Going into detox for Xanax on Monday instead of tomorrow...so confusing!!!

[Trayanne]

I just spoke with the detox..behavioral center that I was supposed be going into on Thursday. She told me she spoke to my insurance company and the in-patient medical detox is covered 100% with a $250 co-pay. She informed me that my insurance company doesn't cover or hasn't authorized the remainder of the 12 step program because it's considered outpatient. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I should do when I come out. I have only a few days to make calls and plans for what to do when I get out.

My insurance co will authorize therapy visits if the detox facility does a medical plan after they assess me and discharge me from the detox. I'm pretty confused about the process.

It's all becoming confusing & more scary to me. I'm so scared!!

I just re-cheduled the in-patient detox for Monday.....

Thank you !
Tracy

[Steve L]

You're welcome. I'm praying for you as well.  Steve

[Trayanne]

Hello Steve,

I did have an EKG done in June @ the ER. They said there were no signs of a previous heart attack and it looked ok. My blood pressure usually runs 117/80 (while on the Xanax). Functioning on one kidney has definitely been a concern for me. I think I will call my dr. on Monday...see if they can do a quick EKG and check my blood pressure before going in on Tuesday. I appreciate the guidance on this I hadn't thought about that part of it....not in that way.

I am definitely asking for the Lord to guide me in this and several women at the church will be praying over me on Sunday!

Thank you Steve!!!

[Steve L]

Hi Tracy...I just so happened to log on to see if there was a response to my post. To address your question, a check for high blood pressure and any heart disease through an echocardiogram would greatly help in identifying risk factors for cardiac problems during sudden withdrawl. An EKG would be in order too. If ANY results come back suggestive of heart ailments, I pray that you detox more slowly at home rather than risk a heart problem...after all you're functioning on one kidney which strongly regulates overall cardiovascular function. For me, I HAVE to stay on my xanax for mental health reasons. Several MD's concur on this as does my pharmacy, who has never had a problem with any prescription I bring in or any dosages of multiple meds. I must say you are a courageous person...but is this the best way to go? Not telling you what to do, I'm NOT an MD or drug abuser, I just don't want to see anyone place themselves in harms' way. May The Lord guide you. Steve

[reconche]

Not everyone who doesn't like N/A is still using. I know plenty.

[Trayanne]

Hi Steve,
Thank you for the post. I have not done a cardiovascular workup. Can you tell me what that consists of? My dr. won't be in until Monday...do you think it's something I should do before going in? I have one kidney, asthma, hypothyroidism, anxiety & panic disorder, heart flutters..palpitations constantly. Please let me know your thoughts on this.

Thank you again!

Many blessings to you...
Tracy

[Trayanne]

Thank you for the insight and advise you've given to me.

I caled the detox facility again. They said upon discharge they would have a treatment plan available for me...one that my insurance company would cover and other options. My main concern was going through the 7-10 day medical detox and being released with no guidance. I don't plan on putting myself through this and not getting everything I can out the process. My biggesst fear since making the call and making the decision to go has been the fear of  "withdrawals" and detox effects on my mind and body...just afraid of the unknown. I have tapered down to about 2-3mgs of Xanax a day so I just pray that it won't be as bad as I have visioned. FLAaddict suggested getting The Mood Cure so I've been reading that to try to keep my mind occupied. I'm going to bring the Bible with me to read.....when I feel a panic attack coming on.....and just pray and pray....

As the days go by the reality of going in there brings on so many fears but I'm working on some techniques to relax my mind. I know you're able to shut off your emotions....I'm trying to figure out a way to minimize my anxiety before I go in. I'm an asthmatic & the thought of not having my inhaler with me there at all times especially at bedside is something I'm mentally preparing myself for.

Thank you for supporting me through this....I appreciate it more than you know!

Tracy

[Steve L]

Your story really touched me and I don't come in here that often..I certainly admire your fortitude about going into a detox facility when you have legitimate panic/anxiety disorder. I too take xanax as part of therapy for bipolar disorder and probably wouldn't function too well without it and the other meds. I see you're a kidney donor and am wondering if you've had a cardiovascular workup done before attempting to so rapidly discontinue xanax? It might be a good idea, and just so you know my MD only withdraws a patient by 0.25mg per week which can take a long time but almost eliminates withdrawl syndrome.
I know your mind is made up and I will absolutely hold you close in prayer...remember, whatever the outcome you have made a decision to try and make it without meds. I really wish you well!!
God Bless,  Steve

[beachtowel]

one place that is free is N/A........
so many people here bad mouth it and say it is not good but there the ones still using......

just like anything else you have to do the work......
check out the meetings, different age groups, open or closed meetings.....open speaker or not.....
gay or straight there are a variety of meetings take your time to look around if you go to an N/A meeting go to the infomation table and pick up a info guide to N/A meetings they will list all N/A meeting in many different cities start checking them out and try some different ones........
If you walk into the first one and you don't feel comfortable try another one.........

get involved with service work in a little while...........
I gravitated to the members who had a lot of clean time.......they don't take any bull from anybody and a lot of them will call you out if they think your bullsitting the process........
when you fell more comfortable start looking for a sponser.........

You have insurance which is a blessing set up an appointment with an addiction counselor to talk to either once a week bi weekly or a month what is comfortable.....thats the key don't add to your stress find things that work.........for you so that you can get positives out of it.....

your planning great first the detox then after care it is so nice to read a post like yours you have no idea someone is fighting to go to recovery........

Beautiful don't forget recovery is hard work and you will get out what you put into it.........

put your heart and soul into it it will be a blessing in the end.........

good luck

[Trayanne]

Thank you. I'm just so scared of the unknown. For some reason, I thought they should assess me first..let me know what to expect...treatment...counseling...what to expect with regards to withdrawal..and a treatment plan and explain the process to me before I'm admitted. It's the total opposite. The said they would admit me, do an assesment, physchological evaluation fax over to the dr. and begin the detox and appropriate meds for treatment.

They said there's 2 nurses per floor (ward) 20 patients per floor....2 patients per room...just seems so scary...I have one kidney, severe asthmatic, anxiety & panic disorder and am just wondering if I'm going to make it through this.

When I go in I will address my concerns on the insurance issues and aftercare.

Thank you so much...
Tracy

[gettingoff30]

You are so lucky.  I had to kick without rehab.  Rehab should be able to take care of your billing issues and aftercare.  The primary focus for you right now is getting better.  Be happy and think positive about your new life.  They should be able to set you up with either a free aftercare or one your insurance covers

[bettie1976]

just go with the flow. im sure the detox place will do a med plan after they assess you so youre ins will pay for it. explain to the detox that you need the ins to pay for it and what you need them to do in order for that to happen.