Just when I think I am "fine"

[michelleric]

Can someone please let me know if this is something to worry about? I know I need to call my doc but am curious if anyone has had this. I woke up about 5 this morning, with almost like someone was squeezing me. It started at the back, mid back, and wrapped around the front. Right under my breast bone.It is about 2 hours later, still feels strange, was afraid I was going to have trouble breathing. Feel a bit like the wind got knocked out of me, but I am breathing ok. Perhaps it is from too much stress? I almost don't want to ask my doc, feel like I keep having all these bizarre symptoms, and she will think it is all in my head. Maybe it is? Yesterday, was the 1st day in a long time I felt somewhat good, but now what is this?
Any thoughts,
Thanks,MIchelle

[michelleric]

HI all,
Thanks again for all the good advice and prayers. Yes, we will/do have Cobra, although we need to wait to get the paperwork and sign up and pay. The insurance company doesn't recognize us with Cobra yet, because we haven't signed the papers or paid. We were told we could do this on line, to "hurry up" the process, but that info was wrong. We were told it was mandatory to have all the forms filled out, and our money, in order to start Cobra. We were told we would have to pay upfront for any medical expenses at this time and wait to get reimbursed from Cobra later.

Karen, My husband was laid off April 3th, so yes, our premium was paid for the month of April. However, FedEx, terminated out insurance policy April 4th, and Cigna says we are no longer covered for anything. It is a mess...

Michelle

[Karen99]

Concerning COBRA coverage.  To the provider, it should make no difference to them whether your insurance is paid by the employer or by the individual.  Your coverage does not change, the only thing that changes is who pays the premiums.

Asking a patient to pay up front for an MRI is unreasonable, especially when you have insurance.  (I feel like calling them myself and yelling at them!)

There is talk about the government paying a portion of COBRA payments; 65% government paid - 35% patient paid.  

If your hubby was laid off AFTER April 1st, most likely FedEx paid the premium for this month.  If he was laid off after the 1st, you can be covered by COBRA. COBRA is just a continuation of your existing medical health coverage.  Make that first COBRA premium to get your MRI, and maybe the plan will go through where you'll only have to pay 35% of the premium to continue your health insurance.

Good luck to you.

[PastorDan]

I agree with Lulu; practically any doctor will work with you for a while, recognizing the difficulties so many of us face each day, particularly if you have an established relationship with them or someone that has referred you to them.  Meanwhile, if you are to be of any help to the many who depend on you, you must take the best care of yourself that you possibly can manage.

Maggie's far from alone, either.  There's an army praying for you.

[biowham]

Lulu is right. Call them back. You HAVE insurance. You should not have to pay up front when you already have insurance, and that's what COBRA is.

Bio

[Lulu54]

Hi Michelle,
If you neuro thinks you need to be seen, do you think you can afford NOT to go in?  You can't put your health in further jeopardy.  

Your COBRA will cover your bills, so use it.  Just let the doctors know up front the stress you are under, the changes to your coverage and that you will pay it when you get the COBRA payment.  

Please tell your neuro everything and let her help you through this rough time.

feel better,
Lulu

[michelleric]

Yes, that is how it feels. I feel a bit "raw" at the moment just under my bust line. I feel "raw" at the moment for lots of things, but I will consider what you said about letting the doc. know. My PCP is away this week, but I can call my ms neuro and let her know. Although she might want me to come in, and I cant do that at this point.
Thanks,
Michelle

[grannyhotwheels]

Does it feel like someone is hugging you way to tightly?  When my symptoms first started that's sorta how I explained it to my doctor.  After the squeezing feeling goes away it just feels sorta numb where the squeezing was.  That numbness that came afterwards has never left, or at least for the last almost 5 years it hasn't.  I think that I would try and see my doctor if I where you.  Every little symptom like this needs to be put in your journal and reported to your doctor.  It's all the little stuff that gets put together to form a diagnosis.  That's why it's so important to never blow the little things off.  Trust me on this one, I know from experience.

