Guest guest Posted May 16, 2006 Report Share Posted May 16, 2006 My son is autistic, diagnosed about 6 years ago, and the celiac was diagnosed about 5 years ago. He had no symptoms outwardly at the time. We went gluten free because it was supposed to help autistic kids, and that's how we discovered the celiac. We put him back on gluten, and he developed symptoms. it was almost like he was numb from the amount of damage, he was about 9 or 10 at the time, but since going gf, he healed a bit and was more aware of it. I had a similiar reaction. I had no symptoms, but since he was diagnosed, and my younger one tested high on the blood tests, I went on the diet myself. I was gf for a year, and didn't see any improvement (or not enough to warrant the change). Then I had the added stress of cancer, and the chemo threw me into full blown celiac. Stress can do that. If he tested high on the blood work, and they think the biopsies show positive, there is only one thing to my limited knowledge that can flatten villi out, and that's celiac. Some celiac never show symptons. My older son's biopsies were inconclusive, but since undiagnosed celiac can lead to so many different problems, the doctor prescribed the diet. We were supposed to do an oat challenge, but the younger tested high on the blood work, so he just diangosed. I would go with the original biopsies, and that's one reason I never let my younger one go gf......I went through having to put him BACK on gluten and I would NEVER do that to a child again. If I hadn't needed the diagnosis for school, I wouldn't have done it then. Being gf lets the villi heal, even a short time. --loriann aka Victree the Christian clown Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 16, 2006 Report Share Posted May 16, 2006 My son is autistic, diagnosed about 6 years ago, and the celiac was diagnosed about 5 years ago. He had no symptoms outwardly at the time. We went gluten free because it was supposed to help autistic kids, and that's how we discovered the celiac. We put him back on gluten, and he developed symptoms. it was almost like he was numb from the amount of damage, he was about 9 or 10 at the time, but since going gf, he healed a bit and was more aware of it. I had a similiar reaction. I had no symptoms, but since he was diagnosed, and my younger one tested high on the blood tests, I went on the diet myself. I was gf for a year, and didn't see any improvement (or not enough to warrant the change). Then I had the added stress of cancer, and the chemo threw me into full blown celiac. Stress can do that. If he tested high on the blood work, and they think the biopsies show positive, there is only one thing to my limited knowledge that can flatten villi out, and that's celiac. Some celiac never show symptons. My older son's biopsies were inconclusive, but since undiagnosed celiac can lead to so many different problems, the doctor prescribed the diet. We were supposed to do an oat challenge, but the younger tested high on the blood work, so he just diangosed. I would go with the original biopsies, and that's one reason I never let my younger one go gf......I went through having to put him BACK on gluten and I would NEVER do that to a child again. If I hadn't needed the diagnosis for school, I wouldn't have done it then. Being gf lets the villi heal, even a short time. --loriann aka Victree the Christian clown Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 16, 2006 Report Share Posted May 16, 2006 > Please excuse if I ramble but my head is spinning. My son (14) was > diagnosed with celiac March 28. He has been gluten-free and lactose- > free since then. He had no outward symptoms prior to the endoscopy. And yet, he had the following symptoms of CD: developmentally delayed learning disabled delayed puberty constipation, which he has had since birth > Since endoscopy (March 28) and being gluten free he has had random > stomach aches, diarrhea, and lately doesn't go to the bathroom for 3- > 4 days. This is typical in some people - as the villi heal, you still have high antibody levels for some months and go thru a period in which you are even more sensitive to small amounts. Eventually the antibodies go down (but not always the symptoms of mistakes). > I would like to redo the endoscopy with a new Dr. but am > afraid that perhaps it will be tainted due to the fact that he has > been gluten free for so long. Should I proceed with the scope? It would be mostly a waste of money. You could to a gluten challenge = 4 to 6 months of high daily wheat ingestion (11 servings for a 150 lb person, less if smaller, but still probably 5-7 for a teenage kid. And teens tend to have less visible damage on the scope (growth hormones induce faster healing in the gut during the teeen years). You could also send the sample and the initial slides to a another doc to be re-mounted and read (preferably one that specializes in CD treatment). But, with high numbers on a CD panel - the chances of it being something else are slim (under 5% and less