Guest guest Posted November 4, 2001 Report Share Posted November 4, 2001 Hi Eleanor! Welcome to the group! I live in Canada so unfortuneatley I'm not able to recommend a godd rheumologist (it is so important to find a good one). I didn't have Lyme disease before Stills but my little boy had chicken pox and my husband had shingles so that's how I think my system got out of whack! I DID start with lots of aspririn at first (20 pills every four hours). It seemed to help control the symptoms although my rash never disappeared and I felt " funny " all the time (because of the high dose of aspririn I developed tinitis and other complications). One thing that helped was when I switched to a coated aspririn. Are you taking a coated aspririn? I also took an anti ulcer drug at the same time to combat the side effects but I can't remember what that was - sorry! Hopefully though you will be able to get off the aspririn soon and onto something that is more effective with less side effects. I was left with the same feeling of being down, confused and in disbelief at first (I've only been diagnosed for two years) and those feelings still return BUT I am able to lead a fairly normal life (lots of rest) and my symptoms are controlled through methotrexate. I know others on the site are much worse off . .. . Hope this helps and if you need any other questions answered (or a place to vent), just type! Jen P. Also, I was wondering about the itching too - that's a fairly new symptom for me .. . . Hello Hi everyone. I'm new to the mailing list. I am a 36 year old female living in central NJ who recently was diagnosed with Stills. I would much appreciate any information you can share with me since this diagnosis has left me feeling down, confused, and in disbelief. Can anyone recommend any good rhematologists in NJ, PA or NY who have experience treating Stills patients? Has anyone had Lymes disesase prior to getting this disease? My theory is that Lymes eventually caused my immune system to become out of whack and cause this disease. Has anyone started with 4000 milligrams of aspririn a day to treat this? I started on it and started to feel pretty good and after a few weeks had stomach problems (nausea, vomiting and the fever returned). Now I'm on prednisone (15 mgs a day). I don't have any systemic problems (yet) and was hoping there was a treatment I could be on that's in between asprin and prednisone. Finally, does anyone experience general itching? This never seems to go away, neither do the rashes. Thanks, Eleanor Visit the Still's Disease Message Board http://disc.server.com/Indices/148599.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 24, 2001 Report Share Posted November 24, 2001 Just received this note from Connie, Please remember her in your thoughts and prayers. tricia hello > just a quick update still very very sick and having surgiury monday aat 330 > they are finally taking the gallblader ouwould write more but i cant sit > here.pretty sick need to lay back down your call realy cheered me up and > gqave me hope > love ya > connie > ps pass on to the group an update/ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 24, 2001 Report Share Posted November 24, 2001 Just received this note from Connie, Please remember her in your thoughts and prayers. tricia hello > just a quick update still very very sick and having surgiury monday aat 330 > they are finally taking the gallblader ouwould write more but i cant sit > here.pretty sick need to lay back down your call realy cheered me up and > gqave me hope > love ya > connie > ps pass on to the group an update/ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 24, 2001 Report Share Posted November 24, 2001 Just received this note from Connie, Please remember her in your thoughts and prayers. tricia hello > just a quick update still very very sick and having surgiury monday aat 330 > they are finally taking the gallblader ouwould write more but i cant sit > here.pretty sick need to lay back down your call realy cheered me up and > gqave me hope > love ya > connie > ps pass on to the group an update/ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 27, 2002 Report Share Posted February 27, 2002 Hi, it's me, a . When I post from Yahoo it uses my password as my name. I don't know how to change it. I hope I'm able to walk the four blocks by noon. It's quicker to walk outside instead of going through the skyway but today happens to be one of the coldest days this winter. Thanks again for writing. > Dear z; I'm sorry I don't remember your name, but got your post and wanted > to say hang in there :0) I know it is very difficult to concentrate with > your body parts screaming at you. I hope your afternoon is much better when > you get your meds. Till soon, Melt > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 27, 2002 Report Share Posted February 27, 2002 Hi, it's me, a . When I post from Yahoo it uses my password as my name. I don't know how to change it. I hope I'm able to walk the four blocks by noon. It's quicker to walk outside instead of going through the skyway but today happens to be one of the coldest days this winter. Thanks again for writing. > Dear z; I'm sorry I don't remember your name, but got your post and wanted > to say hang in there :0) I know it is very difficult to concentrate with > your body parts screaming at you. I hope your afternoon is much better when > you get your meds. Till soon, Melt > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 27, 2002 Report Share Posted February 27, 2002 Hi, it's me, a . When I post from Yahoo it uses my password as my name. I don't know how to change it. I hope I'm able to walk the four blocks by noon. It's quicker to walk outside instead of going through the skyway but today happens to be one of the coldest days this winter. Thanks again for writing. > Dear z; I'm sorry I don't remember your name, but got your post and wanted > to say hang in there :0) I know it is very difficult to concentrate with > your body parts screaming at you. I hope your afternoon is much better when > you get your meds. Till soon, Melt > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 27, 2002 Report Share Posted February 27, 2002 Hi a !! If you just sign your posts then we will know and you don't have the worry of changing your addy. :0) I hope you make it through the cold too. Till soon, Melt Re: Hello > Hi, it's me, a . When I post from Yahoo it uses my > password as my name. I don't know how to change it. I hope I'm able > to walk the four blocks by noon. It's quicker to walk outside > instead of going through the skyway but today happens to be one of > the coldest days this winter. > > Thanks again for writing. > > > > Dear z; I'm sorry I don't remember