This is about me (not cats)

[jenluckenbach]

I am about to go back into a depressive state.

I qualify for medication (zoloft) because of low income, but I still have no health insurance to pay for the visit to the doctor (psychiatrist). And they won't order the medicine unless I go in for an office visit. [catch 22]


I guess I will be going off the medicine and back to the old me.....and I HATE the old me.

Pardon me while I go cry my eyes out until I start gagging. :(

[DJFyrewolf36]

Don't you love how they can get away with not giving you your medication? My roomate is in the same situation...he needs a perscription...and qualifies for it but of course he can't get in to the proper doctor :rolleyes:

I know all too well how much of a burden it is to live with cronic depression. A lot of people say "just get over it!" but it's difficult, if not impossible without help. Don't be ashamed to admit that either!

*HUGS* if you need to, PM me or IM me, I'm on Yahoo, MSN and AIM

AIM: djfyrewolf3642

MSN/Yahoo: [email protected]

[kittycats_delight]

You don't have to answer this if you don't want but what is the cost of a doctors visit so you can get the script for your meds?

I think that this is a case where PTers can help out. We love you Jen and I am sure there are enough of us that can toss in a couple of bucks for you to get your meds so you don't slip back into depression.

Please Jen if what I have asked or said bothers you let me know. I don't want you to be upset in any way.

[Craftlady]

Check with your regular family doctor. I know several people who have gotten their meds through family doctor. Their office calls are loads cheaper than specialist. Also, check with your public health department. They could refer you through their resources if the family doctor doesnt pan out. I'm betting family doctor will help.

[jenluckenbach]

Check with your regular family doctor

This is what I will be doing....

Thanks. I think I am calmed down now.:(

[emily_the_spoiled]

I am not sure about where you live, but there are community health clinics and counselling facilities that provide access to MD's on a sliding scale (based on your income). Maybe you can get your prescription that way????

[doolittleky]

Jen,
I suffer from chronic depression too. For years they tried a bunch of different anti depressants but none worked so the psychiatrist stopped seeing me because she knew i didn't have the money to be seeing her when bascially she jsut prescribed the meds for me and i was seeing a therapist. Anyway for years I wasn't on any meds for it and then when I went to my family docotr, who was new since mine had retired she noticed right off i needed to be on something and gave me samples to try. I didn't think they would help since i had tried so many before and nothing ever helped but lexapro helped. I do have insurance but still at times can't afford my meds so whenever i can't get them she gives me samples. One time she gave me enough samples to last 3 months. Please see your family doctor and explain the situation. I know what it is like to have to go off of them and it isn't pretty. Sometimes I get embaraased that i have to ask for samples but it beats being off your meds when you need them to function.

[luvofallhorses]

Jen,

You certainly aren't alone here. I suffer from chronic depression as well. It took years for them to get me on the right meds.(lamictal and sereoquel for anxiety and depression)....I truly hope they can find the right meds to help you cope with it. Having this isn't easy and we are all here for you. ((((((HUGS))))))

[catnapper]

Oh Jen.... hugs. I never got my meds through a therapist, always from my family doctor, who can treat depression and anxiety, etc. I hope your regular doctor can see you soon.

[tomkatzid]

Also, when you at your reg. Dr. you can ask for samples. FREE. You can get samples of lots of med's. for FREE, just by asking. An OBGYN can write that prescription too and they also have samples FREE.
Katz

[NoahsMommy]

My family doctor (an internist) prescribes my Celexa, so hopefully your family doctor can do the same.

Can you explain your situation and offer to make payments??

I don't want you going without the meds that make you happy and comfortable. If I can help, please let me know.

Hugs,
Kelly

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

{{{Hugs}}}

Jen, I'm so sorry you're feeling so low again. Hopefully the others' suggestions of going to the family doc instead of a psychiatrist will do the trick for you. It's just not right that you can get the meds but not the prescription. :confused: :(

[sandragonfly]

jen, - I'm glad you came here, knew pet talk would be pulling you with us! let us to. I understand sometimes (free) purr therapy isn't enough.. very difficult.

primary doctor could help you too. free samples mentioned above, depends on which county you are in!

will be thinking of you.. take care and stick around anyway! ((jen))

..gina & more furriends!! :)

[lady_zana]

Originally posted by emily_the_spoiled
I am not sure about where you live, but there are community health clinics and counselling facilities that provide access to MD's on a sliding scale (based on your income). Maybe you can get your prescription that way????

Yes, this is where I go, to a facility like this. I am on Zoloft too and get my medicine from Patient Assistance. I never see a doctor; instead I see a nurse practioner (I can't spell! Sorry!) If you would like to speak with me, please feel to PM me.