than that with some tests/combinations). And the other things it could be are generally more serious and less treatable (and Cohen's isn't anything I've ever seen mentioned on any of the tests as a possible diagnosis - so it is unrelated to those results). --- [This E-mail scanned for viruses by Declude Virus] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 16, 2006 Report Share Posted May 16, 2006 > Please excuse if I ramble but my head is spinning. My son (14) was > diagnosed with celiac March 28. He has been gluten-free and lactose- > free since then. He had no outward symptoms prior to the endoscopy. And yet, he had the following symptoms of CD: developmentally delayed learning disabled delayed puberty constipation, which he has had since birth > Since endoscopy (March 28) and being gluten free he has had random > stomach aches, diarrhea, and lately doesn't go to the bathroom for 3- > 4 days. This is typical in some people - as the villi heal, you still have high antibody levels for some months and go thru a period in which you are even more sensitive to small amounts. Eventually the antibodies go down (but not always the symptoms of mistakes). > I would like to redo the endoscopy with a new Dr. but am > afraid that perhaps it will be tainted due to the fact that he has > been gluten free for so long. Should I proceed with the scope? It would be mostly a waste of money. You could to a gluten challenge = 4 to 6 months of high daily wheat ingestion (11 servings for a 150 lb person, less if smaller, but still probably 5-7 for a teenage kid. And teens tend to have less visible damage on the scope (growth hormones induce faster healing in the gut during the teeen years). You could also send the sample and the initial slides to a another doc to be re-mounted and read (preferably one that specializes in CD treatment). But, with high numbers on a CD panel - the chances of it being something else are slim (under 5% and less than that with some tests/combinations). And the other things it could be are generally more serious and less treatable (and Cohen's isn't anything I've ever seen mentioned on any of the tests as a possible diagnosis - so it is unrelated to those results). --- [This E-mail scanned for viruses by Declude Virus] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 16, 2006 Report Share Posted May 16, 2006 > Please excuse if I ramble but my head is spinning. My son (14) was > diagnosed with celiac March 28. He has been gluten-free and lactose- > free since then. He had no outward symptoms prior to the endoscopy. And yet, he had the following symptoms of CD: developmentally delayed learning disabled delayed puberty constipation, which he has had since birth > Since endoscopy (March 28) and being gluten free he has had random > stomach aches, diarrhea, and lately doesn't go to the bathroom for 3- > 4 days. This is typical in some people - as the villi heal, you still have high antibody levels for some months and go thru a period in which you are even more sensitive to small amounts. Eventually the antibodies go down (but not always the symptoms of mistakes). > I would like to redo the endoscopy with a new Dr. but am > afraid that perhaps it will be tainted due to the fact that he has > been gluten free for so long. Should I proceed with the scope? It would be mostly a waste of money. You could to a gluten challenge = 4 to 6 months of high daily wheat ingestion (11 servings for a 150 lb person, less if smaller, but still probably 5-7 for a teenage kid. And teens tend to have less visible damage on the scope (growth hormones induce faster healing in the gut during the teeen years). You could also send the sample and the initial slides to a another doc to be re-mounted and read (preferably one that specializes in CD treatment). But, with high numbers on a CD panel - the chances of it being something else are slim (under 5% and less than that with some tests/combinations). And the other things it could be are generally more serious and less treatable (and Cohen's isn't anything I've ever seen mentioned on any of the tests as a possible diagnosis - so it is unrelated to those results). --- [This E-mail scanned for viruses by Declude Virus] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 16, 2006 Report Share Posted May 16, 2006 It makes sense that the digestive system changes some with any major diet change. You could add Benefiber to help “smooth” things over for a while. Don’t overdo the gf baked goods—they’re not always terribly nutritious. I always add extra fiber when I bake. (Rice bran is helpful there.) You could have a different GI look at the endo slides that you already have in order to get a second opinion. Certainly make sure all of his records and the slides precede you to the Celiac Center. Probably no need to repeat the actual test, and yes, you’d have to have him back on gluten for a month or so. My ds and I are both Celiac with none of the obvious traditional symptoms. We’re now searching out other food intolerances. Some people