DEPRESSED BEYOND WORDS

WELL sheesh where do I start,, I was orginally planned to get my surgery done by Dr. Daniel Scott,, and since I am on medicaid you have to get all the testing done by yourself, then make a apt for your surgery,, so what do you know a week before the hurricane I finished all my testing and was just about to call him ,,Then my uncle got into a bad accident and we had to go to dallas to be with him ,, Then the hurricane hit and we lost everything,, Then after trying to contact Dr. Scott for 4 weeks I finally found out he moved to UT in dallas, which is awesome if I lived with my uncle, which I could do if I wanted, and If I had texas medicaid which I DONT,, so once again I am having to start at the FREAKIN BEGINING AND I DONT THINK I CAN TAKE MUCH MORE,, Here's the short version of my story , I lived in alabama a few years ago and started researching it then,, found a wonderful doctor , and then my mom and dad divorced and me and my mom moved back home to new orleans, yahh,, but I had to wait to get my medicaid switched and go through finding another doctor,, well my dad said " Dont worry since you are a full time student I can keep you on my insurance and you will definitly be covered" < bcbs> ,, so I waited a freakin year and a half and they finally told me no I couldnt be on it , b/c they researched my history and they could tell I had alot of funds they would have to put out,, so then I started the medicaid battle and finally found Dr. Scott,,, I started all the testing and finished them and then the freakin hurricane came and ruined everything < literally> and now after spending 3 days making calls ALL DAY to every doctor in the state of LA ,, I am here to tell you that none of the 52 take medicaid,, I was told by some doctors of other ones they thought took medicaid but of course I would call them and they would like NO WAY , WE DONT TAKE MEDICAID,, So then I called medicaid and got their complete list of general surgeons , and called all like 70 something of them, and none of them did gastric bypass and if they did , they didnt take medicaid,,, SO NOW I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO ,AND I AM SOO DEPRESSED , I HAVE STAYED IN BED THE PAST 3 DAYS SLEEPING OTHER THAN THE 7 HOURS A DAY I SPENT MAKING PHONE CALLS,, does anyone happen to know of any other options,, I know someone is taking over for Dr. Scott but he isnt starting practice until feb I heard, and I dont know his number ,, anyone know?? Also I am sure everyone has called him and he has a HUGE waiting list,, I FEEL I HAVE DEDICATED MY PART 4 YEARS TO THIS AND GOTTEN NOTHING,, PLEASE HELP

Good luck. Just try to be patient, and look at the time you have to wait as time to get in better shape for your surgery. Best wishes. I know it is hard not to be impatient, just do the best you can and try to exercise a little instead of staying in bed. Staying in bed is bad for your heart, and you want it in the best possible shape for your surgery. natalie

Are you depressed? Symptoms of Depression There are several signs and symptoms that help a healthcare professional or doctor determine if a person has depression. These include: **Depressed or irritable mood most of the day--nearly every day **Loss of interest or pleasure in activities (such as hobbies, work, sex, or being with friends) most of the day--nearly every day **A sudden change in weight or appetite **Inability to sleep or sleeping too much **Agitation or restlessness (observed by others) **Constant fatigue or loss of energy **Frequent feelings of worthlessness or guilt **Difficulty concentrating or making decisions **Frequent thoughts of death or suicide Important note: If you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide, seek professional help immediately through your healthcare professional or doctor, or call 411 to get the phone number for the nearest local suicide hotline. You don't need to have all these signs and symptoms to have depression. Symptoms will also vary from person to person. For instance, compared with depressed men, depressed women are more likely to experience guilt, weight gain, anxiety, eating disorders, or increased sleep. Depressed older adults tend to experience persistent sadness or "empty" moods. Depression can also manifest itself with physical pain. It is important to remember that depression is a medical condition like any other. And, just as there are treatments for conditions like diabetes or heart disease, there are treatment options available for depression. Be sure to seek the assistance of a healthcare professional so he or she can determine if you have symptoms of depression. If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of depression, you can take a screening "test" online to assist you in determining if it's time to see your doctor. Here are two: http://www.depression-screening.org/screeningtest/screeningtest.htm http://www.med.nyu.edu/psych/screens/depres.html You may also like to go to http://www.depressionhurts.com This is a very informative site. You can also google "depression screening online", "online depression screening", or "signs and symptoms of depression" and get several sites to visit! Please remember, it takes several weeks for the body to fully respond to treatment. Also, there are many drugs available to treat depression and the first one you try may not work for you. It could take a few medicinal trials and several weeks before you find what works for you! The links above do not intend to support any particular drug and/or treatment for depression; rather, they are simply web sites that may help you determine if you are depressed and/or should consider a more thorough evaluation. Treating depression with pharmaceutical(s) is a decision and choice to be determined by you and your healthcare professional. I hope this helps! Best to you and yours, ~Vanessa~

OK , PLEASE PLEASE EXCUSE ME FOR ASKING THIS ,, BUT IS THAT A FREAKIN JOKE? LMAO ,, OF COURSE I'M DEPRESSED, AND YES I'VE BEEN BATTLING SUICIDE SINCE I WAS 10 ,, I'VE BEEN ON MEDICINE SINCE I WAS THAT AGE ALSO,, BUT WITH EVERYTHING GOING ON IN MY LIFE RIGHT NOW , I THINK I HAVE A REASON TO BE A LIL DOWN,,

No, it's not a joke. I would never make fun of someone's pain. I was trying to help by passing on information. I do not know your history. I was concerned for you. I'm so sorry if I upset you. Best, Vanessa

HEY! Don't give up... because of the hurricane, medicaid can be transferred from one state to another and you can get it in TX!! You have to contact the medicaid office and tell them where you've relocated to I work in a hospital and I was told this by our social worker who handles this sort of thing for inpatients. For outpatients you have to do the "legwork" yourself. Good Luck! And in the meantime I'm going to ask my surgeon today if they have started taking medicaid Kat

Hi Kat, Dr. Martin is accepting Medicaid and working out of Vista. If Richardson is ready to do the same, please let me know. I think there's a great need here for us (OHLA) to help facilitate on the behalf of Medicaid patients. I might add that I lost my insurance in the middle of my health crisis and when I say Medicaid patients, I mean my fellow Medicaid patients. I got the help I needed when I was ready to give up and accept a slow painful death. I got that gleam in my eye, you know what that means.... Onward! Frances

THANKS SOOOOOOOOO MUCH,, THATS RIGHT BY MY HOSUE AND I AM PERSONALLY GOING TO BRING MY FAT AZZ OVER THERE AND VISIT THEM TOMM MORNING FIRST THING,, THEY PROBABLY HAVE A WAITING LIST A MILE LONG THOUGH , THATS WHAT DISTRUBES ME

Ashley, Get out of bed...there's a doctor in Baton Rouge waiting for your call. Call Vista today. Here's a post with the info: http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/LA/postdetail/5155.html?vc=0 There is hope. I'm emailing you my cell phone so we can jumpstart this process. Onward! Frances