So stressed - can't pay rent *Update* A Little Good News About Health Issues*

[Karen]

Sell unnecessary things, and look into a food pantry for food for you humans in the meantime. Food expenses matter, and this is what the pantries are there for, times like this. If you have any free time, maybe you can make some extra money doing chores - spring cleaning or yard work for others - it might not be a lot of money, but ask around ... some is better than nothin'!

[Pawsitive Thinking]

What is your landlord like? can you sort out something arrangement with them? Sometimes if you call the people you owe money to and explain the situation they will take less for the short term until you can get the payments back up.

[Catty1]

Definitely look into assistance things. A friend of mine has a full time job in a national grocery chain, has $950 in rent - and has to use the food bank every 3 weeks, plus do some cleaning on weekends. She has to pay $100 child support (down from over $500).

Rents are expensive and the economy is tough. There are lots of 'working poor' - I have been one of them for a lot of my working life. Apply for all the assistance you can!

You might - MIGHT - think about which of your cats you might rehome...and ask your vet to keep an eye out for a good home. Heartbreaking - but they cost, too!

[MoonandBean]

You might - MIGHT - think about which of your cats you might rehome...and ask your vet to keep an eye out for a good home. Heartbreaking - but they cost, too!

I doubt if this is an option for you. Your cats are better off with you than anywhere else (in my opinion). You will get by!

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm so sorry to hear this. I don't have any other suggestions but I'll keep you both in my thoughts and prayers. Things will get better.

[Randi]

I don't know how it is over there, but I saw a programme on TV about young students who had formed a little group and went to several huge supermarkets after closing time, to see what they had thrown out in the back. It was amazing what they found... unopened groceries and greens and fruit that was just past last selling date. A lot of it looked fine. They even showed some dishes that was made from it. I know some find it gross, but just an idea. Hey, you'd have to be able to climb a fence probably.

One other thing... I buy Fister's food from my vet because it's quality, and he offers that people can come back with a bag of dry food if the cat doesn't like it and get their money back. so he has lots of various food out in the back, he gives to unemployed people. I have got quite a few of those for free. Ask your vet if he does the same.

[emily_the_spoiled]

I know this will not help right now, but now that the Health Insurance Bill was signed into law your husband will be able to get insurance now and they will be able to treat his medical problem. Because of the subsidies that are available you will likely be able to get very low premiums.

Once he is better, then he will not have to take FMLA time...

[Anikaca77]

I know this will not help right now, but now that the Health Insurance Bill was signed into law your husband will be able to get insurance now and they will be able to treat his medical problem. Because of the subsidies that are available you will likely be able to get very low premiums.

Once he is better, then he will not have to take FMLA time...

Hi-

Yes I saw that the bill was signed into law and my husband actually does have insurance and we are very lucky there. We went to see a doctor at the Cleveland Clinic last month but sadly he said there isn't too much to do. We don't know when it's going to hit or what.

Here is some information on it incase anyone was curious. As some of you know my husband and I have been having a really rough time and I don't know if we are going to stay together or not, I hope so and we are trying to make it work but it's been a rather tough couple of months or so.



What Is It?

CVS is an unexplained disorder of children and adults that was first described by Dr. S. Gee in 1882. The condition is characterized by recurrent, prolonged attacks of severe nausea, vomiting, prostration with no apparent cause. In some there is severe abdominal pain. Vomiting occurs at frequent intervals for hours or days (1-4 most commonly). The episodes tend to be similar
to each other in symptoms and duration and are self-limited with return of normal health between episodes.

Occurrence

CVS begins at any age. It can persist for months, years or decades. Episodes may recur several times a month or several times a year. Females are affected slightly more than males. The person may be prone to motion sickness, and there is often a family history of migraine. There is a high likelihood that children’s episodes will be replaced by migraine headaches during adolescence.

