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Hi Donna. If you are truly looking for answers with both your health and your financial situation, I have something that just may interest you. The nutritional science company that I am a distributor with has completely changed my health and it is incredible what their products do for people, especially with pain-related issues. Additionally, since the products work so well, there is an enormous business opportunity. If you'd like more info, call me at 715-923-7358, or email me at relivgal@centurytel.net Keran DeCamp

Hi Donna, My wife has been treated for depression since 1986, her situation is complicated by a body that is hypersensitive to drugs. We too were running out of options around this time last year when her psyc suggested we research VNS; to make a long story short, we decided to try it and she was implanted in April 2005. Contrary to what we read, we began to notice major improvement in just a few weeks, and nearly medication free by August, the device has been a complete turn-around for her. It has not been completely withou issues-- we still have regular visits with her doctor to make treatment adjustments-- but life has not been this stable in 20 years. An example from her perspective: I was away on family business during October when she had an issue with stimulation-- though attached to the Left vagus nerve, it began cross-stimulating her Right vagus nerve and causing painfull stomach spasms (since eliminated by reprogramming). When her doctor asked why she waited sooo long to call, she said that she was afraid he would turn it off! She just walked by and asked me who I was writing to... and said in her opinion it has been an absolutely positive experience, it just takes time to get everything adjusted. I hope you find relief, mg

Hi Who Knew, I have been to an endocrinologists and a neurologist, I've been checked for tumors, thyroid, hormone imbalance. I have had ECT treatments with no relief. I read about the Vagus Nerve stimulator implant and the company sent me a lot of information. Of course they are only going to tell you the positive results of VNS Therapy. Thank you so much for responding to my e-mail. Donna

Dear Donna, I was wondering if you have seen an endocrinologist. If none of the "traditional" methods for treating depression work , you might want to try an endocrinologist. Most people (especially women) who suffer from depression, anxiety are simply classified as "mentally ill" when there could be a hormonal imbalance. Doctors today rarely, if ever, refer people to an endocrinologist except for diabetes or thyroid problems. When in fact your hormones have a lot more to do with how you feel than most people realize. IF one hormone level is off balance, the others have to make up for it and it can set off a chain reaction - leaving you to feel lousy wiht no relief in sight. I ma including a link below for the list of endocrinologists in your area. Give them a call - yes most endocrinologists do accept insurance - and set up an appointment. A good endocrinologist will take several blood tests and rule out which - if any - could be the source of the problem. Older women going through menopause and women who suffer from PMS are usually treated by their primary doctors will little if any respect - the doctor simply chalks it up to hormones and tell them to take an antidepressant and they'll be fine. I don;t knwo why they do this and it aggravates the daylights out of me! Please check into this - they should be able to help you. As for assistance with repairing your home, please check ths links on my homepage. Also check with your local town hall for repair programs for low income families - I will see what I can find and let you know what I come up with in the next few days.
endocrinologists in Holland, MA

To Concerned Mother, I have been on SSI for years. It used to be that my depression went into remission for up to a year at a time so I was able to work. I would then fall back into depression, anxiety, and post traumatic stress. I can't leave the house and haven't other than my physician appts. I have to be drugged up to go to these appts. Don't give up on SSI. I can tell you that most people get denied but you have to appeal. Depending on where you live, there are Legal Services that don't charge a fee but help you with the process. I applied for full disability on Nov. 26, 2005. Almost 1 year ago, I keep getting the run around so I have contacted an agency in my area. I know it is hard to get up the energy and motivation to help yourself. My mortgage is a few months behind, my electricity is way overdue. I owe $1300. The only reason it hasn't been turned off is because my doctor writes them letters every 3 months regarding my illness. I am terrified of losing the house. The rent on apts., is more than I pay for the mortgage plus I have pets that I couldn't bear to get rid of. They have been with me for so long. Just don't give up on SSI. Good luck. Donna

Hello to all of you that responded to my posting on depression. I have what is call Treatment Resistant Depression. I have been on all the old meds, the new ones, combinations, 2 courses of ECT therapy but none of it seems to work for me. I stay in the house, don't even get the mail across the street. I have been doing research on Vagus Nerve Stimulator's. It is an implant in your chest much like a pacemaker, with a coil that is wrapped around your Vagus Nerve. The longest nerve in your body. The implant divice gives off a slight electrical charge and regular intrevals. This stimulates the Vagus nerve to produce the chemicals you are lacking. I am trying to get this proceedure done. It is a long term treatment that is supposed to get better with time. Anyone interested in more information call 1-877-now-4vns (1-877-669-4867). If anyone out there has the VNS implant, I would love to hear what you think about it, even if it has been unsuccessful. Thanks so much. Depressed Donna

hi . my name is jane and i really have had a terrible time with dental problems . i live on a very low income and have tried to get a grant from the gov. ,but no luck yet but i refuse to give up i have too much faith in god .i have gonr to several dentists and they tell me that it will cost around six thousand dollars to have my teeth reworked .heaven knows i do not have this kind of money i could not pay to go for check ups let alone that large amount..so please if anyone reaging this knows where i can get some assistance please E=mail me at jtlt119@bellsouth.net

Hi, depressed Donna! I just saw your posting, and I really hope you are okay by now. I am new to this, but we do have some things in common. I am on meds for depression-Remeron and Depakote ER. I am also dealing with 2 grown kids who are home. ONe has agoraphobia and the other has autism. I get depressed most times b/c I can't do anything physically for them. All I can do is pray that they get better or be healed from Jesus. I am the same age you are---well, I will be 48 in September. How long have you been on SSI? I have thought about getting on it myself, but I doubt if I will get much money out of it. I am unfortunately one of those who haven't been able to work much b/c of being a care taker most of my married life. Please contact me if you can so I can know you are okay. Concerned MOther

Free Care, also called the Uncompensated Care Pool (UCP), is a health care "safety net" to make sure that everyone in Massachusetts, regardless of income, has some access to health care when needed. Those eligible for Free Care can get medically necessary health services at community health centers and hospitals in Massachusetts for free, or at a reduced cost, depending on income.
Free Care (also called the Uncompensated Care Pool - UCP)

Hi Donna, Try to find a free clinic or hospital and speak to a doctor about how you feel... My opinion is that being depressed for periods of time is absolutely normal. It's just part of life. It makes you miserable, of course... but it is normal. You just have to endure it... Now, here are a few links below... take a look at them... and call the phone numbers listed on these pages... If I find more resources and advice, I will post them here...
Free Walk-in Clinics in Worcester Area
MASSACHUSETTS ENERGY ASSISTANCE
Valley Opportunity Council (Tel. 413-552-1554)
Western Massachusetts Electric Company Discount Rates
NSTAR's Discount Rate
Energy Assistance Programs Heat Line 1.800.632.8175
Massachusetts Winter Heating Helpline Website
The Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund

Hi Donna, Try to find a free clinic or hospital and speak to a doctor about how you feel... My opinion is that being depressed for periods of time is absolutely normal. It's just part of life. It makes you miserable, of course... but it is normal. You just have to endure it... Now, here are a few links below... take a look at them... and call the phone numbers listed on these pages... I will continue to look for more resources and advice... and will post them here...
The Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund
Massachusetts Winter Heating Helpline Website
Energy Assistance Programs Heat Line 1.800.632.8175
NSTAR's Discount Rate
Western Massachusetts Electric Company Discount Rates
Valley Opportunity Council (Tel. 413-552-1554)
MASSACHUSETTS ENERGY ASSISTANCE
Free Walk-in Clinics in Worcester Area