" Power Over Pain "

"If I Lived in a World with Less Pain, I Could..."

2011-09-15T20:22:00.002-04:00

If I lived in a world with less pain, we would all see more people making a difference, using their gifts and talents more openly, pursuing their passions more avidly, and being even more active in their lives, families, communities, countries, and on the world scene. Those people are currently somewhat hidden. We cannot always do what we want to do, need to do, and are called to do, because we are hindered by an invisible enemy. Our pain cannot always be seen on scans or X-rays; it certainly cannot be seen by the naked eye. However, the effects of our pain are keenly felt in our lives, our families, our societies. How is this pain felt? In the missing pieces of artwork because the arms and hands hurt too badly to form them. In the missing pieces of legislation because the bodies who were intended to write them are in bed, not elected to office. In the missing teachers, because those bodies are racked with pain and can no longer teach. In the missing police officers, business owners, athletes, musicians, etc., who cannot do what they were supposed to do and are now doing something different, not lesser nor worse, just different.

Even when some of us are able to pursue the passions to which we are called, we are unable to do as much as we would love to do. It is not because we are lazy. It is not because we are rebellious or pouting or insubordinate. Our bodies do not cooperate the way we wish they did. The pain holds us back. The severity varies from day to day, hour to hour. We have to cancel appointments, change plans, postpone gatherings, and flat out miss out on many of life's offerings because of pain. Some of our friends disappear. Some of our family members stay away. Some who are close to us think we are making excuses. We are not. It is something we cannot change or we would. If we were making it up, we would stop making it up so we could have our lives back. In a world with less pain, we would not have to make all these concessions for ourselves.

If we all lived in a world with less pain, money that is spent on surgeries, procedures, medications, treatments, alternative care, and therapies could be spent instead on other causes and important things. We could travel, visit our ailing, aging relatives or newborn grandchildren or stay with someone who had just had surgery. We could adopt a child or a pet. We could afford to help our children pay for college. We could buy art supplies and actually create beautiful, inspiring pieces. We could support candidates or even afford to run for office ourselves. We could live in more substantial housing than many of us find ourselves in. We could continue to pay our mortgages and not be forced to sell our homes to afford our care for our painful conditions.

Pain robs our bodies and the citizens of our world of many tangible and intangible assets. It robs friendships because friends don't or won't understand. It robs marriages because partners don't know what to do and give up. It robs bank accounts because we have so many physical needs. It robs our society of the gifts its pain-riddled citizens just cannot give. The misery endured by those of us in pain is unbelievable. It is not a mere toothache that is treated in a few days by your dentist. It is not the pain after surgery which is indicating healing. No, it is constant, chronic, unrelenting, merciless, interfering, obstructive, and uncaring. In a world with less pain, there would be less misery, less irritability, and grouchiness. I wish pain were less and very temporary. I'm not so naive to think a world could exist without pain altogether. However, if it were only assured to be tolerable and short-lived, we could have more hope again. We could make plans and keep them. We could pursue lives and not drop out. We could work at our chosen professions and not have to quit or go part time because of pain.

In a world with less pain, these problems would not exist and people who were born to do incredible things would not have to settle for less than that.

"If I Lived in a World with Less Pain, I Could..."
Campaign - submitted by Lynn E. Mora 9/2011

Taken from the APF - American Pain Foundations Facebook page

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Relieving Pain - Can It Be Done in Todays Society??

2011-07-18T19:06:00.000-04:00

Chronic pain affects an estimated 116 million American adults—more than the total affected by heart disease, cancer, and diabetes combined. Pain also costs the nation up to $635 billion each year in medical treatment and lost productivity. The 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act required the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to enlist the IOM in examining pain as a public health problem.

In this Report, the IOM offers a blueprint for action in transforming prevention, care, education, and research, with the goal of providing relief for people with pain in America. To reach the vast multitude of people with various types of pain, the nation must adopt a population-level prevention and management strategy. The IOM recommends that HHS develop a comprehensive plan with specific goals, actions, and timeframes. Better data are needed to help shape efforts, especially on the groups of people currently underdiagnosed and undertreated, and the IOM encourages federal and state agencies and private organizations to accelerate the collection of data on pain incidence, prevalence, and treatments. Because pain varies from patient to patient, healthcare providers should increasingly aim at tailoring pain care to each person’s experience, and self-management of pain should be promoted. In addition, because there are major gaps in knowledge about pain across health care and society alike, the IOM recommends that federal agencies and other stakeholders redesign education programs to bridge these gaps. Pain is a major driver for visits to physicians, a major reason for taking medications, a major cause of disability, and a key factor in quality of life and productivity. Given the burden of pain in human lives, dollars, and social consequences, relieving pain should be a national priority.

