WOW Jenn

That certainly has you caught between a rock and a hard place, doesn't it? I don't live in the US so I don't have the knowledge of what avenues you can approach that you haven't already, but a few things come to mind that you haven't mentioned, or if you have, I missed them.

Have you checked with your place of employment if you would be able to put in the few more hours you would need to be classified as full-time? Maybe, you're not able to do more hours due to your disorder, I don't really know what your personal situation is. I do know that part-time employees usually do get less benefits than full-time do. The other thing, you mentioned that your family doc exclusively uses this grant-funded clinic. Is there any reason why he could not use another one if you explain what is happening with you? Also, have you discussed this situation with him yet? Maybe he knows of something that can be done to help you. The $50 is that for both the pdoc and t or just the pdoc? I'm wondering if you could still see a t at the clinic and have your GP manage your meds? Seeing 3 diff t's in a 1 month period is ridiculous. I agree that you need stability. I can't imagine being shifted around so much between different t's. What is there reason for doing that? Doesn't make sense to me, other than they don't know wtf they are doing at this clinic and that the patients are the ones that are suffering. I do hope there is another clinic that you can go to that doesn't charge more than the $5, or maybe the new $50 charge is a standard for all clinics? I also hope that your GP will pick up your case of handling your meds. Not to scare you but mine won't, I've tried that already myself cuz I'm having my own nightmare regarding pdocs and meds are concerned. My GP feels it is too difficult to handle patients with BP with the ever-changing mood swings. He'll take on any other mental disorder except BP. grrrrrrrr!!! I hope that you have much better luck than I did. Maybe going to yours for 15 years will be a plus for you. Is there any kind of govt agency you can call in regards to mental health care that might be able to help you find alternate care? Maybe you have a family member who would be able to help you out financially? I know it is not all that easy or possible to even ask but just thought I'd throw that out there, although you've probably already thought of it yourself and dismissed the idea.

Other than all that, I have to agree with sqrl and maybe you need to consider whether going on welfare and having your needs paid for would be more advantageous than working part-time, although knowing when I say that, here that would not be so easy to do, if welfare feels you are capable of working.

My heart goes out to you. Seems the health care system sucks big time and falls much short of the needs of the public. I don't know what more to say to you other than my thoughts and prayers are with you, not that that is going to resolve your situation. I hope you find some sort of resolution to your situation very soon. I can only just imagine the amount of stress this is putting on you and the effect that might have on your cycling. Much luck sweetie. I'm only a PM away if you want to talk.

(((((((((((( Jenn )))))))))))