Symptoms

Episodes may begin at any time, but often start during the early morning hours. There is relentless nausea with repeated bouts of vomiting or retching. The person is pale, listless and resists talking. They often drool or spit and have an extreme thirst. They may experience intense abdominal pain and less often headache, low-grade fever and diarrhea. Prolonged vomiting may
cause mild bleeding from irritation of the esophagus. One mother aptly described her child’s state during the episode as a “conscious coma”. The symptoms are frightening to the person and family and can be life-threatening if delayed treatment leads to dehydration.

Diagnosis

CVS has been difficult to diagnose because it is infrequently recognized and is often misdiagnosed as stomach flu or food poisoning. There are as yet no blood tests, x-rays or other specific procedures used to diagnose the disorder. The diagnosis is made by careful review of the patient’s history, physical examination and lab studies to rule out other diseases that may cause vomiting similar to CVS.

Triggers

Although some patients know of nothing that triggers attacks, many identify specific circumstances that seem to bring on their episodes. Colds, flus and other infections, intense excitement (birthdays, holidays, vacations), emotional stress and menstrual periods are the most frequently reported triggers. Specific foods or anesthetics may also play a role.

Treatment

Treatment is generally supportive with much importance placed on early intervention. A dark quiet environment is critical for sleep. Hospitalizations and IV fluid replacement may be necessary. Medication trials sometimes succeed in finding something to prevent, shorten or abort episodes. It is important to work with a physician who does his/her best to understand CVS and is supportive.

Long-Term Treatment

The foundation of long-term management involves a responsive collaborative doctor-patient-family relationship, sensitive to stresses caused by the illness and to triggers such as feelings and attitudes that may pre-dispose to attacks. Consistent, accessible physician care by a care coordinator who understands and communicates the nature of CVS,regardless of specialty, is vital to the family’s well-being. Connections with the Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Association, a family and professional network, does a great deal toward healing a family that has been in doubt and despair for years.

[Daisy and Delilah]

I don't know how it is over there, but I saw a programme on TV about young students who had formed a little group and went to several huge supermarkets after closing time, to see what they had thrown out in the back. It was amazing what they found... unopened groceries and greens and fruit that was just past last selling date. A lot of it looked fine. They even showed some dishes that was made from it. I know some find it gross, but just an idea. Hey, you'd have to be able to climb a fence probably.

One other thing... I buy Fister's food from my vet because it's quality, and he offers that people can come back with a bag of dry food if the cat doesn't like it and get their money back. so he has lots of various food out in the back, he gives to unemployed people. I have got quite a few of those for free. Ask your vet if he does the same.

I think this is the program I saw on Dumpster Diving. It's done in large areas by people that are not necessarily in dire straits. Some of the people were fairly well off. It's supposedly a big thing in big cities. Some restaurants will throw out a dozen eggs if one of them is cracked due to health regulations. Some of the people were getting all they needed by doing this. The food they get is perfectly fine and no one reported getting sick at all. Not for everybody but it's a thought.

[Randi]

Dumpster Diving.... yes, that's probably what it's called. I'm too old and lazy for it, but young kids can really get a "good deal". The supermarket I like to shop in has a "last date" one day before other supermarkets, and some of the things they throw out are better than what certain ethnic green grocers sell - like bananas that are turning brown, or potatoes going soft etc.

[Medusa]

Melissa, if you can, take the advice and look into food pantries. Many churches, if not all, provide them. If there are none available to you, try www.angelfoodministries.com. You can purchase a lot of food for a very small amount of money. I concur w/the others; selling your valuables isn't worth it. I've done it and I regret it. Plus I didn't make that much money anyhow. I do know that you have a problem w/back pain but if you can, cleaning houses for a living, even part time, will bring money in that day. At the end of the day, you have money in your hand and even though it may only be $50 or so, it makes you feel good to know that you can at least buy groceries and some cat food. You aren't waiting for payday to come around b/c every day that you clean a house is payday. If you can clean a couple of houses a week and on weekends, you can make a fairly decent living. I cleaned three houses a day, five days a week in the beginning to get as much money as I possibly could. You're much younger than I, so I know you can do it if you can control your pain. Good luck, Melissa. I know all too well how rough it is.