Without insurance, how can I attempt to manage my post thoracomy pain

[kcello]

I am new to this site...what a great resource!   However, all of the recommendations for pain management are completely out of my reach financially.   I recently had a wedge resection (rt lobe) followed by a bilobectomy less than a month following the first op.   I feel completed debilitated by the nerve pain I am now experiencing, and am making do with Ibuprofen and as much exercise as I can muster.   I applied for financial assistance through the hospital, and it was granted, so at least the operations were covered.   But now that I'm home trying to recuperate, I cannot afford the medicine the dr has suggested.  Help?  I need to feel better to be able to get back to work, to afford the medicine -- a vicious circle, I guess....Any suggestions?

[kcello]

Thanks so much for your thoughtfulness..I did indeed ask for samples, but what they want to prescribe are heavily regulated substances, I guess, so no go there.(Sigh)  I am getting so depressed now, and that scares me, too.  I have tried the showers & heating pads--you are right, it is relief; but sadly, too short in duration!  After the initial pain of just managing a decent shower, the effects last about 20-30 min if I'm lucky....but I DO relish those few moments!  

[geminigirl1963]

I'm afraid I can't help you with any suggestions for range of motion that will help the pain - I'm not familiar with the surgeries you've had.  About the best I can suggest is maybe try a heating pad or very warm showers - I know wiht my pain, they sometimes do help, even if temporarily.

I'm also sorry you don't qualify for state medical assistance - I do know that at least in my state, the income level to qualify for it is extremely low - and even though I am disabled and on SS disability, I still don't qualify for full coverage.

Have you asked your doctor/s if they perhaps have any samples of medicatiosn that they can provide to you until your paperwork for the patient assistance programs goes through?  while most doctor's offices do have samples of meds on hand, they, unfortunately, do not usually readily offer them to their patients, so most of the time you have to ask for them.

Hopefully your paperwork will get to the right place/s very quickly.

[kcello]

Thanks so much--I was told by the state SS that I do not qualify for any help (??? --I am not disabled, pregnant, blind or over 65) So far, the Drs have been VERY good, but, regardless of pharmaceutical patient programs (which I do qualify for) it will still take a while for the paperwork to be routed to all the right places before I can get some relief.  I certainly know all the range of motions that makes the pain worse--do you know any that would possibly make it better?   Or, should I just get used to the idea that I've been through a big deal, and I need to chill for now  (!)

[geminigirl1963]

There are a few things you can check into.  First, check with your local Social Services Department to see if you might qualify for state medical assistance.  This may help with both doctor appointments, as well as prescriptions.

You can also contact the manufacturers of the medications your doctor wants to prescribe and see if they have a patient assistance program.  Many of them do and they either provide the medication to you at no cost or at a greatly reduced rate.

I wish you the best of luck.