MY MOM IS GETTING WORSE

[karizmaflip]

MY MOM WAS DIAGNOSED WITH EMPHYSEMA 2 YEARS AGO, AND NOW SHE HAS GOTTEN WORSE. I MADE HER GO TO THE DOCTOR THE OTHER DAY,EVEN THOUGH SHE DOES NOT HAVE NO HEALTH INSURANCE AND HE SAID SHE NEEDS HEALTH INSURANCE BEFORE HE CAN REALLY HELP HER. HE SAID SHE HAS FLUID IN HER LUNGS AND SHE ONLY WHEIGHS 86 POUNDS. IS THAT A SIGN OF LUNG CANCER? HE GAVE HER SOME MEDICINE AND TOLD HER TO TRY TO GET INSURANCE AND COME BACK ASAP! HE EVEN GAVE HER FREE MEDS SO SHE DID NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. HE SAID SHE NEEDS X-RAYS,SCOPES,AND A MRI. I AM SO WORRIED ABOUT MY MOM,SHE IS ALL I HAVE IN THIS HORRIBLE WORLD. DOES ANYONE KNOW WHERE TO GET SOME LOW-COST INSURANCE? AND IF THOSE ARE SIGNS OF LUNG CANCER? THANX AND GOD BLESS!

[National Jewish]

It is obvious that your mom means a lot to you and that her problem is very concerning to you.  There are many causes of fluid in the lungs, one cause being lung cancer.  As your mom’s doctor has already said it will take further testing to know what is causing the fluid in her lungs.
It can be hard to find insurance that will cover your mom now that she is sick with emphysema.  She may need to pass a health exam in order to be covered.  Sometimes insurance will not cover care for a pre-existing condition, a health problem that started before being covered by the insurance.  Be sure that the insurance will really cover everything, especially the testing and medicines that your mom needs for her emphysema.
Often hospitals or medical centers will offer programs so that people who do not have health insurance can get health care.  Please check at local hospitals or medical centers to see if your mom qualifies for any of these programs to get the testing and medicines that she needs for her emphysema.  The Cleveland United Way Referral Agency may know of some organizations that provide financial assistance.  Also check with social services to see if your mom qualifies for Medicare or Medicaid.
Good luck.

[starion]

Dear Friend,
Please call your local department of health, your church, your  state insurance commissioner and your local hospitals to see what help is available.  There are often resources out there, but you have to let folks know that your mom needs them.  You can also call any medical school in your area to see if they are aware of any no cost or low cost health programs in your area.
Good luck to you & your mom!
Aloha,
Starion

[jacinta]

hello,I dont want to alarm you but my mother passed away last year from a pulmonary heamorage.My mother had emphysema (diagnosed for 9 years)she was 66.You are doing good things for your mum by trying to get her help,and she really needs it.Emysema would have to be the worst disease on the planet as it is frightening not to breath as it is for anyone and unfortunately these patients end up not being able to do the simple things in life like being in the garden/shopping etc.I feel you should investigate an operation called volume lung reduction surgery.they take away some of the damaged lung to increase more air space within the lung cavity.Only some patients can have this treatment.It can help I suppose increase a better quality of life,but it dosent cure emphysema,it can only give your mum some comfort.Pulmonary heamorages are un common so dont worry about that.I pray and wish you all the best, and if you would like to talk just respond back............Jacinta

[ell123]

A related discussion, Emphysema was started.