can’t tolerate any grains at all, evidently. I had to do a gluten challenge myself, in order to get an endoscopy. Even though my symptoms were atypical, the gluten challenge brought them all back on me like a load of bricks. Especially migraines. It was very instructive and did prove to me that gluten affects me adversely. Good luck. It’s so hard to have those unsure, but strong gut feelings. We want to know what to do for our kids! Laurie lbilyeu@... From: SillyYaks [mailto:SillyYaks ] On Behalf Of mw1159 Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2006 4:21 PM To: SillyYaks Subject: help! Please excuse if I ramble but my head is spinning. My son (14) was diagnosed with celiac March 28. He has been gluten-free and lactose- free since then. He had no outward symptoms prior to the endoscopy. Numbers showed high on a random blood test which was taken by an endocrinologist. We had gone to him for a totally unrelated reason. BTW, my son is developmentally delayed, learning disabled due to a rare syndrome called Cohen's syndrome which causes among other things, delayed puberty. OK back to my story...other than constipation, which he has had since birth, no stomach pains, diarrhea, vomiting, etc. Just high numbers. Ped. Gastro Dr. looked at blood work on paper and said definitely Celiac without even examining him. Suggested endoscopy and when we were shown the " slides " she said they really weren't that good. We currently have an appt. with Celiac center in Manhattan June 5. Since endoscopy (March 28) and being gluten free he has had random stomach aches, diarrhea, and lately doesn't go to the bathroom for 3- 4 days. I would like to redo the endoscopy with a new Dr. but am afraid that perhaps it will be tainted due to the fact that he has been gluten free for so long. Should I proceed with the scope? My gut is telling me that it is not celiac but related to his Cohen's syndrome somehow. There is no documentation that lists Celiac as a symptom and we are currently in touch with Dr. Cohen himself. Anxiously awaiting an email reply from him. Anyone have a similar situation. What to do? Thanks, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 16, 2006 Report Share Posted May 16, 2006 It makes sense that the digestive system changes some with any major diet change. You could add Benefiber to help “smooth” things over for a while. Don’t overdo the gf baked goods—they’re not always terribly nutritious. I always add extra fiber when I bake. (Rice bran is helpful there.) You could have a different GI look at the endo slides that you already have in order to get a second opinion. Certainly make sure all of his records and the slides precede you to the Celiac Center. Probably no need to repeat the actual test, and yes, you’d have to have him back on gluten for a month or so. My ds and I are both Celiac with none of the obvious traditional symptoms. We’re now searching out other food intolerances. Some people can’t tolerate any grains at all, evidently. I had to do a gluten challenge myself, in order to get an endoscopy. Even though my symptoms were atypical, the gluten challenge brought them all back on me like a load of bricks. Especially migraines. It was very instructive and did prove to me that gluten affects me adversely. Good luck. It’s so hard to have those unsure, but strong gut feelings. We want to know what to do for our kids! Laurie lbilyeu@... From: SillyYaks [mailto:SillyYaks ] On Behalf Of mw1159 Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2006 4:21 PM To: SillyYaks Subject: help! Please excuse if I ramble but my head is spinning. My son (14) was diagnosed with celiac March 28. He has been gluten-free and lactose- free since then. He had no outward symptoms prior to the endoscopy. Numbers showed high on a random blood test which was taken by an endocrinologist. We had gone to him for a totally unrelated reason. BTW, my son is developmentally delayed, learning disabled due to a rare syndrome called Cohen's syndrome which causes among other things, delayed puberty. OK back to my story...other than constipation, which he has had since birth, no stomach pains, diarrhea, vomiting, etc. Just high numbers. Ped. Gastro Dr. looked at blood work on paper and said definitely Celiac without even examining him. Suggested endoscopy and when we were shown the " slides " she said they really weren't that good. We currently have an appt. with Celiac center in Manhattan June 5. Since endoscopy (March 28) and being gluten free he has had random stomach aches, diarrhea, and lately doesn't go to the bathroom for 3- 4 days. I would like to redo the endoscopy with a new Dr. but am afraid that perhaps it will be tainted due to the fact that he has been gluten free for so long. Should I proceed with the scope? My gut is telling me that it is not celiac but related to his Cohen's syndrome somehow. There is no documentation that lists Celiac as a symptom and we are currently in touch with Dr. Cohen himself. Anxiously awaiting an email reply from him. Anyone have a