Bipolar check-in #56

*Beth* · Jun 29, 2021 at 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soupe du jour

I'm happy to report that this morning both my husband and I received our insurance cards for Czech public insurance. We are insured in our new country! This is great news for us! A couple days ago, my husband spoke with an HR person at his old company in the US. They said that given his over 30 years at the company, he would qualify for the grand benefit of being able to pay into their insurance coverage. They said it would cost about $650 per month for him and about $750 if I would also need to be insured. Who in the heck has this kind of money other than super rich people? And like before, that's BEFORE annual deductibles, NOT INCLUDING co-pays, and of course not including dental coverage and medication co-pays that are the average ridiculous price, if not generics. They can shove that insurance up...It's criminal! Instead, our new universal public health coverage (that every single Czech in the country has) costs only about $200 per month for the two of us, combined. Has zero annual deductibles, basically zero doctor co-pays, cheap hospital co-pays, allows pre-existing conditions, includes dental and vision coverage, and the medication co-pays are comparatively nothing or in some cases nothing. I'm only praising this so much because I am truly sad that my fellow Americans have to pay so much. It's wrong! Health coverage, in my view, is a right. And never ever ever should being sick break the bank! People shouldn't have to avoid getting medical help because of the costs, especially not in one of the so-called richest countries in the world. Wrong! This discrepancy is one of the bigger reasons my husband and I made the big move, despite loving the US.

Excellent! It's good to know that some people, somewhere actually have realistic health insurance. What is it with the States?!

*Beth* · Jun 29, 2021 at 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leomama

What problems did 25mg cause? That’s what I have.

I've developed such health problems with the Seroquel that I just want it completely out of my body. Since I'm sleeping well without it (the 25mg was specifically for sleep) I don't need to be on it anymore.

leomama · Jun 29, 2021 at 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BethRags

I've developed such health problems with the Seroquel that I just want it completely out of my body. Since I'm sleeping well without it (the 25mg was specifically for sleep) I don't need to be on it anymore.

What did it do to you ?

Soupe du jour · Jun 29, 2021 at 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mountaindewed

My insurance company just called. They said they couldn’t find a therapist for me but I can see people out of network. Whatever that means. All I know is I can see the therapist I want to, who I am already set up with, and it won’t cost me a ton of money each session. I hope the out of network rule also applies to primary’s so I can still stay with mine, and I also hope it applies to gynecologists so I can see one who’s LGBTQ+ friendly. I’d like to go with the one my primary suggested. But I’m not sure my mom is up for that since he is out of state. I’ll pay whatever I have to for my Pdoc because I’m staying with him even if he’s $300 a session.

Sorry you have to resort to out of network providers, Mountaindewed. I agree that an out of network doctor/therapist can be worth it, sometimes. Or sadly out of necessity. You should check with your insurance to see how the out of network visits work. Sometimes you need to pay in full, but can submit copies of payment receipts to the insurance company for partial reimbursement. Usually the reimbursement is less than in-network. Sometimes it's little, but something is better than nothing.

When I lived in the US, I of course looked for in-network providers. Most were in-network, but my psychiatrist wasn't. He was definitely worth the extra expense.

Nammu · Jun 29, 2021 at 01:33 PM

When I lived in Austin tx my T was out. Of network. It was a combination of having already established a connection with her and her knowing ASL. A very rare thing even in a big city like Austin. But all my other doctors had to be in network. They used interpreters, but that’s not practical for a therapeutic relationship

Mountaindewed · Jun 29, 2021 at 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soupe du jour

Sorry you have to resort to out of network providers, Mountaindewed. I agree that an out of network doctor/therapist can be worth it, sometimes. Or sadly out of necessity. You should check with your insurance to see how the out of network visits work. Sometimes you need to pay in full, but can submit copies of payment receipts to the insurance company for partial reimbursement. Usually the reimbursement is less than in-network. Sometimes it's little, but something is better than nothing.

When I lived in the US, I of course looked for in-network providers. Most were in-network, but my psychiatrist wasn't. He was definitely worth the extra expense.

According to the insurance company I’ll be paying $40 a session instead of $100. Which is about what I paid for with my old insurance. When I had just Medicare without a supplement, a couple years ago, I was paying $12 a session for therapy but only 80% of my medical bills were being covered and I was starting to get sick a lot. I had to choose between my mental and physical health basically when signing up for insurance. And it was worth it since my doctors visits and my surgery in 2020 were 100% covered. But I feel like this new insurance is a scam. I honestly don’t understand it. I mean I don’t understand the out of network thing. Maybe it’s just because they didn’t actually have any therapist who took it. So maybe that’s why they are letting me choose who I want. It’s still a type of Medicare. Before I switched insurances I could see whoever I wanted to who took Medicare. Which was basically every doctor and specialist.