This is from The Board of Health Sciences and is a 313-page Report that you can read/browse thru Online.

Click on the LINK below-->

Relieving Pain in America: A Blueprint for Transforming Prevention, Care, Education, and Research

Should State Laws Dictate Pain-Care Practices?

2011-07-18T16:46:00.000-04:00

VERY IMPORTANT -- THIS IS A MUST-READ ARTICLE!!

Those of us who live with/in Chronic Pain MUST start taking an active role, have a voice AND start being heard & believed in Pain-Care decisions that will ultimately effect our daily lives, our futures and the lives & futures of our families!!

PLEASE, take the time to read this article and look over the other informative articles on this website.

Thank-you
Love and Blessings,
--snookiecollins

Click on the LINK below -->

Pain-Topics.org News/Research UPDATES: Should State Laws Dictate Pain-Care Practices?

Does Anyone REALLY Care About My Pain?

2011-04-19T18:47:00.001-04:00

I know that's what alot of you are probably thinking or feeling...
I know, because I have been there.

And now I'm back again.
Just when I thought everything was settled & I had finally found a Doctor that was actually nice to me AND believed in me.

I was told last month that he is retiring... So, I guess we shall see where it goes from here.
Anyway, here's a Video that might just give you a bit of Hope that things are changing for the better in the Healthcare community. I know it does me.
Cause, now what do I always say kids? All together now...

NEVER GIVE UP -- NEVER GIVE IN

Please consider becoming an actual Member of The American Pain Foundation - painfoundation.org
And support our Cause in any way that you can. If we ALL join together, we CAN make a difference.

Please keep me in your Prayers & as always You will be in mine!
Love & Blessings,
--snookiecollins

Chronic Pain IS a Disease

2011-04-19T17:46:00.001-04:00

TITLE says it all baby...

The Title, Says - It - All.

And it is about time that it is being Recognized as such!!

Click on the LINK -->
Chronic Pain Is a Disease That Needs Special Treatment - Health.com

Why Most Patients Dislike Pain Care Providers

2011-04-19T16:11:00.001-04:00

Wow, this is a really good Topic and one I have personally heard & talked about with my fellow patients for years now.
And from my experience....
Well, let's just say that unfortunately there is VERY good reason for Chronic Pain sufferers to feel this way.

I have been finding alot of good, informative & helpful articles on this website.
So, this is one Site I think we all should 'Bookmark'.
(they are on Twitter also, so you could follow them for current updates).

Ya know what to do...
Click on the LINK below kids... -->

Pain-Topics.org - Why Do Patients Dislike Pain Care Providers?

NEVER GIVE UP... 7 Tips To Surviving Tough Times

2011-04-16T12:48:00.002-04:00

Well, its been a rough one kids...

Hope this article I have linked to helps someone, it made me feel a bit stronger after reading thru it a few times.
Still feel like I have a Long way to go...
And if you are reading this blog, then I'm pretty sure you've been there before.
Or might even be there now.

But, what do I ALWAYS say?

-- NEVER GIVE UP -- NEVER GIVE IN --

Good Luck to us all...
Keep me in your Prayers & I will do the same for all of you.

Love & Blessings,
--snookiecollins

Click on the LINK -->

7 Tips To Surviving Tough Times

Relax & Recharge - Therapeutic Home 'Recipes' to Rebalance and Renew Mind and Body

2011-02-16T16:21:00.001-05:00

Now this is a wonderful article with some great 'tried-n-true' natural methods for feeling healthier for your mind & your body!
Read thru this and I'm sure you'll find something that will help you to relax and destress a bit.
So enjoy all and hope everyone is doing well...
--snookiecollins

Click on the LINK below -->

Relax & Recharge - Natural Awakenings - February 2011 - Natural Awakenings

Simple Tips For Dealing With Your Chronic Pain

2011-02-15T11:55:00.001-05:00

Todays SBS (keepin it "short-but-sweet") post...
Some good tips here, ones that I have tried AND have worked for me.
Click on the LINK below for the complete article -->