similar situation. What to do? Thanks, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 16, 2006 Report Share Posted May 16, 2006 It makes sense that the digestive system changes some with any major diet change. You could add Benefiber to help “smooth” things over for a while. Don’t overdo the gf baked goods—they’re not always terribly nutritious. I always add extra fiber when I bake. (Rice bran is helpful there.) You could have a different GI look at the endo slides that you already have in order to get a second opinion. Certainly make sure all of his records and the slides precede you to the Celiac Center. Probably no need to repeat the actual test, and yes, you’d have to have him back on gluten for a month or so. My ds and I are both Celiac with none of the obvious traditional symptoms. We’re now searching out other food intolerances. Some people can’t tolerate any grains at all, evidently. I had to do a gluten challenge myself, in order to get an endoscopy. Even though my symptoms were atypical, the gluten challenge brought them all back on me like a load of bricks. Especially migraines. It was very instructive and did prove to me that gluten affects me adversely. Good luck. It’s so hard to have those unsure, but strong gut feelings. We want to know what to do for our kids! Laurie lbilyeu@... From: SillyYaks [mailto:SillyYaks ] On Behalf Of mw1159 Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2006 4:21 PM To: SillyYaks Subject: help! Please excuse if I ramble but my head is spinning. My son (14) was diagnosed with celiac March 28. He has been gluten-free and lactose- free since then. He had no outward symptoms prior to the endoscopy. Numbers showed high on a random blood test which was taken by an endocrinologist. We had gone to him for a totally unrelated reason. BTW, my son is developmentally delayed, learning disabled due to a rare syndrome called Cohen's syndrome which causes among other things, delayed puberty. OK back to my story...other than constipation, which he has had since birth, no stomach pains, diarrhea, vomiting, etc. Just high numbers. Ped. Gastro Dr. looked at blood work on paper and said definitely Celiac without even examining him. Suggested endoscopy and when we were shown the " slides " she said they really weren't that good. We currently have an appt. with Celiac center in Manhattan June 5. Since endoscopy (March 28) and being gluten free he has had random stomach aches, diarrhea, and lately doesn't go to the bathroom for 3- 4 days. I would like to redo the endoscopy with a new Dr. but am afraid that perhaps it will be tainted due to the fact that he has been gluten free for so long. Should I proceed with the scope? My gut is telling me that it is not celiac but related to his Cohen's syndrome somehow. There is no documentation that lists Celiac as a symptom and we are currently in touch with Dr. Cohen himself. Anxiously awaiting an email reply from him. Anyone have a similar situation. What to do? Thanks, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 17, 2006 Report Share Posted May 17, 2006 Is it possible that he is still getting trace amounts of gluten? I know we still made some slip ups for months after starting. Perhaps he has developed secondary food allergies as well. When the offending gluten is removed these allergies manifest themselves since the body no longer deals with the onslaught from gluten. There are MANY people on this site who are dealing with secondary food allergies as well. The most common from what I have seen are dairy, soy and egg. There are also many peanut and tree nut free as well as some who have developed sensitivities to corn and rice, etc. Some of these allergies were already there and some were brought on by the damage. It was my understanding that any food that was able to get through the damaged intestines only partially digested could trigger a food allergy. That is what happened in my 2 DSs. By the time we figured out what was going on with the gluten they had already developed 2dary food allergies. I still get angry when I think of my pediatrician who told me that it was just anemia (since he ruled out parasites for the diarrhea) and some kids just stop growing for a period of time. In fact when I did the research and came up with celiac he told me it was very rare and he had only a couple of cases in his 20 years of practice and why would I want to subject him to a gf diet for the rest of his life?!!!!!!!!!!! Boy do I need to let that go. Message 8 From: " K. Oland " ko_lists@... Date: Tue May 16, 2006 9:07pm(PDT) Subject: Re: help! > Please excuse if I ramble but my head is spinning. My son (14) was > diagnosed with celiac March 28. He has been gluten-free and lactose- > free since then. He had no outward symptoms prior to the endoscopy. And yet, he had the following symptoms of CD: developmentally delayed learning disabled delayed puberty constipation, which he has had since birth > Since endoscopy (March 28) and being gluten free he has had random > stomach aches, diarrhea, and