it to anyone who could help. Never know, you might get a hit. Example: CC:to several dept's at the drug co., etc. Oh, what about the local chapters of Depression Groups? May have to attend a couple meetings but they would definately know "the ropes" I would think. Or may have the literature handy to send.
poster:JadeKelly
thread:873209
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20090313/msgs/885832.html