Lizzie1813 · Jun 29, 2021 at 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jennifer 1967

Those in the know say it’s preferable to avoid words like always and every time. I will attempt to do that now. It seems to me that many times when my daughter is about to visit and I’m trying to get things ready, chaos occurs. We have a lake beside the house from a leak from Lord knows where. We just fixed one last month when our water bill was $400. The plumber said he “hoped they fixed it”. Apparently not for long. The heating element on our dryer has gone out and mom has hurt her back and can’t walk or move around much. Aaaarrrggghhhh!!!! Just one full week of peace and quiet please.

I asked my med provider to take me off Lithium due to potential kidney damage and put me on something else and she refused. She said that since I’ve been on Lithium I’ve had no SI. Not only is that incorrect but it’s gone beyond that. I feel unheard. I guess I could just quit taking it on my own but I don’t like that idea.

Oh well. One thing at a time. I hope everyone has a peaceful day.

I took Lithium for years and was fine then two years ago, it became toxic for me. I have Level 3 kidney insufficiency. I hope your doctor will listen to your concerns.

Jun 29, 2021 at 03:00 PM

it is only tuesday and I all ready feel that this week so far I have gone through every emotion possible

intense anxiety?- check

anger?- check

psympathy?- check

sad? - check

and like I say it's only tuesday..

Mountaindewed · 05:23 PM

I’m trying my hardest to skip the melatonin tonight. I did take a muscle relaxer because of pain. And a zofran for nausea. I think muscle relaxers can be addicting but I only got like 15 pills and I only take one at night. So when they are gone they are gone. My dentist actually suggested one time that I use them because I grind my teeth at night so badly she was worried I’d either crack a tooth or hurt my neck. That’s kind of drastic in my opinion but I took one tonight just for pain in my chest.

But my meds are hidden for the night now. My mom put them in her room somewhere but I’d have to go digging and I for one would never do that and also I’d get in huge trouble if I did.

My mom just handed me the 80 Geodon I had set aside for tomorrow morning. I really want to take it. My hunger was under control today since I didn’t take any Geodon this morning and my anxiety wasn’t bad too because of the stuff I took last night. I wonder if I can slowly wean myself onto all my Geodon at night. I have 20’s and 60’s I can use until I get used to the 80. I don’t know if 180 at night is healthy regardless how I switch myself to it. But taking everything at night helps both with my sleep and my anxiety and other side effects during the day.

What is the highest dose you guys have taken at night?

*Beth* · Jun 29, 2021 at 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leomama

What problems did 25mg cause? That’s what I have.

I don't know if the 25mg (Seroquel) specifically caused any problems; the higher dose definitely did. Since I'm trying to bring my weight, glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol down (all high as a result of Seroquel) I figure it's healthiest for me to be totally off the stuff.

leomama · Jun 29, 2021 at 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BethRags

I don't know if the 25mg (Seroquel) specifically caused any problems; the higher dose definitely did. Since I'm trying to bring my weight, glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol down (all high as a result of Seroquel) I figure it's healthiest for me to be totally off the stuff.

Interesting, well it’s the one drug that I take as needed so I’m gonna try not to need it.

leomama · Jun 29, 2021 at 05:29 PM

Well it’s hot and my daughter is home in bed recuperating from a motor vehicle accident. I just got off work and I’m feeling down. Ordinarily I would exercise but the heat. I’m beginning to think it was a bad idea to go back on medication however the mania from marijuana wasn’t good either . I’m supposed to call my doctor tomorrow. I’m feeling anxiety but given the situation with my daughter I think that’s an appropriate feeling. I’m guessing if I wasn’t on anything I’d feel worse and drinking and smoking and vaping or taking thc gummies *are not options*.

~Christina · Jun 29, 2021 at 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Innerzone

Still hot as hell. Today is forecast for 116. We did break our all-time record Saturday at 108. Which was succeeded on Sunday by an all-time of 112. And today could be higher yet?! It is beyond awful. It makes me seriously question my will to live.

We do not have AC, though our place is in a basement, there is enough exposed that it has gotten hot regardless. Has scarcely cooled at night. Work has AC, and still I don't want to go (though at least today is my Friday). I react badly to heat and have been weak, dizzy and nauseated (despite hydrating, electrolytes, etc.) I am beyond over this ****.

Tonight is supposed to be the first night for some degree of cooling and tomorrow is forecast to "only" be upper 90's.

