I have a thyroid tumor and have been putting off having surgery because of no insurance and not being able to afford the medical bills. I still owe money from having a kidney removed last year. In the meantime, my health continues to deteriorate and I'm in pain. The surgeon I talked to said I should have the left half with the tumor removed and shouldn't wait too long and that was about two months ago.
I've researched until I'm blue in the face yet can't find proof anywhere of any other method (natural or otherwise) to cure the kind of problem I'm having. I've been trying to eat healthy food, take supplements that are supposed to fight cancer, etc. but not sure that they are helping as I'm getting more and more fatigued.
I'm curious if any Gather members or anyone in their families have had thyroid surgery for any reason and what your experience has been as far as the surgery, recovery, how it has affected your health, etc.
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Comments: 34
I've been trying to get help for over a year from various agencies, government and private. I do get some medical help from the local hospital and clinic but can't get help with radiology and anesthesia and am still waiting to hear from the pathology company. I'm already in debt to them (plus the ambulance service from last year) for over $3000 and am only able to pay $10 apiece monthly. I'm sure surgery will add another $1000 to $2000 to that, at least.
I did go ahead and make an appointment this morning with the family practioner but can't get in for a week.
I don't know what else to tell you. I'm not going to preach about how you really need to take care of it because you know that, and I understand your financial concerns. I also won't offer insurance options because you've probably looked into most of them.. if you haven't, you can look on your state's health department website, they will probably list most of the low-cost options such as Family Health Plus or whatever. I don't know your situation or why you don't have insurance.. so I won't try to butt in where my 2 cents doesn't belong.
I hope you find some answers to your problems soon.
My income is so low right now due to unforeseen circumstances (and I am unable to work) that I can't afford ANY kind of insurance. Believe me, I've left no stone unturned trying to look for help. I fall through the cracks as far as medicaid in my state. I did qualify and get public housing and food stamps, something I'm not happy about, but even as frugally as I live, it's still difficult.
That is awful about medicaid, you really should qualify.. especially with the big push by the government to get everyone insurance. I think I'd keep on the medicaid department until they fix this error and get you some insurance. If you're considered disabled and get disability you might qualify for Medicare.. that's what my mother gets and she's in her 50's.
Good luck, I hope you can figure something out.
Medicaid is a state program, unlike Medicaire which is federal. Yes, if I qualified for disability I would automatically get medicaid, but from what I've seen it's very difficult to get disability.
Thank you for your encouragement. :)
I too have heard it's not easy to get disability.. but at the same time there are so many people on it that seem like they should be capable of working.. like people with mild forms of depression or bi-polar. People have told me for years I should try to get it due to my depression.. sadly I'm not interested in jumping through the hoops to try to get it.
Still, in your situation, it might be worth a shot.
I know about those family problems. I wasn't close to my mother because of them. She's been gone for 27 years now.
Are you sure about this, Denise? In MA, if you qualify for any of the above aid, you automatically qualify for Medicaid (pretty sure, anyway). Plus, having a kidney removed would qualify you for disability~remember, my ex has had kidney problems for nearly 2 decades & he's on both Medicare & Medicaid, he's only 55. I would def start applying for disability & tho' it's a long process, it may go thru faster based on your medical conditions, AND, you're unable to work (unsure of the timeline). I can't believe you've had to put off medical treatment for $$$ reasons~that would never happen in MA, thanx to Romney (guess he ain't all bad)!
I would start applying for disability, you will probably get it and it will be a huge help.
I know when I have my left hand sliced open and infected by getting out of my car and slipping on ice, I had health insurance (well, not really, thought I did, but long story there) but my car insurance took care of the bills since it involved my car, even getting in or out. Still the hospital social worker badgered me, "do you need public assistance? do you need charity? and so on. I told her about my auto medical but she still pursued the issue. I took her number in case I needed it but I did not. Maybe you could go that route.
Prayers up for you.
I was denied medicaid and this state is broke. :( I haven't applied for disability, but I know my chances are low of getting that these days and it's two years until I am eligible for medicare.
ian and i are are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers, and sending positive healing energy your way
blessings, my friend