[Donnaj4962]

I know that I am new here, and I may be replying where I shouldn't be.... but please, take the advice of so many others about your family doctor, or a county clinic. Don't give up when one says no. You have to keep trying!

I take Effexor for anxiety and depression, and when I can't get my script filled (usually between paychecks!) due to lack of funds, I can tell the difference in my overall demeanor.... and it is not a pretty sight.

Please, Jen, try to get the prescription. I know there has to be some way that you can see a doc at a reduced rate or (even better) for free!

:)

[Laura's Babies]

My PCP in Florida is the one that put me on anti depressant, anti axiety drugs to start and when I moved back to Louisiana, my PCP here just asked what meds I was on and what I needed and wrote out the Rx's. The one I had in Florida would give me the free samples too, but I only allowed him to give me what I needed to hold me over until I could get mine back in the mail so as to save those free ones for people like you who NEED them and are not as lucky as I am to have insurance.

I am now discovering that I have anxiety attacks prior to something bad happening to my family or them being in danger.. I had a serious one just a night or two before Eddie's accident and KNEW I HAD to get off that boat, I just didn't know why.. Then with Katrina, I had a mild one as it crossed Florida... But both times, I had peace in my heart and knew things would be alright in the end.

Do you think the depression could be over all the suffering and death as a result of Katrina? I was SO depressed by the time I got off that boat that I was going to start taking those meds again but talked myself out of it because I worked so hard to get off the stuff. That had all of us on the boat depressed, it happened in New Orleans but it effected people everywhere and those images will be in our mind for a long time.. Could it be that?

[jenluckenbach]

OK, I found out the cost to see THIS same psychiatrist without having insurance, and it's do-able. I am a person quite set in her ways and hate the thought of trying a new clinic. Also, while it is true that my family doctor can prescribe the zoloft, he was the one who sent me to this psychiatrist for evaluation to determine if this was the correct medicine for me. Judging how this episode effected me and the fact that I had at least a couple short periods of depression lately, I think I would like to find out if the medicine needs "re-vamping". So I made the appointment for Monday. I will simply pay the bill and after that see if the family doctor will continue the medicine.

By the way, the part that got me extra riled up was that I just received a bill for failure to call to cancel an appointment without the necessary 48 hours notice. WELLLLLL....considering that I did call on Sept 9 to cancel a Sept 14 appointment, I was royally P!$$ED off. I truly HATE this office and its personal, but I like the doctor. It will almost certainly be my last visit there.


note to self and to everyone........ALWAYS write down WHO you talk to and WHEN, even if you think there won't bea a problem!!!

[momcat]

I'm so sorry, Jen. I've been on meds for depression and anxiety for a few years now and know first hand what happens when you miss your meds. You recognize the signs, you know you need help, and you reached out to us for help. Good for you!!! That's the hard part. Since money is a problem, I'll kick in a few bucks. We care about you and want to help in any way we can. Another option is to call some of the local hospitals, some have free clinics. If not, they may be able to connect you to some place where you can get what you need. We're here for you, sweet Jen. Just keep posting, okay?

[joycenalex]

...and tell the doctorwhen you see them about the screwup with the cancelation, they have the final say after all, it's THEIR business, not the office managers. ((HUGS)).

[orangemm]

Jen, I'm glad, too, that you came here with your problem. I have a very dear friend who suffers this way, but when she gets low she just retreats into a shell and we don't know what's happening until after the fact. It's frustrating to the rest of us who know and love her.

So I applaud you for your honesty.

Let me know if I can help, even in a small way.

Renate

[NoahsMommy]

Jen,

This is good news. I'm so glad everything is working out.

(((Hugs)))

:)

[catmandu]

JEN,YOU KNOW,THAT WE ARE YOUR FRIENDS,HERE,AND IF THERE IS ANYTHING,THAT YOU NEED,JUST ASK,AND WE WILL DO,WHAT WE CAN.
YOU,ARE MY BEST FRIEND,ON PET TALK,AND I WILL HELP,IF I CAN.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v621/catmandu/catphotos1112.jpg

MOOSE,AND SCRAPPY 2,THE CATS,AND I ARE PULLING,FOR YOU,JEN!!

[rg_girlca]

Jen, I am so sorry to hear that you are feeling down, but glad that you were able to get an appointment so soon with the phyciatrist. I hope and pray that all works out well for you.

((((((HUGS)))))) ((((((HUGS)))))) ((((((HUGS)))))) ((((((HUGS))))))

[slick]

Jen, I'm so sorry that you are going through this again....but glad that there is light at the end of the tunnel. You have my email addy....feel free to use it anytime. :)
{{{hhugs}}}

[krazyaboutkatz]

Jen, I'm sorry that you're feeling down again:( but I'm glad that you're able to see the psychiatrist and hopefully the new medicine will work for you. Good luck and please keep us updated.:)

[CalliesMom]

I really hope the appointment goes well on Monday. I've been having issues lately, as well and I completely understand how you feel.