your name, but got your post > and wanted > > to say hang in there :0) I know it is very difficult to > concentrate with > > your body parts screaming at you. I hope your afternoon is much > better when > > you get your meds. Till soon, Melt > > > > > > > > Visit the Still's Disease Message Board > http://disc.server.com/Indices/148599.html > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 27, 2002 Report Share Posted February 27, 2002 Hi a !! If you just sign your posts then we will know and you don't have the worry of changing your addy. :0) I hope you make it through the cold too. Till soon, Melt Re: Hello > Hi, it's me, a . When I post from Yahoo it uses my > password as my name. I don't know how to change it. I hope I'm able > to walk the four blocks by noon. It's quicker to walk outside > instead of going through the skyway but today happens to be one of > the coldest days this winter. > > Thanks again for writing. > > > > Dear z; I'm sorry I don't remember your name, but got your post > and wanted > > to say hang in there :0) I know it is very difficult to > concentrate with > > your body parts screaming at you. I hope your afternoon is much > better when > > you get your meds. Till soon, Melt > > > > > > > > Visit the Still's Disease Message Board > http://disc.server.com/Indices/148599.html > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 27, 2002 Report Share Posted February 27, 2002 Hi a !! If you just sign your posts then we will know and you don't have the worry of changing your addy. :0) I hope you make it through the cold too. Till soon, Melt Re: Hello > Hi, it's me, a . When I post from Yahoo it uses my > password as my name. I don't know how to change it. I hope I'm able > to walk the four blocks by noon. It's quicker to walk outside > instead of going through the skyway but today happens to be one of > the coldest days this winter. > > Thanks again for writing. > > > > Dear z; I'm sorry I don't remember your name, but got your post > and wanted > > to say hang in there :0) I know it is very difficult to > concentrate with > > your body parts screaming at you. I hope your afternoon is much > better when > > you get your meds. Till soon, Melt > > > > > > > > Visit the Still's Disease Message Board > http://disc.server.com/Indices/148599.html > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 17, 2002 Report Share Posted March 17, 2002 Marty, Thank goodness! I just got this e-mail...and now I can relax just a bit! I told my husband how concerned I was about you and your situation, and I got him concerned to. He keeps asking if there is any e-mail from Marty yet.....now I can say " yes, he's tough, and he's hanging in there! " Once and I were so depressed we talked of hanging ourselves. Literally. Together.. but, we decided against it for time being. That was way over a year ago. Hopefully, the SSDI thing *will* get their butts in gear, and get that date set!!!! We care, Dennis & Tricia (in Wisconsin) hello > Well to all that were wondering yes the person that wanted to flush the drugs and life down the crapper was me and I have to say I'm here to day because of this sight and my faith I just felt like giving up as I know many of you have at some time . > The no money deal and only working we have just a bought reached the end of the pot of gold we had (LOL) and know it is all we can do to make bills and she doesn't make unof to do that on here own and yet every thing I have tried to do to make some money also cost money so now we have less then SSI has been playing first we were told court should be in Feb. the March now there saying pos April or May well I have not worked it over a year and half so the funds we had put a way are now gone and now we have to fight I just wanted to give up but then some people from this sight made me stop and think with there postings and privet thinking of you's so I wanted to say thank you all and I will be here on and off more off then on for a time > Marty G.Get more from the Web. FREE MSN Explorer download : http://explorer.msn.com > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 18, 2002 Report Share Posted March 18, 2002 We bought a " long distance " calling card at Sams CLub. 3.4 cents a minute. 600 minute card. I cancelled our long distance on the reg. monthly phone bill...most folks don't even check it out, but a lot of " taxes " are charged on your local phone bill...and several for even having the long distance feature. (which we no longer do) It has knocked our phone bill way down. Most public libraries offer FREE movie's to borrow, sometimes for up to seven days. We have started buying doggy antibiotics at Fleet Farm. Also other meds the pets might need. Syringes too. We do *not* give them their Rabies vaccine as we need the *license* from the vet for that. But, we buy a lot of other things there that we need. We just got a catalog from a company that offers flea & tick protection for dogs and cats at fantastic savings if buying in larger quanities....so several families are going to go in on this. Some places have " food buying clubs, " where several families can chip in and buy more at a time and then divvy up. Also check for local " food pantries. " Don't feel embarrassed about taking a handout when it's needed. There isn't one of us who wouldn't be out there working if we could. Some can and do...but many just can not. Carloline ...great ideas, here's an idea, write a booklet about ways to pinch, and publish it. There are some out there...but, another one with a few more hints wouldn't hurt! We also buy our " pets toys " at thrift stores, or Goodwill. Usually a buck for a whole bagful. Some don't last long...but what the hey. We have a grocery store in a small town near us where they sell all kinds of salad dressings, spices, coffee, canned goods, etc. (every week something different) for really reasonable prices. Things where maybe one or two cans had a dent..so they get the whole case. Spices for $1 a bottle, where you pay $4 or $5 at your local supermarket. Keep looking for the deals...they'll be there. We also buy bones from a local butcher for 13 cents a pound for the dogs. ( I cook them a little first in the micro...I don't like the idea of the totally raw stuff!) Come on everyone..let's get some more idea's. One more, about home payments. If you are in a finacial bind it is a good idea to have a talk with someone at the company who holds your mortgage. They can be very understanding and will sometimes go that extra mile, and tell you ways to keep your home while waiting for your disability or circum- stances to hopefully improve. I know most of a home payment *is* the interest... but, if you can manage the interest only...they will let the rest slide for