Okay, I need to vent...

[moosmom]

I have a problem with my right ear. About a year ago, I had a severe URI with hearing loss in my right ear. Till now I couldn't afford to have it checked it out. I still don't, but HAD (I paid for it) medical insurance through the temp agency. Since I haven't had an assignment, the insurance was cancelled. No one TOLD me I had to send in my payments when I wasn't working (how the hell am I supposed to do that if I don't have money??? DUH!!)

My regular doctor sent me to an ear, nose and throat specialist because I have water behind my ear drumb. It's causing me problems both hearing AND vertigo-wise.

I got up (still thinking I had medical insurance that would cover the visit) early to make sure I was on time for my appointment, only to find out I don't HAVE any because I was supposed to independently send in $29/week to keep up the coverage, which nobody bothered to tell me. The Dr's office manager, after speaking with the insurance company, gave me the bad news. The Dr. wouldn't see me without insurance. I don't know whether to cry or be angry or both (at this point I think it's a little of both, cuz I don't think my Paxil is working today either). To make matters worse, I've got my job interview this afternoon at 2 pm!!! I'm not very good at all at putting on fronts when stuff like this happens.

So, not only am I still partially deaf in my right ear, I'm down to my last 4 pills of Paxil.

UGH!!!!!

Thanks for letting me vent guys. I hope this crappy mood will leave by the time my interview comes up. Cuz right now all I wanna do is put my pj's back on and crawl back under the covers.

[ramanth]

HUGE HUGS!! Good luck with the interview Donna. You can do it.

Sorry to hear things on the medical side are not well.

[Karen]

I hope you are feeling better - I'm sending you big, stabalizing hugs, and hope you do well at your interview. Remember, the ear things is temporary, and the interview could result in long-term good things! (Like insurance ...)

[caseysmom]

Donna, years ago I had the vertigo problem a few times, it was debilating for a few days. Sinus meds actually helped keep things drained for me. Sorry your going through all this.

[Lizzie]

You need to become cat-like for your interview. Imagine you are a prey species facing a new predator (the interviewer) and to survive you have to look like you are strong, healthy, fit to fight, no matter how you really feel.

Good luck - with the interview and with your ear problem.

[catnapper]

Donna, I'm right there with you today! I too had an awful doctor visit.

Good luck on your job interview. I know you'll knock them over with your intelligence and wit.

[carole]

Sweet Donna i am so sorry to hear you are having this awful problem, no fun at all, cheer up though and pretend you are going for an oscar at that interview today, you can do it, put on a brave face and knock em dead, I know it is easier said than done my friend, but know we are all rooting for you here and wishing you the best on both accounts, your interview and your health. HUGS.

[davidpizzica]

Sweet Donna i am so sorry to hear you are having this awful problem, no fun at all, cheer up though and pretend you are going for an oscar at that interview today, you can do it, put on a brave face and knock em dead, I know it is easier said than done my friend, but know we are all rooting for you here and wishing you the best on both accounts, your interview and your health. HUGS.

Carole, I just talked to Donna on the phone
tonight and she sounds pretty confident about the interview. Sis, I'm giving her Pittsburgh prayers that she will get the job.

[moosmom]

The interview went VERY well. I should know by the end of the week if I have the job or not. I'm confident.

The downside is that it put me in more of a depression. Why? Well, because it brought back a whole lot of memories of my father. He was a photographer for the newspaper. I'd drive by (it's right near I-95) and if I saw him sitting on the back of his truck smoking his cigar, I'd honk the horn and he'd wave. Plus I saw a whole lot of the guys from the photo department who came out as I was waiting, to tell me how very much they miss him and what a wonderful man he was. I did everything I could not to cry before the interview. But boy did I make up for it once I got in my car and after I got home.

I'll let you guys know the minute I hear anything. Thanks for being such great friends. Don't know what I'd do without ANY of you!!!

[cyber-sibes]

((((hugs)))) That was really sweet of the old guys to tell you how much they appreciated your dad, that had to make you feel better! (even if it did make you a little sad). Will keep our paws crossed you get hired, and get good benefits. In the meanwhile, is there a community health center that can help you with some low cost meds to hold you over? It's worth a couple phone calls to find out. Hang in there.

**I just emptied my checking account today to pay off the dentist...this is a new dentist so I have to cover everything up front. UGH, guess I really should have gone into medicine for a career

[K9karen]

I'll quickly step down from my soapbox but I find it intolerable and unbelievable that every American is not afforded reasonable health insurance. Anyway, Donna, if my ex boss hadn't mentioned Cobra to me, I wouldn't have known either, having had no reason to experience it before. Thank God for Medicare (temporary I hope) and supplemental insurance or I'd be up a creek without an oar. I hope and pray you get the job you want with good benefits. You need that ear taken care of. I hope your dad's wonderful spirit infiltrated the interview for good luck
Before I had a prescription plan, my family doctor gladly gave me endless supplies of samples of Zoloft and anything else I needed. Maybe your doctor will too if you explain. You can't just stop an antidepressive suddenly. Good luck.

[carole]

Donna i am so pleased all went so well and you sound really positive about it all, but i am sorry you felt so sad and i can understand why, but what a lovely tribute they payed to your beloved father, isn't that awesome, Hugs Donna I know your heart is heavy, but i hope you hear soon about the job and all goes your way and that will help you feel a little better, i sure hope you can get that jolly ear seen to though.

[emily_the_spoiled]

Donna, have you tried contacting GlaxoSmithKline (the company that makes Paxil)? Many of the drug companies have prgrams to help people who can not afford their medications and do not have any drug coverage.

I am glad the interview went so well

[moosmom]

Oh you guys!!!! You got my eyes leaking again!!!

Emily,

I know all about the different "free" programs, and my paperwork is already in. It's called the "waiting game". I also found out that Paxil still has 40 mgs and comes in a generic form. But they don't tell you that cuz they want you to spend an arm and a leg for the drugs you can't live without.

K9Karen,

I used to respect doctors. Remember when they made housecalls??? Remember when you could go right in when you were sick rather than having to wait a week cuz they were full??? I'm not asking for a freaking miracle. I'm simply asking for medication my system needs to keep me calm, UNdepressed and somewhat normal (whatever that may be!!). I totally agree with you on health insurance. No one should be without it and these high and mighty doctors who make the big bucks need to come down off their pedestals and help the people who need it most.

I did send a thank you note via email to the Circulation Manager (the guy who will be my boss). I've got alot of people there who knew my Dad, his great work ethic and dry sense of humor, pulling for me. I have a feeling it's going to work out okay.

Carole,

I've kinda gotten used to my ear problem. At least it doesn't hurt, it's just annoying telling people to talking into my "good" ear. That's what my grandmother used to say!!!!