Simple Tips For Dealing With Your Chronic Pain - Healthy Living on Shine

50 Ways to Open Up Your World to New Possibilities

2011-01-18T14:20:00.002-05:00

Hello all...
I realize that it has been awhile since I've posted anything =(
And if you are reading this blog because you also live with chronic pain and/or health issues then I'm sure that you can understand when I tell you that I have not been feeling that well.
& I have been trying to get back on track...
AGAIN, lol!
I type the 'lol' because as we know all too well, this IS a daily struggle!!
BUT... as long as you & I DO NOT give up or give in, please believe in the knowledge that you & I WILL find a way to continue on.

The LINK below is to an article with a positive message that I think you'll enjoy and hopefully find some inspiration in.
The website it is from is a really good one, so make sure you check out some of the other articles on there as well.

Be well my friends and please keep me in your prayers and I will do the same for you & your families.

Love & Blessings,
--snookiecollins

50 Ways to Open Your World to New Possibilities Tiny Buddha

Mindfulness Meditation for Pain Relief

2010-12-12T12:01:00.002-05:00

Yes, I know darlings.... =(
I have not posted anything for a VERY long time. Alot has been going on with my health and some related issues, so I am still trying to get back to a 'normal' daily routine with all my blogging.
Ok, anyways........ (lol)
Here is a wonderful website for you to browse thru.
I have found alot of relaxing FREE meditations to listen to and alot of good reading on this site.
The main site is soundstrue.com
I will need to research some LINKS for you to make sure you will have access to the Free Meditations...
But, till then click on the link I've posted and also go to their main site (soundstrue.com) just to look around.

*YOUR LINK BELOW* -->
Mindfulness Meditation for Pain Relief - Jon Kabat-Zinn

FREE Online Yoga Classes, Meditation, & Pranayama

2010-09-22T00:06:00.000-04:00

*Pranayama (breath control) is the breathing technique of Yoga that works wonders in increasing physical and psychological performance*

Hello all, hope everyone is having a "low-pain" or what would be even better, a Pain-FREE day today...
Well, let me get right to the point.
I just found this website which features 'FREE' full-length online videos of yoga, meditation, & breathing techniques, & I wanted to Immediately get this LINK posted so that you can get started watching and benefiting from them ASAP!
Have a great rest of the week, Y'all - Leave me a comment as to whether you liked the videos or not......
Love & Blessings Always,
--snookiecollins

Free Online Yoga Classes at YogaYak.com Meditation Pranayama

Financial Assistance for Medical Needs...

2010-09-06T00:04:00.008-04:00

Pharmaceutical Companies Helping Patients Get Their Medicines
By Richard J. Sagall, M.D.

It's a choice no one should have to make - pay rent and buy food or get prescriptions filled. Yet all too often it's a choice Americans, particularly older Americans, have to make.
Over 40 million Americans have no health insurance, and millions more have limited coverage. Many Americans just can't afford healthcare, and, if they can, they don't have the money to buy their medicines.

Patient Assistance Programs
There is help available for many people who can't afford their medicines. These programs, frequently called patient assistance programs (PAPs), are designed to help those in need obtain their medicines at no cost or very low cost.

Many, but not all, pharmaceutical companies have PAPs. The manufacturers who have programs do so for various reasons. Some believe that they have a corporate social obligation to help those who can't afford their products. Others believe it's a good marketing tool. As one PAP director once told me, many people who can't afford their medicines now will go on to obtain some type of coverage. And when they do get this coverage, they will continue using the medication provided by the PAP.

In 2005, PAPs helped over 7 million people. The programs filled over 36 million prescriptions with a total wholesale value of over $5 billion.

The Basics of the Programs
All PAPs are designed to help those in need obtain their medicines. Since each pharmaceutical company establishes its own rules and guidelines, all are different. All have income guidelines, but they vary considerably. Each company selects which drugs are available on their programs and how long a person can receive assistance.

How PAPs Work
Although no two programs are exactly the same, most require that the applicant complete an application form. The amount of information required varies. Some programs require detailed medical and financial information, others very little. All require a doctor's signature. Certain programs require the doctor complete a portion of the form while others only need a signed prescription.