quite awhile. (depending on the company of course) My sister and husband have disability insurance which is a good thing to have. It took over their house and car payments while he was laid up with a bad shoulder. Most people *don t* have that coverage though. (we could never afford it!) Tricia -- Re: hello Marty, I know about the no money deal, and I have no insurance either. I am sure you have come up with lots of survival tools, but here are some of ours. My prescriptions cost over $700.00 a month so my doctors give me samples to cover the expensive ones. If you are not getting free samples from your doctors who know you are in a financial bind, you either need to ask for them, or change doctors to one who is more generous. The doctors get the samples for free from the drug reps and the drug companies are happy to have as many people on their meds as possible so they don't mind the doctors doling out lots of samples. Another resource is to check with your clinics to see if they have any health studies available. My daugher has asthma. She goes to an alergy clinic and has lots of labs and so forth. The clinic put her in a study for asthma and now she gets all of her treatment for free, all meds for free, and gets paid $700.00 for a year study. She buys her clothes and school supplies with that. I am trying to find one for diabetes and I have heard they have them for pain, heart, and many other common problems. Check it out. Free labs, meds, care and get paid is pretty good deal! My husband did a 3 month alergy study and got $350.00 for the 3 months To lower monthly expenses, we got rid of everything possible. No cable TV, pager, cell phones, etc. We shopped around for the cheapest internet access. You can get online with some of the local companies for as little as $14.95 a month and many will give you $10.00 off for each person you refer who signs up with them, Even if it is only for a month. We use email instead of regular mail, and email instead of phone calls. When we want to talk to someone long distance, we use our internet microphone (cost about $10.00, one time fee to purchase) and talk online for free. I call the bills I would have to mail and see if they will do check by phone or my debit card. It may only be thirty something cents, but multiply that by all the mail you need to send and it adds up to $6-10.00 a month for us. I do not let them do automatic debit because I never know when I will have money. Since I need exercise, the kids and I will walk in various " litter " places and collect pop bottles or cans. Here in Oregon, they are worth a nickle a piece. I found a cool trick with second hand shopping too. Most places have a " all you can stuff in a bag " for a buck idea or consignment program. I go to the Goodwill sort of store, select good quality, in style garments for the " all you can stuff " price. If they need buttons, I find an ugly item with the right buttons and stiff it too (to canabalize and trash later) I take them home, defuzz sweaters, wash and press them. I mend and replace buttons on other items. Usually minimal work. When I have the task complete, I take the stuff I bought for a buck and take it to a more uptown second hand store that buys good garments. I sell them my clothes and make cash. Stuff I can't get sold from these shops, I put on consignment at other stores. It does not matter what they sell for, so I give the sales managment permission to mark down as needed. If I sell one garment for $2.50, I made my money back and have more than I started with. I have made as much as $50.00 this way. I have also traded stuff I did not want for things I needed, like work clothes So, sell, consign, or trade... I still get what I needed. Just an idea but you may think of other ways to put the idea into practice. Like collecting old junk bikes for parts (neighbors are happy to not have to haul them to the dump and will frequently donate them to you) to fix up bicycles for kids Stretching the food dollar works if you can start buying a lot of the things at rediculous prices, like tuna at 3 for a dollar. buy $10.00 at a time if you can. You won't need it all now, but if you can gradually buy bulk of rediculous sales, soon you don't need items at regular price because you stocked up when it was on sale. Meat is the expensive one, so take advantage of the buy one, get one free or the 10 pounds for $2.00 a pound deals. Break up the packages into meal sizes when you get home and freeze in freezer containers with the date on it, so you don't keep it there too long. I don't use many coupons, but save huge on clearance sales and food sales. Stores figure once you come for the bargain basement things, you will buy other as well. I don't, but I also don't run around wasting time or money chasing down deals. I dont' have the energy. I go where they have the most things I need this week and any other rediculous sale on food that is worth the extra time and money. FTI: They can not legally foreclose on your home until you are 3 payments behind. It usually takes 6 months for the paperwork to be done to be evicted. Lowering your water heater temp and your home heating system 1-2 degrees can save up to $10.00 a month for each degree you drop. There is a web site called www.lowermybills.com that is very helpful. If you can type, or are interested in home business, you can call 1 800 998 7094 ext 1084 and get information about billing medicare for doctors who are doing it by paper and need to switch to electronic billing. Medicare only accepts electronic billing now. You can work at your own pace and the office online is open 24 hours a day. That one you do have to become certified for at a cost of about $500.00 but you can work at home, they supply the names of the doctors who need help in your area, and contracts. Most doctors pay $3-7.00 per claim and the average person can do 10-20 claims per hour. I am thinking of doing this, but am waiting to see what SSI and SSDI says first. I should know by May 01. I am sure I have lots of other ideas, but I can't think of any right now. Send me an email with your problem areas and I'll brain storm some creative ways to help. Hope this helps some. Keep smiling, and let us know where you need help... we may have ideas you didn't think of. Caroline and Gilbertson & lt;huntman_and_wife@...