I am on pain meds due to spinal problems and also have problems with constipation. I am taking Miralax but still feel that my bowels are not emptying completely. I have tried many of the remedies mentioned here and they all help some but not enough _ so tired of the discomfort. I have just discovered something called Amitizia and see that jakmak52 is taking it. I wonder jak if you would be so kind as to tell me what your thoughts are on it and how it is working for you? Thanks so much!

Is there a teaching hospital there? A state run hospital cannot refuse to treat you if you are severely ill as far as I know. Some of the Catholic hospitals used to be charity hospitals you may want to check into that if there's one close. Also, he may qualify for medicaid so check into that. Check with your state's Human Services Division and see if they have anything else. I may be wrong but I think the only way you can add a parent to your insurance is if they live with you and are dependent upon you for the major part of their support. AARP is a good idea but they ask 2 questions before they will insure you and one of those is have you been treated or seen a doctor in the last year (or 6 months) with heart problems. I know this because they're always sending me things wanting me to take it out and I've sent back several telling them that I have Congestive heart failure. I hope he feels better and won't have to have the surgery but if he does it's very important for him to have it ASAP. Oh, I don't think they can take your house if you're living in it. I don't know about if you are renting it but they probably could. Have you thought about signing it over to your sons? Of course you'd have to be able to trust them and you'd want to pay for taxes and any expenses for maintainance unless you are truly giving it to them. I'd be interested in what you find out. We have insurance thru my job but I may have to go on disability and I'd qualify for medicaid but my DH is going to retire soon and he's only 62 so won't qualify for medicare until he's 65. He's already have a quadruple bypass 3 years ago. Nancy

Finally getting back in here to respond (internet issues this week!). Thank you so much to everyone sharing their great ideas. I hope this helped others too. I agree that the first thing to do is declutter the old unused medications, of which we have many. I love the suggestions about various boxes and containers, especially the breadbox idea and the link to Ikea. We have an appliance garage that I'm still mystified as to how to use (the door on it broke right after we moved in here so it doesn't really hide anything). It kind of stores a hodgepodge of assorted stuff that changes all the time. I intend to get rid of it someday since it takes up so much counter space that could be used more effectively. I looked at the artist on Etsy and I thought the wooden boxes were lovely (and a great idea!) but I wish they were a different shape to accommodate the shape of my box, which has compartments for 2 doses a day. (I actually also take a pill in the middle of the day.) One problem with trying to store the daily pill organizers out of sight is that my dh tends to forget about it when he can't see it. So this isn't good. Finally, I should mention that I don't worry too much about keeping medications under lock and key since my youngest is turning 20 in 2 weeks and I have no grandchildren or kids that visit. I will take that into consideration if that situation changes! Thank you all again!

Wow, I can imagine how fearful you were to go under general anesthesia, especially with hemorrhaging and dropping blood pressure! But thankfully you were at the hospital and in good hands. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, which may have been a fetus medically, but was of course, a potential child, to you and your husband. The fact that you did get pregnant naturally, is a good sign. It means that you are not infertile, so I'd think your chances of a successful pregnancy, whether natural or through IVF, will be great, since you have proof that you were able to conceive. Take the time you need to recover physically and emotionally, then look forward to planning your 'rainbow baby,' with all our best wishes!