Most send the medicines to the doctor's office for distribution to the patients, while others send the medicine to a pharmacy. A few send a certificate to the patient gives to give the pharmacist.

Some patients need drugs for a long time. Most, but not all, programs that cover medicines used to treat chronic diseases offer refills.

What Medicines are Covered
The pharmaceutical companies decide if they will have a PAP and, if they do, which of their medicines will be available through the program. Some include many or all of the medicines they manufacture while others include only a few. The reasons for these decisions are not something they reveal.

There are a few programs that sell generic medications at a fixed price - currently $18 for a three-month supply and $30 for a six-month supply. These programs are adding more drugs all the time.

Sometimes a medicine or a certain dosage of that medicine will be on a program, then off, and then back on again. Or one dose of the medicine will be on the program but a different dose won't be.

How to Learn about PAPs
Your doctor is not the best source of information on PAPs. Surprisingly, many doctors don't even know PAPs exist. The same applies for pharmacists. Many social workers know about the programs. Books in the library or bookstore on PAPs are probably outdated before they are printed.

The best place to learn about PAPs is the Internet. There are a number of sites that have information on these programs. Many pharmaceutical companies have information on their patient assistant programs on their websites. Unfortunately, it's often hard to find the page that describes their PAP.

Types of Websites
There are two types of websites with information on patient assistance programs. Three sites list information on patient assistance programs - NeedyMeds (www.needymeds.com), RxAssist (www.rxassist.org), and HelpingPatients.org (www.helpingpatients.org). There is no charge to use the information. These sites don't have a program of their own nor do they help people get their medicines.

NeedyMeds is a non-profit funded by donations, sales of software for managing PAPs, and other sources. The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), an association and lobbying group whose members include many of the larger pharmaceutical manufacturers, runs HelpingPatients.org, which has information on PhRMA members programs.

Then there are a number of sites that charge people to learn about patient assistance programs and complete the application forms. The charges vary, as does the quality of their services. Some offer a money-back guarantee if they can't get your medicines.

How to Use NeedyMeds
Most PAP sites contain similar information. They differ in how they organize the material, the ease in accessing the information, and the timeliness of their data.

To use the NeedyMeds site you begin with the name of your medicine. There are two ways you can check to see if your medicines are available in a patient assistance program. One is to click on the drug list. This brings up an alphabetical list of all the drugs currently on PAPs. Find the medicine you take and clink on its name. This will bring up the program page.

On the program page, you will learn about the specifics of the PAP - the qualification guidelines, the application process, the information you need to supply, what your doctor must complete, etc. In addition, you will learn if there's a downloadable application on the website or if you must get an application from the company. (Some companies accept copies of their application form while others require you complete an original.)

If you know the medicine's manufacturer, you can click on the programs list. From there, you can click on the program you want to learn more about. That should bring up the information you need.

Once you get the information you need, it's up to you to complete the applications, get the necessary signatures, and send the form to the program.

A Few Tips
The most common problem patients encounter when completing the application forms is lack of physician cooperation. Over and over I hear from people whose physicians just won't complete the forms - or charge to do it. I am asked what they should do.

Here are a few suggestions:
1. Make sure you have completed everything on the form that you can. Not only should you complete the applicant's section, but anything else you can fill in. This may include the physician's name and address, phone number, etc.

2. Bring all the information your doctor may need. For example, some programs require proof of income. If so, attach whatever documents are required.

3. Bring an addressed envelope with the appropriate postage.

4. Don't expect your doctor to complete the form immediately. A busy doctor may not have time to read the form while you are in the office.

5. If you encounter resistance, tell your doctor that without his/her help, you won't be able to obtain the medicines he/she is prescribing. Be blunt.

6. If all else fails, you may need to find a physician more sympathetic to your plight and willing to help you.

What if I Don't Have a Computer
Many people without a computer can still use the information available on these websites. Nearly everyone knows someone with a computer - a family member, a neighbor, or a friend. Most public libraries have computers for public use and people who can help those not familiar with their use.

Summary
Patient assistance programs may not be the best solution to the problem of inability to pay for medication, but they can help many people. Millions of people use PAPs to get the medicines they need but can¹t afford. If you can't afford your medicines, a patient assistance program may be able to help you.