> wrote: Well to all that were wondering yes the person that wanted to flush the drugs and life down the crapper was me and I have to say I'm here to day because of this sight and my faith I just felt like giving up as I know many of you have at some time . The no money deal and only working we have just a bought reached the end of the pot of gold we had (LOL) and know it is all we can do to make bills and she doesn't make unof to do that on here own and yet every thing I have tried to do to make some money also cost money so now we have less then SSI has been playing first we were told court should be in Feb. the March now there saying pos April or May well I have not worked it over a year and half so the funds we had put a way are now gone and now we have to fight I just wanted to give up but then some people from this sight made me stop and think with there postings and privet thinking of you's so I wanted to say thank you all and I will be here on and off more off then on for a time Marty G.Get more from the Web. FREE MSN Explorer download : http://explorer msn.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 18, 2002 Report Share Posted March 18, 2002 We bought a " long distance " calling card at Sams CLub. 3.4 cents a minute. 600 minute card. I cancelled our long distance on the reg. monthly phone bill...most folks don't even check it out, but a lot of " taxes " are charged on your local phone bill...and several for even having the long distance feature. (which we no longer do) It has knocked our phone bill way down. Most public libraries offer FREE movie's to borrow, sometimes for up to seven days. We have started buying doggy antibiotics at Fleet Farm. Also other meds the pets might need. Syringes too. We do *not* give them their Rabies vaccine as we need the *license* from the vet for that. But, we buy a lot of other things there that we need. We just got a catalog from a company that offers flea & tick protection for dogs and cats at fantastic savings if buying in larger quanities....so several families are going to go in on this. Some places have " food buying clubs, " where several families can chip in and buy more at a time and then divvy up. Also check for local " food pantries. " Don't feel embarrassed about taking a handout when it's needed. There isn't one of us who wouldn't be out there working if we could. Some can and do...but many just can not. Carloline ...great ideas, here's an idea, write a booklet about ways to pinch, and publish it. There are some out there...but, another one with a few more hints wouldn't hurt! We also buy our " pets toys " at thrift stores, or Goodwill. Usually a buck for a whole bagful. Some don't last long...but what the hey. We have a grocery store in a small town near us where they sell all kinds of salad dressings, spices, coffee, canned goods, etc. (every week something different) for really reasonable prices. Things where maybe one or two cans had a dent..so they get the whole case. Spices for $1 a bottle, where you pay $4 or $5 at your local supermarket. Keep looking for the deals...they'll be there. We also buy bones from a local butcher for 13 cents a pound for the dogs. ( I cook them a little first in the micro...I don't like the idea of the totally raw stuff!) Come on everyone..let's get some more idea's. One more, about home payments. If you are in a finacial bind it is a good idea to have a talk with someone at the company who holds your mortgage. They can be very understanding and will sometimes go that extra mile, and tell you ways to keep your home while waiting for your disability or circum- stances to hopefully improve. I know most of a home payment *is* the interest... but, if you can manage the interest only...they will let the rest slide for quite awhile. (depending on the company of course) My sister and husband have disability insurance which is a good thing to have. It took over their house and car payments while he was laid up with a bad shoulder. Most people *don t* have that coverage though. (we could never afford it!) Tricia -- Re: hello Marty, I know about the no money deal, and I have no insurance either. I am sure you have come up with lots of survival tools, but here are some of ours. My prescriptions cost over $700.00 a month so my doctors give me samples to cover the expensive ones. If you are not getting free samples from your doctors who know you are in a financial bind, you either need to ask for them, or change doctors to one who is more generous. The doctors get the samples for free from the drug reps and the drug companies are happy to have as many people on their meds as possible so they don't mind the doctors doling out lots of samples. Another resource is to check with your clinics to see if they have any health studies available. My daugher has asthma. She goes to an alergy clinic and has lots of labs and so forth. The clinic put her in a study for asthma and now she gets all of her treatment for free, all meds for free, and gets paid $700.00 for a year study. She buys her clothes and school supplies with that. I am trying to find one for diabetes and I have heard they have them for pain, heart, and many other common problems. Check it out. Free labs, meds, care and get paid is pretty good deal! My husband did a 3 month alergy study and got $350.00 for the 3 months To lower monthly expenses, we got rid of everything possible. No cable TV, pager, cell phones, etc. We shopped around for the cheapest internet access. You can get online with some of the local companies for as little as $14.95 a month and many will give you $10.00 off for each person you refer who signs up with them, Even if it is only for a month. We use email instead of regular mail, and email instead of phone calls. When we want to talk to someone long distance, we use our internet microphone (cost about $10.00, one time fee to purchase) and talk online for free. I call the bills I would have to mail and see if they will do check by phone or my debit card. It may only be thirty something cents, but multiply that by all the mail you need to send and it adds up to $6-10.00 a month for us. I do not let them do automatic debit because I never know when I will have money. Since I need exercise, the kids and I will walk in various " litter " places and collect pop bottles or cans. Here in Oregon, they are worth a nickle a piece. I found a cool trick with second hand shopping too. Most places have a " all you can stuff in a bag " for a buck idea or consignment program. I go to the Goodwill sort of store, select good quality, in style garments for the " all you can stuff " price. If they need buttons, I find an ugly item with the right buttons and stiff it too (to canabalize and trash later) I take them home, defuzz sweaters, wash and press them. I mend and replace buttons on other items. Usually minimal work. When I have the task complete, I take the stuff I bought for a buck and take it to a more uptown second hand store that buys good garments. I sell them my clothes and make cash. Stuff I can't get sold from these shops, I put on consignment at other stores. It does not matter what they sell for, so I give