No insurance so need natural remedies

[momtocam]

I have read many of the main symptoms of this condition. Sadly I lost medical insurance 15 months ago due to layoff. My only recourse is the local Health Department. I have gone there for my Pap checkup, but don't think they would run the specific tests to see if I indeed have this condition. I'm at my wits end on what to do. I am 45 years old, one child, who is 10, married and still having regular periods, although they are regular, just very light now.

[kitty9309]

That sound like a good plan. At least you have knowledge in the medical ins. field. it's amazing to see the price difference with and w/o ins. I have been on both sides of the fence and understand.
Good luck at the upcoming appt. and let us know what you find out.

Kitty

[momtocam]

Yes I was in the claims/insurance field for many years and know all too well that most dr's/clinics have separate billing fees set up for those w/insurance and those w/o insurance. I think at this point, since I am due for my annual Pap exam, I'll go ahead and inquire with the charge nurse there of my concern with my symptoms and hopefully they will do these tests. I pay taxes and have for 30 years so I don't feel bad in having to go to the County Health Department. Even though there are dr offices literally 2 blocks from my house, I know I will be unable to afford even an office visit.  I sincerely appreciate everyone's feedback here, and will keep everyone posted of my findings. Thanks again, I knew I could get help here.
Lisa in NC
CamsMOM
MT

[kitty9309]

Sorry about the insurance situation.
I asked my endo office how they handle patients w/o insurance. The labs are half price (they have a deal with the lab), but the office visit is full price and they expect that upfront.
Other doctors offices may be willing to make a payment plan.
The health dept should be able to order basic labs for you.

[borninquisitive]

I have heard others comment that getting blood tests through the doctor's office was more expensive. On my end, I am aware that my mother had a TSH draw from our local lab. The cost was close to $150. give or take $10.
That said, a phone call in requesting prices from local lab certainly wouldn't be much hassle. Getting appropriate labs drawn from a doctor, may be a hassle (if not more expensive). That was my experience.

The person who may help, is the public health nurse. Perhaps she can offer suggestions as to where to get assistance in this area. I am not knowledgabe in the area of the "system" and perhaps she is part of the "Health Department."

[ifupleze]

I would tell the Health Department about your concern for your thyroid and ask for a full panel blood test.  I am sure they will comply especially if there is anyone else in your family who has a history of thyroid disorders.  They might, right?  Then you would not have to go through the hassle of the online test, although, if they won't, you should check out the cost for the online and the cost at an independent lab in your area.  I could be around the same price and you might not have to wait so long for the results.  Just a thought.

[borninquisitive]

Check here: http://www.healthcheckusa.com/

Under thyroid: TSH or the Thyroid Panel II (which includes Free Ts)-http://www.healthcheckusa.com/lab_tests/

If you have not had any testing done in a-while, I would choose this one (which also includes TSH & Frees): http://www.healthcheckusa.com/lab_tests/Combination_Panels/VIP_Plus_II

Enter in code 12345 and it will take 10% off of your order.

On the front of the page, you can "view locations" to find a lab nearest you. The way that it works, is that you order a test and within days, you should receive a lab slip. You take that in during any working hour of the lab you've chosen, they draw blood and within days, you should have the results online (if you create an account with them). In the meantime, they send you your results via snail mail.
I happened to go to a "LabOne" which is the same Labs that our local doctor uses.

Good luck!

[momtocam]

I am due for annual pap this month, so I will look into this Test. It's my only option at this point. I'll also gladly take feedback from those members here who have used the labs on the internet.

Thanks again.
Lisa in NC

[AR-10]

Natural remedies, if they exist, won't do you much good until you have a diagnosis.

Ask the Health department if they will run a TSH test. That would at least give you an indication as to whether or not you need further tests.

There are reputable labs on the internet that will send you a kit and run blood tests fairly cheaply. A couple of members here have used a popular one and hopefully they will chime in and provide a name or a link.

Best of luck.