Sorry this is slightly off-topic for a T1 list, but I'm not sure where else to ask.
My neighbor was diagnosed with T2 earlier this year and has been taking insulin to control it. Recently her job cut back her hours, so now that she is a part-time employee she no longer has health insurance. She has worked at Michaels craft store for quite a long time (probably not a very high-paid job), she is a single mom to her three kids, is partially disabled by arthritis, and has struggled to make ends meet since her physician husband abandoned her and the kids about 15 years ago. Now that her income has been cut, her financial situation is even more dire. I have no idea how she's paying her mortgage (if she is) and buying groceries for her family. She has stopped taking insulin because she simply cannot afford to buy it. Last week she broke her small toe and did not go to the doctor because she could not afford to. I know that just the thought of uncontrolled diabetes and an untreated broken toe must be sending shivers down all of your spines, as it does mine.
I'm worried sick about her and her kids. She is the sweetest, most loving, and most cheerful person. She never complains, no matter how bad things get. She's not the type of person who will accept personal charity (it's been tried by concerned neighbors and friends a number of times), but she might accept assistance from an organization that helps out with medical needs. But, most of the assistance organizations I found on-line were directed toward T1 and/or children with diabetes, or "third world" countries.
If anyone has any ideas on how to find some help for this lovely woman, I would truly appreciate your input. Pardon me while I go off and have a good cry.
Mo
P.S. Call me a "bleeding heart liberal" if you will, but we need health care reform YESTERDAY!
Hi Mo,you are so right to be worried for her and her children.Just reading this makes me worry for them.It seems I read something on this site about needed help and where to get it.If I can find it,I will let you know.I hope she will be ok,but I think she is headed for real trouble.you are kind trying to help her,lets hope she will listen and take any help offered.
Mo, would she be open to talking to you about her problems? Can you start by suggesting that not taking insulin will lead to complications, thus more medical expenses and more difficulty caring for her kids?
I would suggest...
1. seeing if a local hospital will provide her with free care, most have programs for people in need if you ask the right office
2. many pharmaceutical companies are providing fee medications based on need these days (probably for PR reasons, but take what you can get, right!)
3. does her dr's office have some free samples of supplies she needs?
4. looking for a social worker at the hospital to get her set up with these services or others
She's lucky to have a caring neighbor! Maybe she'll be open to your suggestions b/c you know about D...
Also, if you could get free samples from your endo, and just pass them along, she might accept them. I'm sure she knows how dangerous broken toes + uncontrolled diabetes is, but you could always remind her and tell her that you and her kids really care about her and want to make sure she's taking care of herself however she can.
Concerning samples from your endocrinologist, if she won't accept chairity, you could reframe the situation. You could tell her that you have extra insulin that is about to go bad, so she is doing you a favor by taking it off your hands. You could try passing the insulin to her through her children, perhaps if they bring it to her or simply put it in the fridge that would be enough?
Update: There is a full-blown conspiracy in the works to help this lady out. I'm working through our mutual friend/neighbor to figure out what medications she is supposed to be on, and which insulins she could use for self-medication. I've got at least one resource waiting in the wings, and a few more options that I will pursue once I have the information we need. William is currently only using 1/2 to 1/3 of a vial within the 28-day expiration period, and have already offered to put those (tenderly cared-for) partial vials "into the pot" if they will help. I just can't help but feel that a partial vial of fast-acting insulin to cover meals would be better than no medication at all.
At the same time, my co-consipirator and I have agreed that we will put ourselves out there in the short-term to help her, but that she needs to "meet us half way" and show that she is willing to commit to caring for herself if resources are made available. We both have SO much on our own personal plates, that tracking another individual to ensure they are taking care of themselves is simply not an option for either of us.
So, thank you to everyone who has responded. I truly appreciate your input.
but that she needs to "meet us half way" and show that she is willing to commit to caring for herself if resources are made available. We both have SO much on our own personal plates, that tracking another individual to ensure they are taking care of themselves is simply not an option for either of us.
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Good point! It's wonderful that you're helping her, but you don't want to double the number of diabetic "kids" you're caring for. (: