burnt out

[ArtDogs]

It is exhausting to navigate the system to get help, especially since I have no family or friends to advocate for me. I am homebound and very lonely.

[weathervane]

I don’t know the American system, are there any charities you could contact for advice or a local church that might have a befriending program. Sometimes once you take a step to reach out it can help. Best wishes.

[Konagirl60]

Where are you located?

Can you describe what’s been happening to you physically please. Where are you hurting? Did you injure yourself?

I hope you’ll respond.

[Sugaree]

hi, I live in the States. Not sure what you need, medicare provides some services besides healthcare. They provide home visits to help home bound people. I have a friend that has an advocate,someone that comes help her with laundry, transportation etc. I’m so sorry you are feeling lonely. I am not good navigating through the healthcare system. I am still looking for arthritis dr. They just want to send me off to pain management. It’s frustrating. Come on the site here anytime you’re lonely. Someone is always around to talk. Loneliness is an awful feeling, sending a hug to you.

[Southerngirl2787]

Where do you live? I'm in Texas, and on Medicare Disability primary; United secondary. There are numerous programs to get help, my Rheumy's office has a Medicare covered, United too... service that helps you with everything with your health, connects you with doctors, referrals, services at your house, transportation. There are many of these Advocate programs, if you take Traditional Medicare or the Advantage Medicare plans. There are also local programs in many cities to assist Medicare patients to navigate the system. Yes, being homebound is lonely at times, many churches have folks who can help you, they can come pick you up, take you to group meetings, luncheons, services. I worked in healthcare 30+ years, and advise folks in my area when they ask for help, as it can be frustrating when you have complex medical issues. Never give up....ask questions...if someone at a doctor's office is pushing you off, ask them who can talk to them to answer questions. If it's the doctor, then ask for the nurse or ANP. Don't let them off the hook of providing you good services. Pain is a tough area, I go to a Pain Doc, he's very good, has excellent ANPs, they take time to listen to me. I have 10+ spinal fractures, 5 spine fusions, 6 (thoracic and lumbar) discs bone on bone, waiting on me to get stronger for multi-level fusion. Add in numerous nerve impingements, just had that surgery again, bone spurs, nerve transfers, hand/wrist both hands nerve surgery. A parathyroid tumor started this nightmare. I also have AS and Lupus...so it all adds up to 24/7 pain, and trying nearly everything to get a normal life again. All of us understand the misery, desperation, and need to navigate the system to work for us! Prayers for you!

[caringkriket]

Yes it is! I am so sorry you are lonely, however I can empathize with you as I feel the same way. I feel my pain and my issues keep me from going places or wanting to be around folks. Hang in there and this chat is really good. I have to continually hit a topic before it actually comes up ! Take care!