lately doesn't go to the bathroom for 3- > 4 days. This is typical in some people - as the villi heal, you still have high antibody levels for some months and go thru a period in which you are even more sensitive to small amounts. Eventually the antibodies go down (but not always the symptoms of mistakes). > I would like to redo the endoscopy with a new Dr. but am > afraid that perhaps it will be tainted due to the fact that he has > been gluten free for so long. Should I proceed with the scope? It would be mostly a waste of money. You could to a gluten challenge = 4 to 6 months of high daily wheat ingestion (11 servings for a 150 lb person, less if smaller, but still probably 5-7 for a teenage kid. And teens tend to have less visible damage on the scope (growth hormones induce faster healing in the gut during the teeen years). You could also send the sample and the initial slides to a another doc to be re-mounted and read (preferably one that specializes in CD treatment). But, with high numbers on a CD panel - the chances of it being something else are slim (under 5% and less than that with some tests/combinations). And the other things it could be are generally more serious and less treatable (and Cohen's isn't anything I've ever seen mentioned on any of the tests as a possible diagnosis - so it is unrelated to those results). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 17, 2006 Report Share Posted May 17, 2006 Is it possible that he is still getting trace amounts of gluten? I know we still made some slip ups for months after starting. Perhaps he has developed secondary food allergies as well. When the offending gluten is removed these allergies manifest themselves since the body no longer deals with the onslaught from gluten. There are MANY people on this site who are dealing with secondary food allergies as well. The most common from what I have seen are dairy, soy and egg. There are also many peanut and tree nut free as well as some who have developed sensitivities to corn and rice, etc. Some of these allergies were already there and some were brought on by the damage. It was my understanding that any food that was able to get through the damaged intestines only partially digested could trigger a food allergy. That is what happened in my 2 DSs. By the time we figured out what was going on with the gluten they had already developed 2dary food allergies. I still get angry when I think of my pediatrician who told me that it was just anemia (since he ruled out parasites for the diarrhea) and some kids just stop growing for a period of time. In fact when I did the research and came up with celiac he told me it was very rare and he had only a couple of cases in his 20 years of practice and why would I want to subject him to a gf diet for the rest of his life?!!!!!!!!!!! Boy do I need to let that go. Message 8 From: " K. Oland " ko_lists@... Date: Tue May 16, 2006 9:07pm(PDT) Subject: Re: help! > Please excuse if I ramble but my head is spinning. My son (14) was > diagnosed with celiac March 28. He has been gluten-free and lactose- > free since then. He had no outward symptoms prior to the endoscopy. And yet, he had the following symptoms of CD: developmentally delayed learning disabled delayed puberty constipation, which he has had since birth > Since endoscopy (March 28) and being gluten free he has had random > stomach aches, diarrhea, and lately doesn't go to the bathroom for 3- > 4 days. This is typical in some people - as the villi heal, you still have high antibody levels for some months and go thru a period in which you are even more sensitive to small amounts. Eventually the antibodies go down (but not always the symptoms of mistakes). > I would like to redo the endoscopy with a new Dr. but am > afraid that perhaps it will be tainted due to the fact that he has > been gluten free for so long. Should I proceed with the scope? It would be mostly a waste of money. You could to a gluten challenge = 4 to 6 months of high daily wheat ingestion (11 servings for a 150 lb person, less if smaller, but still probably 5-7 for a teenage kid. And teens tend to have less visible damage on the scope (growth hormones induce faster healing in the gut during the teeen years). You could also send the sample and the initial slides to a another doc to be re-mounted and read (preferably one that specializes in CD treatment). But, with high numbers on a CD panel - the chances of it being something else are slim (under 5% and less than that with some tests/combinations). And the other things it could be are generally more serious and less treatable (and Cohen's isn't anything I've ever seen mentioned on any of the tests as a possible diagnosis - so it is unrelated to those results). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 17, 2006 Report Share Posted May 17, 2006 Is it possible that he is still getting trace amounts of gluten? I know we still made some slip ups for months after starting. Perhaps he has developed secondary food allergies as well. When the offending gluten is removed these allergies manifest themselves since the body no longer deals with the onslaught from gluten. There are MANY people on this site who are dealing with secondary food allergies as well. The most common from what I have seen are dairy, soy and egg. There are also many peanut and tree nut free as well as some who have developed sensitivities to corn and rice, etc. Some of these allergies were already there and some were brought on by the damage. It was my understanding that any food that was able to get through the damaged intestines only partially digested could trigger a food allergy. That is what happened in my 2 DSs. By the time we figured out what was going on with the gluten they had already developed 2dary food allergies. I still get angry when I think of my pediatrician who told me that it was just anemia (since he ruled out parasites for the diarrhea) and some kids just stop growing for a period of time. In fact when I did the research and came up with celiac he told me it was very rare and he had only a couple of cases in his 20 years of practice and why would I want to subject him to a gf diet for the rest of his life?!!!!!!!!!!! Boy do I need to let that go. Message 8 From: " K. Oland " ko_lists@... Date: Tue May 16, 2006 9:07pm(PDT) Subject: Re: help! > Please excuse if I ramble but my head is spinning. My son (14) was > diagnosed with celiac March 28. He has been gluten-free and lactose- > free since then. He had no outward symptoms prior to the endoscopy. And yet, he had the following symptoms of CD: developmentally delayed learning disabled delayed puberty constipation, which he has had since birth > Since endoscopy (March 28) and being gluten free he has had random > stomach aches, diarrhea, and lately doesn't go to the bathroom for 3- > 4 days. This is typical in some people - as the villi heal, you still have high antibody levels for some months and go thru a period in which you are even more sensitive to small amounts. Eventually the antibodies go down (but not always the symptoms of mistakes). > I would like to redo the endoscopy with a new Dr. but am > afraid that perhaps it will be tainted due to the fact that he has > been gluten free for so long. Should I proceed with the scope? It would be mostly a waste of money. You could to a gluten challenge = 4 to 6 months of high daily wheat ingestion (11 servings for a 150 lb person, less if smaller, but still probably 5-7 for a teenage kid. And teens tend to have less visible damage on the scope (growth hormones induce faster healing in the gut during the teeen years). You could also send the sample and the initial slides to a another doc to be re-mounted and read (preferably one that specializes in CD treatment). But, with high numbers on a CD panel - the chances of it being something else are slim (under 5% and less than that with some tests/combinations). And the other things it could be are generally more serious and less treatable (and Cohen's isn't anything I've ever seen mentioned on any of the tests as a possible diagnosis - so it is unrelated to those results). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 17, 2008 Report Share Posted October 17, 2008 Hi Everyone, I have to make a descision about my insurance on Monday and I am incredibly confused. Right now I am on COBRA through the school district I worked for but my benefits ended last week ( I unfortunately found this out when I went to pick up a prescription). The school district had assured me that I was covered for an additional 11 months because I was disabled and told me I didn't need to do anything to keep getting benefits. NOW!!!!! they say I needed to send in forms certifying I am disabled and they are sorry for the confusion. They also said that I need to decide whether I am going to take the extra 11 months through the district ( it is the cheapest route $310.00 a month) or take Cal Cobra for an additional 18 months at a higher price ( approx. $350.00). I think I am eligible for medicare starting January because I will have been disabled for two years. My question: Is Cobra better than Medicare? Is the 18 month plan better than 11? I am clueless. Sorry this is so long- hope there is someone who has dealth with this before- Thanks- , California Subject: Re: Beth arrivesTo: Breathe-Support Date: Friday, October 17, 2008, 4:51 PM Sher/MB/PeggyI sat on my patio a bit this afternoon. We have few days here we can soI took advantage.>> I know you are having a good time together. Give the porch a pat forme!>> MamaSher, age 70. IPF 3-06, OR.> Nasturtiums> Don't fret about tomorrow, God is already there!>> Beth arrives>>>> Hello everyone! I've arrived safe and sound at Peggy's house inFlorida! I already have my feet up in the recliner and I'm beingcompletely lazy! The weather is beautiful and I'm sure we'll be enjoyinglots of porch time talking and talking and talking!> Love to everybody!