the sales managment permission to mark down as needed. If I sell one garment for $2.50, I made my money back and have more than I started with. I have made as much as $50.00 this way. I have also traded stuff I did not want for things I needed, like work clothes So, sell, consign, or trade... I still get what I needed. Just an idea but you may think of other ways to put the idea into practice. Like collecting old junk bikes for parts (neighbors are happy to not have to haul them to the dump and will frequently donate them to you) to fix up bicycles for kids Stretching the food dollar works if you can start buying a lot of the things at rediculous prices, like tuna at 3 for a dollar. buy $10.00 at a time if you can. You won't need it all now, but if you can gradually buy bulk of rediculous sales, soon you don't need items at regular price because you stocked up when it was on sale. Meat is the expensive one, so take advantage of the buy one, get one free or the 10 pounds for $2.00 a pound deals. Break up the packages into meal sizes when you get home and freeze in freezer containers with the date on it, so you don't keep it there too long. I don't use many coupons, but save huge on clearance sales and food sales. Stores figure once you come for the bargain basement things, you will buy other as well. I don't, but I also don't run around wasting time or money chasing down deals. I dont' have the energy. I go where they have the most things I need this week and any other rediculous sale on food that is worth the extra time and money. FTI: They can not legally foreclose on your home until you are 3 payments behind. It usually takes 6 months for the paperwork to be done to be evicted. Lowering your water heater temp and your home heating system 1-2 degrees can save up to $10.00 a month for each degree you drop. There is a web site called www.lowermybills.com that is very helpful. If you can type, or are interested in home business, you can call 1 800 998 7094 ext 1084 and get information about billing medicare for doctors who are doing it by paper and need to switch to electronic billing. Medicare only accepts electronic billing now. You can work at your own pace and the office online is open 24 hours a day. That one you do have to become certified for at a cost of about $500.00 but you can work at home, they supply the names of the doctors who need help in your area, and contracts. Most doctors pay $3-7.00 per claim and the average person can do 10-20 claims per hour. I am thinking of doing this, but am waiting to see what SSI and SSDI says first. I should know by May 01. I am sure I have lots of other ideas, but I can't think of any right now. Send me an email with your problem areas and I'll brain storm some creative ways to help. Hope this helps some. Keep smiling, and let us know where you need help... we may have ideas you didn't think of. Caroline and Gilbertson & lt;huntman_and_wife@...> wrote: Well to all that were wondering yes the person that wanted to flush the drugs and life down the crapper was me and I have to say I'm here to day because of this sight and my faith I just felt like giving up as I know many of you have at some time . The no money deal and only working we have just a bought reached the end of the pot of gold we had (LOL) and know it is all we can do to make bills and she doesn't make unof to do that on here own and yet every thing I have tried to do to make some money also cost money so now we have less then SSI has been playing first we were told court should be in Feb. the March now there saying pos April or May well I have not worked it over a year and half so the funds we had put a way are now gone and now we have to fight I just wanted to give up but then some people from this sight made me stop and think with there postings and privet thinking of you's so I wanted to say thank you all and I will be here on and off more off then on for a time Marty G.Get more from the Web. FREE MSN Explorer download : http://explorer msn.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 18, 2002 Report Share Posted March 18, 2002 We bought a " long distance " calling card at Sams CLub. 3.4 cents a minute. 600 minute card. I cancelled our long distance on the reg. monthly phone bill...most folks don't even check it out, but a lot of " taxes " are charged on your local phone bill...and several for even having the long distance feature. (which we no longer do) It has knocked our phone bill way down. Most public libraries offer FREE movie's to borrow, sometimes for up to seven days. We have started buying doggy antibiotics at Fleet Farm. Also other meds the pets might need. Syringes too. We do *not* give them their Rabies vaccine as we need the *license* from the vet for that. But, we buy a lot of other things there that we need. We just got a catalog from a company that offers flea & tick protection for dogs and cats at fantastic savings if buying in larger quanities....so several families are going to go in on this. Some places have " food buying clubs, " where several families can chip in and buy more at a time and then divvy up. Also check for local " food pantries. " Don't feel embarrassed about taking a handout when it's needed. There isn't one of us who wouldn't be out there working if we could. Some can and do...but many just can not. Carloline ...great ideas, here's an idea, write a booklet about ways to pinch, and publish it. There are some out there...but, another one with a few more hints wouldn't hurt! We also buy our " pets toys " at thrift stores, or Goodwill. Usually a buck for a whole bagful. Some don't last long...but what the hey. We have a grocery store in a small town near us where they sell all kinds of salad dressings, spices, coffee, canned goods, etc. (every week something different) for really reasonable prices. Things where maybe one or two cans had a dent..so they get the whole case. Spices for $1 a bottle, where you pay $4 or $5 at your local supermarket. Keep looking for the deals...they'll be there. We also buy bones from a local butcher for 13 cents a pound for the dogs. ( I cook them a little first in the micro...I don't like the idea of the totally raw stuff!) Come on everyone..let's get some more idea's. One more, about home payments. If you are in a finacial bind it is a good idea to have a talk with someone at the company who holds your mortgage. They can be very understanding and will sometimes go that extra mile, and tell you ways to keep your home while waiting for your disability or circum- stances to hopefully improve. I know most of a home payment *is* the interest... but, if you can manage the interest only...they will let the rest slide for quite awhile. (depending on the company of course) My