I'll be praying,
Carol

[michelleric]

Rendean, Thanks. I did go to work for a few hours today, it was a good thing for me. I just asked if everyone could not ask about me, and just go about the day. As soon as someone asks how I am, or looks at me sympathetically I cry. So, it went OK. I had to wear my neck brace there, but patients didn't seem to mind too much. Got questions from all the kids, but kids are easy to answer. Thanks. Hope you are doing ok.

Maggie, thanks for keeping me on your prayer list. Lord knows we need it.

Still in a very bad place...I do think I am having a nervous breakdown. I am not sure what that entails exactly, but I feel broken today, physically, mentally and spiritually.

Michelle

[LLWB]

I am so sorry things just keep hitting you. Perhaps your "hug" was from stress, but let a dr decide. You are on my prayer list for Wed Church services tomorrow. I will ask for strength to get through this time, healing for your body, and peace for your soul.

Gentle Hugs
Maggie

[rendean]

Your feelings are justified. Your plate has piled high with enough bad news to send anyone into a depression. But.....you need to find a balance and a way to find some peace. If you can tolerate it, perhaps going to work,even for an hour or two, would he;p boost your spirits. Hang in there and keep us posted on how you're doing.

Ren

[michelleric]

Well, the saga continues. The surgeons secretary called about setting up the MRI, and insurance told her our plan was terminated this weekend. To make a long story short, we have "coverage" now, but need to pay up front and get reimbused through Cobra once all the paperwork is done. I am tired of crying, ANGRY @ FedEx and just plain old fashioned upset. I need to put all the "medical"stuff on hold at the moment, because I do not trust the reimbursement to happen and do not have the funds to pay upfront for 2 MRIs and doctor visits. He did call me in a pain med for my neck, so I will see what that costs. I feel lower and lower. I actually don't think I have ever felt this way in my life, and it is getting darker.
Thanks for listening,
Michelle

[michelleric]

Thanks for the advice. I need to look at the health pages here and look up this MS hug. I called my PCP, but he is on vacation this week. I had a scheduled  MRI scheduled yesterday, the facility cancelled it due to a family emergency the tech had. I am rescheduled for Thursday, however, I also need a cervical MRI. I am also in fear about my insurance situation and am waiting for the Cobra paperwork to come within 30 days. I think I am going to wait for the MRI until after that time, and I don't know what to do today. Call the MS neuro? There is a doctor on call for my PCP, but I didn't want to talk to him/her. I don't know what they can do. I am overwhelmed today, yesterday was better. I am hoping to go to work for a bit tomorrow, need to get out of this house and be with people. The main thing is my neck, don't think I can drive with the neck brace, but will being it and take little breaks to put it on. Even typing that sounds ridiculous to me, but I need to get out and make a bit of money and give my mental health a break. Although it is snowing here today...
Thanks,
Michelle

[essdipity]

Please don't just tolerate this symptom. The first thing you need to do is make sure it's not a heart problem. In women, heart symptoms are different, but no less serious. If need be you could go to an ER and be checked out.

If they tell you your heart is okay, then what you have is very likely to be the MS hug. That's a big topic of conversation around here. Most of us think hug is hardly the right word.

Please let us know what you've done.

ess

[rendean]

It sounds like the MS hug. The version I had only involved the left half of my rib cage. You DEFINATELY need to call your doctor as soon as the office opens to let them know. They need to make this dx not us, especially with all of your other neuro issues going on.

You need to be seen most likely and even though money is tight , your health is more important.

Sorry more stuff is being piled on your plate. Good luck with the docs. Let us know how things go.

Sorry, gotta go ....late for PT. Will check in later.

Ren

[Mand125]

Hi Michelle

I have never experienced the "MS hug" but could this possible be that? Sorry I don't know if you are dx or not. However I'm sure pain in the chest needs to be checked out pretty quickly.

I'm sure someone wlse will be along soon to give you more information.

Mand