My husband did not even know he had emphysema until Dec 28,2009. He had been complaining that he could not breathe since May. When I finally talked him into going to the ER it was the end of December, and they kept him for 8 days. To make a bad situation worse we do not have medical insurance. He is on 3 inhalers and breathing treatments at home. He is listed as final stages and has been told he can not work any more. We have been advised to file for disability but that can take years and we barely kept the bills paid with both of us working so I don't know what we are going to do know.
We went to the doctor this morning and they put him back on steroids, which is causing heart PVC's. Does any one have any advice because our doctor does not seem very dedicated to helpung us?
I am so sorry you and your husband is having to go through this. First I would find a Dr who is dedicated to helping you. Second I would seek financial help with his meds through the drug companies. There are companies who mediate between you and the drug companies. In Ga one such company is RX Specialties. They handle all the paper work for us. My DH gets some of his meds through this company. His meds costing $300 a month now costs him $12.00 for 3 months supply. A big saving expecially since he takes 3 different high priced meds. As for hospital bills. I am told every public hospital has a "Hill Burton Fund" that helps pay for hospital bills for those who can't afford it otherwise.
Disability can take years but if you can contact the right person in your ss office they can help you cut through a lot of the red tape. His dr can do wonders in helping get the disability through. Good luck and my prayers are with you.
I'm so sorry for all that you guys are going through!!! :(
I'm afraid I don't have any helpful advice, but I am praying for you.
And there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Shoot for the whole filing for disability thing!!! We were concerned when my husband was first told he couldn't work, because he was the sole provider for our family and when he got sick, I couldn't work because I had to take care of him. With a little help from the good Lord, our first application went through with no trouble!
I'll be praying for that situation as well for you!
If there's anything I can do to help, let me know!
We are now 8 months into filing for disability and still have not been denied the first time which we all know they will do. I just wish they would hurry up so we can appeal. The hubby is still doing about the same which is the best we can hope for in the final stages of emphysema....
Check out these Tasty Treats from The Stir's partners:
Ladies watch their meds.
- Doris1213
on Jan. 21, 2010 at 2:05 PM