And it's not even summer yet...

OMG

I can not handle the heat, I turn into to Super Witch, I feel bad for my husband at times.

You need to move off the surface of the sun

~Christina · Jun 29, 2021 at 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moose72

I have an appointment for the 7th with my gyn.

I hope this is an easy situation to take care of

Moose72 · Jun 29, 2021 at 08:29 PM

I am talking with my friend Caleb. He said in addition to the bladder stones he also has stage 0 bladder cancer. He smokes heavily- 2 packs a day at least- and one of the leading causes of bladder cancer is smoking. I asked him how he managed to not smoke the two weeks he was in the hospital and he said he was distracted by the pain and everything that was going on. I asked if he started smoking again now that he's home and he said yes! He said the bottom line is that he doesnt really want to quit smoking- he's too addicted and he likes smoking too much.

Read that again: smoking is likely causing him cancer and he still chooses to smoke! Ugh. This makes me so mad and sad.

~Christina · Jun 29, 2021 at 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jennifer 1967

Those in the know say it’s preferable to avoid words like always and every time. I will attempt to do that now. It seems to me that many times when my daughter is about to visit and I’m trying to get things ready, chaos occurs. We have a lake beside the house from a leak from Lord knows where. We just fixed one last month when our water bill was $400. The plumber said he “hoped they fixed it”. Apparently not for long. The heating element on our dryer has gone out and mom has hurt her back and can’t walk or move around much. Aaaarrrggghhhh!!!! Just one full week of peace and quiet please.

I asked my med provider to take me off Lithium due to potential kidney damage and put me on something else and she refused. She said that since I’ve been on Lithium I’ve had no SI. Not only is that incorrect but it’s gone beyond that. I feel unheard. I guess I could just quit taking it on my own but I don’t like that idea.

Oh well. One thing at a time. I hope everyone has a peaceful day.

Oh Jennifer what a mess

I hope that there can be a fix that actually fixes the water issue..

Often heating elements can be fixed rather cheap, not all of course it would depend on the brand. We had one die years ago and we found one on Facebook market place that was being sold because they were updating, 40.00 ! Works like a champ, doesnt match our washer but that isnt something that I care about.

It really sucks that your not being listened to about wanting to get off a medication that can indeed cause major health problems. Can you try again and maybe have documented info on the dangers of it? I dunno. I just hope that you can get some changes across the board and get a damn week that your not having to put out fires..

I am so happy you have lots of things planned with M !!! Enjoy every moment

~Christina · Jun 29, 2021 at 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BethRags

It looks like I'll get the upgraded apartment! Of course, I'll be relieved when I actually have the key in my hand. Moving shouldn't be too bad, since the apartment is only 3 doors away from me. No stairs involved, as I'll still be on the 2nd floor. I am worried because there are holes in this apartment's walls where I've hung things up. I hope I don't have trouble with that.

FANTASTIC !!!!

I doubt you will have any problem at all with things you have hung up. Apartment and Home rentals know that its normal for people to truly feel at home.. I am so excited for you..

Moose72 · Jun 29, 2021 at 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ~Christina

I hope this is an easy situation to take care of

Well we are just waiting on the results of my blood work. Its probably nothing. I don't feel that I need the appointment next week but whatever.

Scooter9 · Jun 29, 2021 at 08:55 PM

We got our second covid shot today! I can count myself among the 32% of Canadians that have their 2 doses (about 75% have had 1 dose).

I got a call about a referral my pdoc made for a depression therapy group. The wait list is 6 to 9 months!

~Christina · Jun 29, 2021 at 09:21 PM

Well I have yet another health problem to deal with.. I'm so sick sick sick of it all.

My husband has started to get those really horrible headaches again. As some of you might remember he was having these brutal headaches and it led us to a Neurologist and finding he has 20% brain volume loss.

I need to call the Neurologist and get him in sooner than November.

I did get him an appt for end of July with a Ophthalmologist as we both need a baseline exam since we have diabetes.

Everything is washing over me again, the constant worry, never ending Anxiety and numerous full on Panic attacks , the dread, feeling hopeless/ helpless. Zero sleep.

Hugs to anyone in need

Menu

My Support Forums - Mental Health Support Groups

Get emotional support and friendship from others like you!

Bipolar check-in #56

My Support Forums

Anonymous32451 Guest Posts: n/a	Jun 29, 2021 at 03:00 PM #1228 it is only tuesday and I all ready feel that this week so far I have gone through every emotion possible intense anxiety?- check anger?- check psympathy?- check sad? - check and like I say it's only tuesday..