sister and husband have disability insurance which is a good thing to have. It took over their house and car payments while he was laid up with a bad shoulder. Most people *don t* have that coverage though. (we could never afford it!) Tricia -- Re: hello Marty, I know about the no money deal, and I have no insurance either. I am sure you have come up with lots of survival tools, but here are some of ours. My prescriptions cost over $700.00 a month so my doctors give me samples to cover the expensive ones. If you are not getting free samples from your doctors who know you are in a financial bind, you either need to ask for them, or change doctors to one who is more generous. The doctors get the samples for free from the drug reps and the drug companies are happy to have as many people on their meds as possible so they don't mind the doctors doling out lots of samples. Another resource is to check with your clinics to see if they have any health studies available. My daugher has asthma. She goes to an alergy clinic and has lots of labs and so forth. The clinic put her in a study for asthma and now she gets all of her treatment for free, all meds for free, and gets paid $700.00 for a year study. She buys her clothes and school supplies with that. I am trying to find one for diabetes and I have heard they have them for pain, heart, and many other common problems. Check it out. Free labs, meds, care and get paid is pretty good deal! My husband did a 3 month alergy study and got $350.00 for the 3 months To lower monthly expenses, we got rid of everything possible. No cable TV, pager, cell phones, etc. We shopped around for the cheapest internet access. You can get online with some of the local companies for as little as $14.95 a month and many will give you $10.00 off for each person you refer who signs up with them, Even if it is only for a month. We use email instead of regular mail, and email instead of phone calls. When we want to talk to someone long distance, we use our internet microphone (cost about $10.00, one time fee to purchase) and talk online for free. I call the bills I would have to mail and see if they will do check by phone or my debit card. It may only be thirty something cents, but multiply that by all the mail you need to send and it adds up to $6-10.00 a month for us. I do not let them do automatic debit because I never know when I will have money. Since I need exercise, the kids and I will walk in various " litter " places and collect pop bottles or cans. Here in Oregon, they are worth a nickle a piece. I found a cool trick with second hand shopping too. Most places have a " all you can stuff in a bag " for a buck idea or consignment program. I go to the Goodwill sort of store, select good quality, in style garments for the " all you can stuff " price. If they need buttons, I find an ugly item with the right buttons and stiff it too (to canabalize and trash later) I take them home, defuzz sweaters, wash and press them. I mend and replace buttons on other items. Usually minimal work. When I have the task complete, I take the stuff I bought for a buck and take it to a more uptown second hand store that buys good garments. I sell them my clothes and make cash. Stuff I can't get sold from these shops, I put on consignment at other stores. It does not matter what they sell for, so I give the sales managment permission to mark down as needed. If I sell one garment for $2.50, I made my money back and have more than I started with. I have made as much as $50.00 this way. I have also traded stuff I did not want for things I needed, like work clothes So, sell, consign, or trade... I still get what I needed. Just an idea but you may think of other ways to put the idea into practice. Like collecting old junk bikes for parts (neighbors are happy to not have to haul them to the dump and will frequently donate them to you) to fix up bicycles for kids Stretching the food dollar works if you can start buying a lot of the things at rediculous prices, like tuna at 3 for a dollar. buy $10.00 at a time if you can. You won't need it all now, but if you can gradually buy bulk of rediculous sales, soon you don't need items at regular price because you stocked up when it was on sale. Meat is the expensive one, so take advantage of the buy one, get one free or the 10 pounds for $2.00 a pound deals. Break up the packages into meal sizes when you get home and freeze in freezer containers with the date on it, so you don't keep it there too long. I don't use many coupons, but save huge on clearance sales and food sales. Stores figure once you come for the bargain basement things, you will buy other as well. I don't, but I also don't run around wasting time or money chasing down deals. I dont' have the energy. I go where they have the most things I need this week and any other rediculous sale on food that is worth the extra time and money. FTI: They can not legally foreclose on your home until you are 3 payments behind. It usually takes 6 months for the paperwork to be done to be evicted. Lowering your water heater temp and your home heating system 1-2 degrees can save up to $10.00 a month for each degree you drop. There is a web site called www.lowermybills.com that is very helpful. If you can type, or are interested in home business, you can call 1 800 998 7094 ext 1084 and get information about billing medicare for doctors who are doing it by paper and need to switch to electronic billing. Medicare only accepts electronic billing now. You can work at your own pace and the office online is open 24 hours a day. That one you do have to become certified for at a cost of about $500.00 but you can work at home, they supply the names of the doctors who need help in your area, and contracts. Most doctors pay $3-7.00 per claim and the average person can do 10-20 claims per hour. I am thinking of doing this, but am waiting to see what SSI and SSDI says first. I should know by May 01. I am sure I have lots of other ideas, but I can't think of any right now. Send me an email with your problem areas and I'll brain storm some creative ways to help. Hope this helps some. Keep smiling, and let us know where you need help... we may have ideas you didn't think of. Caroline and Gilbertson & lt;huntman_and_wife@...