> Beth>__________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 17, 2008 Report Share Posted October 17, 2008 First, you need to verify a couple of dates. Generally the eleven month extension carries you to the point of medicare. That's why it was created. My suspicion is you're eligible for Medicare in July or August and your eleven months concludes right before that. The 24 month period is based on how long you've been entitled to social security benefits, not how long disabled. So, unless you have a unique situation the issue of Cobra or Medicare will never come up. However, if you did become eligible for Medicare while on Cobra it does end your Cobra, so you still have no choice. (Note had you already been on Medicare when you got Cobra its different). Now, when you do switch from Cobra to Medicare, depending on what you select, you'll generally find your medical costs will go down but prescription costs may rise significantly depending on how many non-generics you are on. As to which Cobra you will have to carefully compare benefits of the two. For the more expensive one, does it provide extra benefits? How do they match up with your doctors? One other note about the eleven months. It is generally not done but they can charge you 150% of what the plan cost is so it can be more expensive during the eleven months than the first 18. I've never known that to be done, but it is provided for in the law. Hope that helps you some. > > > > I know you are having a good time together. Give the porch a pat for > me! > > > > MamaSher, age 70. IPF 3-06, OR. > > Nasturtiums > > Don't fret about tomorrow, God is already there! > > > > Beth arrives > > > > > > > > Hello everyone! I've arrived safe and sound at Peggy's house in > Florida! I already have my feet up in the recliner and I'm being > completely lazy! The weather is beautiful and I'm sure we'll be enjoying > lots of porch time talking and talking and talking! > > Love to everybody! > > Beth > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > __________________________________________________ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 17, 2008 Report Share Posted October 17, 2008 One note as to the plan you're on vs. the Cal Plan. If I'm satisfied with my existing plan and there is no significant advantage to another, I generally would stay with what I'm on. This avoids crossover and billing issues and conflicts over a possible lapsed period and surprises of suddenly finding something you've been getting or some doctor isn't on the new plan. Check comparative benefits and costs carefully, but do check providers as well. Nothing is more depressing than finding you suddenly have to change away from the doctor you trust most. > > > > > > I know you are having a good time together. Give the porch a pat for > > me! > > > > > > MamaSher, age 70. IPF 3-06, OR. > > > Nasturtiums > > > Don't fret about tomorrow, God is already there! > > > > > > Beth arrives > > > > > > > > > > > > Hello everyone! I've arrived safe and sound at Peggy's house in > > Florida! I already have my feet up in the recliner and I'm being > > completely lazy! The weather is beautiful and I'm sure we'll be > enjoying > > lots of porch time talking and talking and talking! > > > Love to everybody! > > > Beth > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > __________________________________________________ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 17, 2008 Report Share Posted October 17, 2008 Bruce, Thanks so much. I have one more question. I am not eligible for social security because teachers have a separate retirement system "STRS". If I don't qualify for medicare how do I get insurance after COBRA? DEnise R. (52) Sarcoid/PF 3/2006 Carlsbad, California Subject: Re: Help!To: Breathe-Support Date: Friday, October 17, 2008, 5:57 PM One note as to the plan you're on vs. the Cal Plan. If I'm satisfiedwith my existing plan and there is no significant advantage to another,I generally would stay with what I'm on. This avoids crossover andbilling issues and conflicts over a possible lapsed period and surprisesof suddenly finding something you've been getting or some doctor isn'ton the new plan.Check comparative benefits and costs carefully, but do check providersas well. Nothing is more depressing than finding you suddenly have tochange away from the doctor you trust most.> > >> > > I know you are having a good time together. Give the porch a patfor> > me!> > >> > > MamaSher, age 70. IPF 3-06, OR.> > > Nasturtiums> > > Don't fret about tomorrow, God is already there!> > >> > > Beth arrives> > >> > >> > >> > > Hello everyone! I've arrived safe and sound at Peggy's house in> > Florida! I already have my feet up in the recliner and I'm being> > completely lazy! The weather is beautiful and I'm sure we'll be> enjoying> > lots of porch time talking and talking and talking!> > > Love to everybody!> > > Beth> > >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> > ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ __> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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