The Whine thread.

[Lady Rainbow]

Speaking of insurance...medical bills are atrocious.

I have 2 children who are autistic, and we've had to deal with insurance companies and physicians networks. Bills for occupational therapy and speech therapy are awful. Plus I have rheumatoid arthritis. At the moment I'm not on any meds (I was on Remicade and methotrexate) because it's just too damn expensive.

Sorry, it's been a rough few weeks. Dealing with the effects of my autistic son's poor kindergarten teacher. He now has some behavioral issues that weren't there when he started school last year. He's a six-year old who's half my height that is currently going through the equiv. of the terrible two's and three's. I've been smacked in the face, had my glasses knocked off, and had to intervene in too many altercations between him and his sister (my older daughter).

That and my writing sucks. I've pretty much lost my touch, I think. I've been trying to revise some of my stories and it just ain't working. Seems like all I've been hearing is criticism on all fronts, from my writing to my art to my parenting skills. And when I ask for support, all I get is silence. Or more criticism.

Sigh. I'll stop whining now.

[Alelou]

Sounds like a miserable spot to be in all around. I've often wondered how the heck you manage to do everything you do.

I suppose finding the time and energy for an autism support group would be just about impossible? Sounds like something you could really use. That and trying to see if you can get the pharmaceutical company to give you the RA drugs. They do have programs sometimes, if you have the energy to jump through all the hoops. (I know, not something you have in abundance right now.)

I'm surprised your state or school district doesn't fund the OT and ST and so forth for your kids? Most intervention is paid for once a kid is identified up here. (The problem is still often finding it and getting it without being on really long waiting lists.) With the Supreme Court decision that just came down on special services, school districts ought to be even more sensitive to the necessity of finding you help. (Of course, they're all struggling pretty desperately right now themselves.)

I can't help you on the fanfic front because I really haven't been keeping up as much as I used to. But I do have the impression you kind of disappeared for awhile, so many of your fans might not have noticed that you're back yet. Hang in there.

[WarpGirl]

I can't say anything to make things better so I won't try too. But You should know you're not alone, my family struggled with many similar issues. My sister and I both were disabled, the school system was less then supportive, and my mother dealt with her own health problems. Just remember that you have people who love and cherish you. Let them know what you need, and I'm sure they'll do anything they can. I wish I could say some magic words but I can't.

[Dinah]

I can't begin to understand the problems you're going through, Lady Rainbow, but just remember we're here whenever you need us. As for your writing, your stories have always been wonderful. I hope things get better for you very soon.

[Lady Rainbow]

I suppose finding the time and energy for an autism support group would be just about impossible? Sounds like something you could really use. That and trying to see if you can get the pharmaceutical company to give you the RA drugs. They do have programs sometimes, if you have the energy to jump through all the hoops. (I know, not something you have in abundance right now.)

I used to be part of a Special Needs Mom group here in Charlotte. Unfortunately, most of the members live in the south end of the city, while I live in the north end. It's difficult to get together with them. Right now, trying to see if my rheumatologist knows someone who can help with the meds. Crossing my fingers.

I'm surprised your state or school district doesn't fund the OT and ST and so forth for your kids? Most intervention is paid for once a kid is identified up here. (The problem is still often finding it and getting it without being on really long waiting lists.) With the Supreme Court decision that just came down on special services, school districts ought to be even more sensitive to the necessity of finding you help. (Of course, they're all struggling pretty desperately right now themselves.)

When Michael and Christina were both 2/ 3 years old, the therapies were through Charlotte's Watkins Center and we were able to use a sliding scale to pay. Problem is, my hubby is a computer engineer and makes too much money on paper...it might LOOK like alot, but it really isn't when you factor all the bills and hubby's previous $$$ mismanagement (a different story). When they turned 3, they "aged out" of the Watkins program and entered Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. They got OT and ST through the system, which royally sucked.

Right now, we're on a state list for aid (which includes respite). I've been on two different respite lists, and we've been on that state list for THREE !@!@!! YEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! North Carolina has cut funding for those programs, plus CMS school system is about $21 million in the hole. So foreseeable help there.

[WarpGirl]

My father made too much on paper too when I was a kid, and ironically I have a lot in common with your daughter...

SPOILER!!!:

We share the same name different spelling.

I do know what its like to be caught up in this, but believe me, if you look hard enough you do find the help. I know it can take a long while, but help is out there.

[Alelou]

Oh boy. Three years???? Why even have a list if it's going to take that long? Why not admit you're just not providing services?

So sorry.

And yeah, the hubby financial thing is a place I've been to. Please, just be glad it's "previous" and try not to dwell too much on it or you'll go nuts. I was very pleased to just be able to refinance some of that painful history at a much lower rate. It's a great time to do that if you're in any position to.

[bluetiger]

Lady Rainbow, I am so sorry to hear of your troubles. If moral support does you any good, please know you have it from us. Just hold on and don't doubt yourself. We know what a good and talented person you are, don't let circumstances convince you otherwise

[Asso]

I hope it helps you to feel better, the awareness that all of us are close to you.
And as to your stories, better words cannot be said than those that Dinah wrote.

[panyasan]

Lady Rainbow, there is a lot of your plate and it must be really hard sometimes. Hopefully the support of family and friends can give you that extra to keep on going. I admire that you stay so positive.

[WarpGirl]

This seems totally inappropriate to whine about, but my mother is in Canada visiting my sister and there is nobody to complain too. My kitty is in heat because I can't afford the 30 dollars they want to fix her. And she's screeching and my heart breaks for her. At least I don't need to worry about her escaping the house, poor thing is terrified of the out doors. Here's what I want to know, she's not even a year old and she's in heat. Why is it that she goes into heat when my mom is in Canada?

[Alelou]

I think it may be more like six months ... whatever it is, it's always sooner than you hope it will be. Sorry about that. And be careful ... being in heat can sure do something to her fear of the outdoors if some tomcats come calling.

[WarpGirl]

Oh well believe me she's done this before and she won't escape. She'll be a year in october I think.

[WarpGirl]

Sorry for the double but I have to get this off my chest... STUPID DOG! Nevermind the cat's in heat and screetching. I go to put the dog on his thick chain (so that the stupid kids don't cut it) and I take a small fall, he gets away and id now partying with the neighbor hood dogs. Stupid displaced hip! Stupid bruises! STUPID MUT! I said Jar Jar is a perfect name. Meanwhile what does the kitty do while the door is open and I'm sprawled on the floor. Hides under the bed. My cat is smarter than my dog, and she does what I tell her to do.

[CX]

Definitely not as bad as some of you, but a few days ago my fingertips started inexplicably peeling, like blisters but without the fluid, or say after sunburn. Haven't done anything that should give me blisters and I haven't been sunburned, so it's a bit weird and annoying.