[lbaker]

Jen, you and Charlie and all of yours are in my thoughts so often, not just when I hear that something is troubling you... but warm and loving thoughts just in general. Please let me know if I can help.. I'm not that far away from you. Would a Badger kiss help? WELL HERE'S A BIG SLOPPY CYBER BADGER KISS - RIGHT ON YOUR FACE!! :) Stay well my friend, you are loved and needed.

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Originally posted by kittycats_delight
I think that this is a case where PTers can help out.

Anything we can do to help you only have to ask xx

[Lobodeb]

I can't offer any advice, but I can offer a shoulder to cry on or an ear to talk to. I know I don't know you very well, but if you need anything, please let me know.

I'm glad you're getting some help, though.

(((((((((((((((((((((((((Hugs and headbumpies)))))))))))))))))))))))))))

[slick]

You've been on my mind today Jen.

How are you??

[jenluckenbach]

Originally posted by slick
You've been on my mind today Jen.

How are you??
Actually, I am good.

I have been feeling good MOST of the time while taking this Zoloft. I have had a couple episodes (like this one recently) but at least they are mild (in comparison) and short lived.

I will mention that at the appointment and see if the medicine needs a bit of "tweaking"

[momcat]

It's good to hear you're feeling okay, Jen. It's imperative that you tell your doctor about your medication. I was on Zoloft for awhile, did okay but not great. My doctor changed the meds to Paxil and it made a world of difference. Even my friends noticed a positive change! Paxil may not be right for you, only you and your doctor can make that call. Prayers being prayed for youy, Jan!

[K & L]

Glad to hear things are going better for you. I cannot relate to what everyone goes through with depression (except for a few times I have been) but not a continual basis. It's got to be a horrible thing to have to deal with. Good luck with all this!

[rg_girlca]

Oh Jen, I am so happy to hear that you are doing better. :D
You have lots of friends here who love you and care about you very much. Never forget that, okay.

((((((HUGS)))))) ((((((HUGS)))))) ((((((HUGS)))))) ((((((HUGS))))))

[Soapets]

I, too, take antidepressants, and have for most of the past 15 years. I've been on Desipramine all along. Zoloft in addition worked for me for awhile, but then got so it wasn't as effective, and I switched to Lexapro. That's helped a lot, but recently I was still having some problems, so my Dr. started me on Strattera as well. The Strattera enhances the effects of the antidepressants, and so far is keeping things stable.

The point is, there IS a medicine, or a combination of medicines, that will help, no matter how long it takes to find the right one(s). Please don't ever give up hope. Catch it as early as you can. It's good that you're open about it and seeking help now.

Often times depression can cause the person affected to try to hide it, by withdrawing and cutting off contact with others. That's what I tend to do, and that's kind of what was going on with me recently when I wasn't posting on here very much the past six weeks or so.

I am glad that you are reaching out to others, and are still able to come to PT, etc. Good luck with the Dr., and the options available to you to help you get the meds.

Deb

[catmandu]

i love you,aunt jen,and i hope,that you are as happy,as i am
scrappy 2 loves you.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v621/catmandu/catphotos772.jpg

[jenluckenbach]

Thank you Scrappy 2. I love you too.....very much.

[K & L]

Jen have you tried 1-888-4PPANow? It's a program for those that do not have prescription coverage. If you give them a call they'll tell you if you qualify.

[catmandu]

AUNT JEN,THIS IS MICHAEL,YOUR LITTLE ORANGE FRIEND,AND I AM PRAYING,FOR YOU TO FEEL ALL BETTER,SOON


I LOVE YOU,AUNT JEN.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v621/catmandu/Picture733.jpg

ILL SHARE MY TREATS,WITH YOU,I LOVE YOU,AUNT JEN.

[moosmom]

Jen,

I am also without medical benefits and am on anti-depressants. I found a shrink that fills out the paperwork and a prescription for my Paxil. I mail it in and they send me 6 months worth of my meds free. The program is called "Bridges to Access". Their toll free number is 866-728-4368. If they don't represent the drug company of Zoloft, I'm SURE they can give you info on it or give you a toll free number to call. PLEASE do NOT go off your meds. Call this number right away and get started on it. The last thing anyone who has depression needs is to crash because they're out of their meds. Believe me, I've been there, done that!!!

Keep me posted and I'll give you a call tonight to see if you're okay.

(((((HUGS))))))))))))))

Donna

[momcat]

Hi Jen! How are you doing today? Is there anything I can do for you? If I can get it, it's yours!