2014 So Far, So Good!
2014. When I was in college, I would've never thought about this date so far into my future. Well, here it is and I'm still alive, not in the way I would like to be, but nonetheless, alive!
If you have read my last journal entry I just applied to all of the Federal programs I was qualified for. I am happy to say that I received my EBT card, (food stamps), yes folks, that's right, FOOD STAMPS! Because when you can't work anymore, you need all of the help you can get and this is why we pay taxes to reap the benefits that we sow. I also was approved for my Medicaid and currently waiting for the card and the final details to be mailed to me. I've also applied for SSDI and Aid for the Permanently Disabled, which is another free cash monthly program. As Tom Petty sang, "The waiting is the hardest part!" No shit.
The best news is that I've been accepted in a clinical research trial program that involves a non evasive procedure to the lungs by installing coils or valves, depending on what procedure my test results will qualify me for. Coils or Valves? The test results from these two procedures were much better than the Lung Volume Reduction Surgery (LVRS) and lung transplants. In fact, the coil and valve procedures are the alternative choices over LVRS and transplants. The clinic is looking for COPD patients in the "severe" category that can still walk.
Since I am living in New Hampshire, the clinic that is conducting this research based out of Charleston, SC has 32 satellite offices in the USA and I will be going to Beth Israel Hospital in Boston, MA for my initial testing. I was offered three locations based upon my address and I chose Beth Israel. Which happens to be right next to Fenway Park. Go Sox! Here is the website: www.sctr.musc.edu. I actually received a phone call from Dr. Strange and we spoke in detail about my condition and what the clinic is all about. Hell, at this point in my COPD life, I'll try anything to increase my breathing ability by 5% or 50% and the great part about all of this is that it's FREE! The clinic will cover your traveling expenses but you will not get paid to participate in this trial.
I hope everyone here in our club has the best year and keep praying for medical discoveries that will give all COPD patients a better quality of life. I know one treatment that will never lead you to have COPD.
"Don't smoke! Don't ever smoke!"
Nothing further...standing by one six.
If you have read my last journal entry I just applied to all of the Federal programs I was qualified for. I am happy to say that I received my EBT card, (food stamps), yes folks, that's right, FOOD STAMPS! Because when you can't work anymore, you need all of the help you can get and this is why we pay taxes to reap the benefits that we sow. I also was approved for my Medicaid and currently waiting for the card and the final details to be mailed to me. I've also applied for SSDI and Aid for the Permanently Disabled, which is another free cash monthly program. As Tom Petty sang, "The waiting is the hardest part!" No shit.
The best news is that I've been accepted in a clinical research trial program that involves a non evasive procedure to the lungs by installing coils or valves, depending on what procedure my test results will qualify me for. Coils or Valves? The test results from these two procedures were much better than the Lung Volume Reduction Surgery (LVRS) and lung transplants. In fact, the coil and valve procedures are the alternative choices over LVRS and transplants. The clinic is looking for COPD patients in the "severe" category that can still walk.
Since I am living in New Hampshire, the clinic that is conducting this research based out of Charleston, SC has 32 satellite offices in the USA and I will be going to Beth Israel Hospital in Boston, MA for my initial testing. I was offered three locations based upon my address and I chose Beth Israel. Which happens to be right next to Fenway Park. Go Sox! Here is the website: www.sctr.musc.edu. I actually received a phone call from Dr. Strange and we spoke in detail about my condition and what the clinic is all about. Hell, at this point in my COPD life, I'll try anything to increase my breathing ability by 5% or 50% and the great part about all of this is that it's FREE! The clinic will cover your traveling expenses but you will not get paid to participate in this trial.
I hope everyone here in our club has the best year and keep praying for medical discoveries that will give all COPD patients a better quality of life. I know one treatment that will never lead you to have COPD.
"Don't smoke! Don't ever smoke!"
Nothing further...standing by one six.
Replies
It\'s kinda\' creepy some of the places you mentioned. So far I haven\'t needed additional Fed progrms aside from Medicare, but I recognize the frustration, delays, confusion that occurs. (I had to sign-up for a different prescription drug program this year. I just cross my fingers (after the mazes) that I crossed all the \"T\'s\") Anyway I moved from Nashua to SC, patient at Beth Israel Hosp (and patron at Fenway); AND I have COPD. This research is impressive and it\'s people like you who will pave the way for the rest of us. (I stopped kicking myself for smoking; knowing me I would\'ve made some other bad choices. I\'m pleased that there\'s research in progress and we, with emphysema aren\'t forever being punished especially self-imposed. Anxiously awaiting your progress.
Freddy, More power to you. Like you I never thought I would be where I am now 40 years ago. I am so happy that you getting the benefits that you qualify for. But more importantly I am so happy you got yourself into that clinical study. I am going to check it out. take care, and keep at it. Bill