> wrote: Well to all that were wondering yes the person that wanted to flush the drugs and life down the crapper was me and I have to say I'm here to day because of this sight and my faith I just felt like giving up as I know many of you have at some time . The no money deal and only working we have just a bought reached the end of the pot of gold we had (LOL) and know it is all we can do to make bills and she doesn't make unof to do that on here own and yet every thing I have tried to do to make some money also cost money so now we have less then SSI has been playing first we were told court should be in Feb. the March now there saying pos April or May well I have not worked it over a year and half so the funds we had put a way are now gone and now we have to fight I just wanted to give up but then some people from this sight made me stop and think with there postings and privet thinking of you's so I wanted to say thank you all and I will be here on and off more off then on for a time Marty G.Get more from the Web. FREE MSN Explorer download : http://explorer msn.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 21, 2003 Report Share Posted January 21, 2003 what area are you in? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 21, 2003 Report Share Posted January 21, 2003 I guess my location would help!!! We live in Texas City, TX which is south of Houston and North of Galveston. > what area are you in? > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 21, 2003 Report Share Posted January 21, 2003 In a message dated 1/21/2003 5:25:32 PM Eastern Standard Time, maryanngalvan@... writes: > wanted to know what other parents have done when > both parents are working HI. If you live in the DFW area, Callier has a summer program you might try & get him into. The normal school year was $792 per month for morning only. I don't know what the summer program costs. Right now my son goes to day care before & after his PPCD program. I'm blessed that the staff are very caring & understanding. It also helps, that one of the teachers has a son who is PDD, so they truely understand. Good luck, Lori Mother of AJ, 3, PDD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 27, 2003 Report Share Posted February 27, 2003 In a message dated 2/27/2003 5:41:10 PM Central Standard Time, muckelrath@... writes: > my Angel Is your child's name Angel also. My child's name is Angel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 28, 2003 Report Share Posted February 28, 2003 Hi, I just wanted to respond to you. My name is Staci And my home town is Texarkana. I now live in the Houston area and have always wondered what it would be like if we lived in Texarkana. My little girl has PDD/NOS and has been a behavior nightmare at times. She is eight now and she too is getting better all the time!! We lived in the Cy-Fair school district for awhile the help was great there. The district we are in now is TRYING to do better. I think VERY FEW places are great with our kids. It is very sad!! Best of Luck to you if I can help I will be glad to. I am usually in Texarkana about ever six weeks. Staci Hello > Hello, I was wondering if there are any members in the Texarkana > area. We have been thru alot since my son was diagnosed with > Autism, however my Angel has progressed so much in the last three > years. Hoping to touch base with others in our area. Not alot of > support here in Texarkana. > > Thanks > > Tabitha Muckelrath > > > > Unlocking Autism > www.UnlockingAutism.org > > Autism-Awareness-Action > Worldwide internet group for parents who have a > child with AUTISM. > > Schafer Autism Report > News and information on Autism > To Subscribe http://home.sprynet.com/~schafer/index.html > Healing Autism: No Finer Cause on the Planet > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 1, 2003 Report Share Posted March 1, 2003 > In a message dated 2/27/2003 5:41:10 PM Central Standard Time, > muckelrath@y... writes: > > > my Angel > > Is your child's name Angel also. My child's name is Angel > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 4, 2003 Report Share Posted June 4, 2003 Welcome to this listserve . I think you will find everyone here very helpful. My son is eight(today!) and has had wetting problems off and on. They have never spontaneously corrected themselves, but required a positive practice as prescribed by his ABA consultant which basically consisted of going back and forth from the place he wet to the potty repeating that we don't pee pee in ____ ,...we pee pee in the potty. Then he would have to clean himself up and then clean up whatever mess he made (not that he could do a good job, but he had to at least try). Having accidents was not worth it and he stopped. I do think though that an underlying biological problem, like yeast, starts the problem and it would usually take a bio and behavioral approach to get him straightened out for the long term. I have found, with my son, that if a biologically caused problem is corrected only with behavioral approaches, the behavior would morph into something else. Joy Hello > Hi there I am new to the forum, my name is jennifer and my son's > name is Daegan who is 11 years old and autistic. Since school has > been out, he has been a little rebelous. He is wetting and soiling > his clothes instead of going to the restroom. I was wondering if > anyone else's child done this? If so what happened & how long did > this last? Will he get over it? > > Thanks! > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 4, 2003 Report Share Posted June 4, 2003 Welcome to this listserve . I think you will find everyone here very helpful. My son is eight(today!) and has had wetting problems off and on. They have never spontaneously corrected themselves, but required a positive practice as prescribed by his ABA consultant which basically consisted of going back and forth from the place he wet to the potty repeating that we don't pee pee in ____ ,...we pee pee in the potty. Then he would have to clean himself up and then clean up whatever mess he made (not that he could do a good job, but he had to at least try). Having accidents was not worth it and he stopped. I do think though that an underlying biological problem, like yeast, starts the problem and it would usually take a bio and behavioral approach to get him straightened out for the long term. I have found, with my son, that if a biologically caused problem is corrected only with behavioral approaches, the behavior would morph into something else. Joy Hello > Hi there I am new to the forum, my name is jennifer and my son's > name is Daegan who is 11 years old and autistic. Since school has > been out, he has been a little rebelous. He is wetting and soiling > his clothes instead of going to the restroom. I was wondering if > anyone else's child done this? If so what happened & how long did > this last? Will he get over it? > > Thanks! > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 14, 2003 Report Share Posted June 14, 2003 , Every parent does what they think is best for their child. You have to sit down and weigh the benefits with the costs. Medication is really a big deal right now, many debates across the nation are coming