STRESSING BIG TIME!

[Guest guest]

The bad news just keeps coming!!! Finally diagnosed with RA in February after

three years. Started seeing my Rheumy in April and working on finding the right

med combo. Just the beginning stage of trying to get this thing under control,

while working full time. Went from 2 generic prescriptions $10.00 co-pay with

insurance to 8 prescriptions $80 per month now, plus the doctors visits and all

the blood-work. Being single and barely making the bills as it is, it was barely

do-able with insurance. Still, I was coping, trying to adjust to my RA, aork,

and trying to stay positive.

Then last week I was told that due to the slow housing market, my position as

seccretary in a Real Estate company was being cut, after 15 years on the same

job. As it stands now, my job ends the last of September and my health insurace

with it -- just 2 months before I quality for SS at age 62 - three years before

I quality for Medicare. I've gone to the SS office and filed. Won't receive my

first check until January. Can't file for Disability while I'm still working or

it would be denied, but can try to get my SS switched to disability when I'm no

longer employed. Even if I get disability my check (which would be more than SS)

would pay for mortgage and utilities. Nothing left for medical expenses or

prescriptions which would be over $300 per month without insurance, not to

mention doctor visits, blood work, and food.

From the end of September to January, I could receive unimployment. What little

I would get will barely pay the mortgage. I could get another job, in an area

that took a major blow due to the economy with an extremely high unemployment

rate - but who the hell is going to hire a 62 year old female who can't stand

for any length of time, who can barely lift a 5 pound bag of flour, who finds it

extremely painful to hold a pen and take messages or write checks. As it was, my

current job was becoming increasingly difficult. On a positive note, with the

meds, my fingers work and I can type as long as I pace myself and take breaks.

Even so, by the time I get home each night the fatigue has kicked in and my

wrists are screaming - I'm finished for the night.

Needless to say, I'm scared to death, and stressed to the max, but past my

crying jag and try to get past the pity party. I know there are people who have

been through worse. At least there is just me, with no young children at home to

support. For now I have to put on my big girl panties and figure out what I can

do to survive.

I keep telling myself that this might be a blessing in disguise. I would have

kept pushing myself, day in and day out to keep working for the insurance, not

knowing how much longer I would have been able to keep going.

So my friends, I'm asking for advice. I know many of you have been in the same

situation. Is there a way to get medicare before age 65? I know a phone number

for a group where you can get help with prescriptions was posted. I thought I

saved it but now can't find it. Any recommendations you can give me will be

greatly appreciated.

Kay