Joined: 18 Jan 2008 Posts: 13 Location: Georgia, U.S.A.
Herniated L4 L5 Posted: 03-21-08 14:07pm
That's what the MRI show and my PA is
sending me to an neurosurgeon. Only
problem is I don't have the money to see
him as they want $300 paid in full on
first visit. So do any of you have a
suggestion about what I can do to help
ease the pain ( no pain meds...ran out). I
am 41 and stay home to care for our
mentally disabled niece( her dad died
mother left as a baby). There are no
programs to help people like me with no
insurance around here(here being Georgia).
Any advice would be greatly
appreciated!!!! After looking at alot of
post a bunch of you seem to know what you
are talking about and I'd sure listen!!!
Thank you thank you thank you!!!
Jenny
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RichT
Active User, Really EHEALTHy
Joined: 22 Jul 2007 Posts: 910
Thanks: 21
Thanked:0
Posted: 03-21-08 15:18pm
Hello Jenny,
Sorry to read about the pain that you are
having. I commend you highly for taking
care of your disabled niece. I applaud
you for doing so.
You did the right thing by having the MRIs
taken. That is a most important first
step. Thank goodness your PA is
recommending that you see a neurosurgeon.
That in my opinion is the next important
step.
Jenny, I can understand that the $300 for
you at this time is money you do not have.
However, my concern is that if you wait
the "cost" to you both physically and
financially may be substantially greater.
Can you talk with the neurosurgeon and
work out some acceptable financing plan?
It would be worth a try. Tell him/her of
your situation and hopefully they will be
understanding.
Also, is there some way you may qualify
for Medicaid? Or perhaps call your county
medical board and ask them if they can
recommend some options so that you can see
the recommended neurosurgeon.
I wish you and your family the very best.
Please do let us know how things go for
you.
RichT
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Tildasgirl
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 05 Apr 2008 Posts: 2
Herniated L4-L5 Posted: 04-14-08 11:55am
Dear Jenny,
I certainly can relate to your situation.
I am trying to work something out so I can
have surgery on my herniated L4-L5. The
pain got so bad that I have had to quit my
job as a legal assistant. The only income
is my husband's disability. The
neurosurgeon did reduce my initial visit
to Medicare allowable amount since my ins
does not cover Dr's visits. I have spoken
to the hospital and they feel that I
qualify for charity reduction. I have
found if you explain your situation, most
places are willing to work something out.
I am 52 years old and have held a job for
33 of those years. I have applied for SSD
but have not gotten a decision yet. The
lawyer I worked for here in VA
specialized in SS and SSI. Contact someone
to see if you quailfy since you are taking
care of a mental challenged individual. I
know things differ from state to state but
you definately qualify in VA. My prayers
are with you.
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mrs_jenjen
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 18 Jan 2008 Posts: 13 Location: Georgia, U.S.A.
Posted: 04-14-08 21:29pm
Thanks for the info. Someone else told me
I should check with SS since I take care
of our niece and see if they can help me
so I'll be doing that tomorrow. The
hospital will work with me about their
part of the bill but the doctor won't.
I'll let yall know if they'll help or
whether I have to keep looking. A big
thank you for the prayers....I fully
believe that will help too!!