about because of the amount of children being placed on drugs that are not tested for use in children. Many parents feel pressured to give their child medicatoin from schools who dont want to deal with them, and some parents medicate their children for the wrong reasons (not saying you are at all here, just making a point). In the end you have to make your own decision and what fits best with your family. Just like missy said, if you had cancer you would seek out medication. If you have a headache most of us would take medication to get rid of it...so meds are not all bad.. its just a personal choice. Here is a sight you may want to look at. It lists the drug, its side effects what its used for, and some other good info: http://www.pinofpa.org/partners/meds.html I have a really interesting survey that was done by the Autism Research Institute asking parents about different meds and if their children got better, worse, or the same on them. I was amazed at the overall results. Its clear that almost all the medications listed here have mixed results. There is NO one clear cut answer as to which drugs help reduce or make better the side effects that ASD's can cause.. anyway.. Heres the info: DRUGSNote: For seizure drugs: The first line shows the drug’s behavioral effects; the second line showsthe drug's effects on seizures. GotWorseA NoEffect GotBetter Better:Worse No. ofCasesB Aderall 39% 28% 34% 0.9:1 285 Amphetamine 47% 28% 25% 0.5:1 1174 Anafranil 31% 37% 31% 1.0:1 351 Antibiotics 30% 59% 11% 0.4:1 1617 AntifungalsC: Diflucan 7% 42% 51% 7.2:1 185 AntifungalsC: Nystatin 5% 48% 47% 10:1 727 Atarax 26% 53% 21% 0.8:1 443 Benadryl 24% 51% 25% 1.1:1 2512 Beta Blocker 18% 49% 33% 1.8:1 236 Buspar 26% 45% 30% 1.2:1 281 Chloral Hydrate 41% 37% 22% 0.5:1 375 Clonidine 21% 31% 48% 2.2:1 1090 Clozapine 44% 39% 16% 0.4:1 79 Cogentin 19% 53% 28% 1.4:1 149 Cylert 45% 35% 21% 0.5:1 580 Deanol 15% 55% 29% 1.9:1 195 Depakene: Behavior 25% 43% 32% 1.3:1 871 Depakene: Seizures 12% 30% 57% 4.6:1 569 Desipramine 38% 25% 38% 1.0:1 61 Dilantin: Behavior 28% 48% 24% 0.9:1 1049 Dilantin: Seizures 14% 36% 51% 3.8:1 377 Felbatol 26% 45% 29% 1.1:1 38 Fenfluramine 21% 51% 28% 1.4:1 453 Halcion 37% 30% 33% 0.9:1 43 Haldol 37% 27% 35% 0.9:1 1119 IVIG 13% 45% 42% 3.2:1 31 Klonapin: Behavior 28% 33% 38% 1.4:1 156 Klonapin: Seizures 38% 50% 12% 0.3:1 26 Lithium 27% 42% 31% 1.1:1 384 Luvox 28% 36% 37% 1.3:1 120 Mellaril 28% 38% 33% 1.2:1 2023 Mysoline: Behavior 44% 40% 15% 0.3:1 131 Mysoline: Seizures 19% 58% 23% 1.2:1 57 Naltrexone 22% 46% 32% 1.5:1 200 Paxil 27% 28% 45% 1.7:1 192 Phenergan 30% 44% 26% 0.9:1 244 Phenobarbitol: Behavior 47% 37% 16% 0.3:1 1052 Phenobarbitol: Seizures 17% 43% 40% 2.4:1 458 Prolixin 34% 34% 33% 1.0:1 83 Prozac 31% 33% 36% 1.2:1 975 Risperidal 19% 28% 53% 2.8:1 401 Ritalin 44% 26% 29% 0.7:1 3540 Secretin: Intravenous 8% 43% 49% 6.2:1 217 Secretin: Transdermal 12% 47% 41% 3.6:1 78 Stelazine 28% 44% 27% 1.0:1 415 Tegretol: Behavior 24% 45% 31% 1.3:1 1345 Tegretol: Seizures 12% 33% 55% 4.5:1 721 Thorazine 36% 40% 24% 0.7:1 897 Tofranil 30% 37% 33% 1.1:1 698 Valium 36% 41% 23% 0.7:1 788 Zarontin: Behavior 34% 43% 22% 0.7:1 129 Zarontin: Seizures 21% 51% 29% 1.4:1 87 Zoloft 33% 31% 36% 1.1:1 212 BIOMEDICAL/NON-DRUG/SUPPLEMENTS GotWorseA NoEffect GotBetter Better:Worse No. ofCasesB Vitamin A 2% 59% 39% 22:1 334 CalciumD 2% 62% 35% 14:1 988 Cod Liver Oil 3% 51% 46% 14:1 411 Colostrum 6% 58% 37% 6.7:1 163 Detox. (Chelation) 3% 28% 70% 27:1 116 Digestive Enzymes 4% 44% 52% 14:1 314 Di-methyl-glycine (DMG) 7% 51% 42% 5.9:1 4547 Fatty Acids 4% 44% 51% 12:1 299 5 HTP 11% 55% 35% 3.3:1 66 Folic Acid 4% 55% 41% 11:1 1100 Food Allergy Treatment 4% 37% 59% 14:1 290 Magnesium 6% 65% 29% 5.2:1 288 MelatoninE 10% 33% 57% 5.9:1 302 Pepcid 9% 61% 30% 3.2:1 64 SAMe 25% 46% 29% 1.1:1 28 St. s Wort 11% 67% 22% 2.0:1 46 Tri-methyl-glycine (TMG) 14% 42% 44% 3.1:1 182 Transfer Factor 18% 51% 31% 1.7:1 39 Vitamin B3 5% 55% 41% 9.0:1 487 Vitamin B6 alone 7% 64% 29% 4.1:1 590 Vitamin B6 & Magnesium 4% 49% 46% 11.1:1 5079 Vitamin C 2% 59% 39% 16:1 1306 Zinc 3% 55% 43% 17:1 835 SPECIAL DIETS GotWorseA NoEffect GotBetter Better:Worse No. ofCasesB Candida Diet 3% 45% 52% 18:1 605 Feingold Diet 2% 47% 51% 23:1 645 Gluten- /Casein-Free Diet 4% 33% 64% 18:1 724 Removed Chocolate 1% 50% 49% 36:1 1491 Removed Eggs 2% 61% 37% 21:1 882 Removed MilkProducts/Dairy 2% 51% 48% 30:1 4950 Removed Sugar 2% 51% 47% 24:1 3392 Removed Wheat 2% 53% 46% 26:1 2701 Rotation Diet 2% 50% 47% 20:1 678 A. “Worse” refers only to worse behavior. Drugs, but not nutrients, typically also cause physical problems if used long-term.B. No. of cases is cumulative over several decades, so does not reflect current usage levels (e.g., Haldol is now seldom used).C. Antifungal drugs are used only if autism is thought to be yeast-related.D. Calcium effects are not due to dairy-free diet; statistics are similar for milk drinkers and non-milk drinkers.E. Caution: While melatonin can benefit sleep and behavior, its long-term effects on puberty are unknown. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 4, 2004 Report Share Posted April 4, 2004 Hi Chuck. I'm a/k/a De, outside Atlanta, type 1, stage 1, grade 2, on wk 9 of tx now. Having the time of my life! NOT! Really, my sides aren't too bad. Glad to meet you. Faith is the ability to not panic. -----Original Message-----From: chuckhepc Sent: Sunday, April 04, 2004 3:28 AMTo: HepatitisCSupportGroupForDummies Subject: helloHello Group, Some of you here may know me, for those who don't........My name is Chuck and I have Hep C Type 1 a. I have done the interferon and ribiviarin thing and responded .......Then during treatment it came back. Since then I have kind of dropped out of groups and been just pretending this would all go away. So here I am back to the real world.Chuck in Kansas City Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 4, 2004 Report Share Posted April 4, 2004 Hi Chuck. I'm a/k/a De, outside Atlanta, type 1, stage 1, grade 2, on wk 9 of tx now. Having the time of my life! NOT! Really, my sides aren't too bad. Glad to meet you. Faith is the ability to not panic. -----Original Message-----From: chuckhepc Sent: Sunday, April 04, 2004 3:28 AMTo: HepatitisCSupportGroupForDummies Subject: helloHello Group, Some of you here may know me, for those who don't........My name is Chuck and I have Hep C Type 1 a. I have done the interferon and ribiviarin thing and responded .......Then during treatment it came back. Since then I have kind of dropped out of groups and been just pretending this would all go away. So here I am back to the real world.Chuck in Kansas City Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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