Here is the LINK you need to Click on below:
NeedyMeds

Patient Advocate Foundation

2010-09-05T23:52:00.001-04:00

Patient Advocate Foundation :: 1-800-532-5274

How To Have a Better Nights Sleep and Lower Your Pain Levels

2010-09-03T14:19:00.000-04:00

I'm sure that anyone who deals with Chronic Pain is also not getting enough quality sleep at night.
I know, because there are nights that I STILL don't get enough sleep or good, sound sleep.
And this has been proven to increase pain levels and intensity.
That's why I have always been an advocate for meditation or really any methods that will help relax the body and destress the mind...
Alot of it has to do with 'thought control' -- what you allow yourself to think about or focus on throughout the day.
I found an article that will be helpful for you, as it outlines step by step what you need to focus on while you are drifting off to sleep or meditating.
He actually tells you WHAT thoughts to think of and imagine in your 'minds eye'.
So try this for a few nights or meditation sessions and I have a feeling that it will be very helpful to you!
Good Luck and as always,
Love & Blessings!
--snookiecollins

Click on the LINK below to be taken to Ryans article with full instructions.

Beat Insomnia with Blue Energy

Have You Ever Tried Vibrational Healing or Energy Medicine?

2010-07-21T23:04:00.007-04:00

Here is an informative article which explains a few different alternative-type therapies for you.

This Article is about Tai Chi, Essential Oils & Aromatherapy, High & Low Frequencies, Emotions (positive-negative), Flower, Gemstones, and Crystals.

I hope you find this information helpful and useful.

And remember - Managing your Chronic Pain isn't just about taking medications...

You MUST use any & every type of therapy available to you *IN COMBINATION* with your medications to be truly in control of your pain and to be able to bring it down to levels that you are able to live with and function at.

Click on the LINK below to go to the Article.

What is Vibrational Healing? - a Here's to Your Magnificence article by Takara

This Is For ALL Beginners -- A Guided Meditation

2010-07-18T05:42:00.001-04:00

I know I have talked about alternative therapies in previous posts and meditation is one type that has really helped me.

It has helped me to lower my pain levels by learning to quiet my mind, to be calm & de-stress and have a more postive mind-set.

This is a good beginning video/audio which should help those who have never attempted to meditate AND is also good for those of you who already do.

I know I enjoyed it and I plan on posting more videos that I like and feel will be helpful to you also.
It is best used with headphones, laying on your bed in a quiet, darkened room.

*I also use aromatherapy when I meditate, either with candles or a scented lotion*
*Don't be discouraged if you don't 'feel' anything or any better the first time or maybe even the first couple of times...

The Biggest factor in Meditation is.... your mind-set.

You have to BELIEVE it is going to help you - KNOW (tell yourself) that it IS going to work!
=D

Here Is HELP For Your Pain

2010-07-15T11:58:00.003-04:00

This is a LINK to a Site with a Pain Management Advocacy Toolkit.

I just now found the website and wanted to post immediately.

I am reading over the website as we speak and will edit this post as needed with any thoughts or comments that I have about this link.

As you probably well know, if you are suffering with Chronic Pain 24/7 as I am, that ANY & EVERY Resource that you can find/use is extremely valuable when you are fighting to get your life back!

Love & Blessings to you ALL,
--snookiecollins

CLICK on the Link below--->
In the Face of Pain®

The Mind-Body Connection

2010-07-08T11:15:00.001-04:00

The BEST 10 Reasons You Should Meditate!

2010-07-07T11:55:00.002-04:00

Many of you have heard me talk about the importance of the Mind-Body connection.
This has been a tremendous influence in my finding solutions that work for me, ie: dealing with my chronic pain. And one of the most helpful mind-body therapies that I have tried IS Meditation.

At first I didn't think I'd be able to do it... OR that it would even be of any help to me!

BUT - before you begin to attempt meditation, you MUST have the right mind-set.
**This IS Crucial**

You need to BELIEVE that it WILL Help You & WILLWork FOR You!

THAT is the biggest obstacle most people run into and will have "making it" work for them.

Soooo, Keep an open mind and tell yourself - ok, now this works for millions of people all over the world. And there is absolutely no reason why it won't work for me and be of help to me.
As a matter of fact, I KNOW that it WILL work FOR me!
(And keep telling yourself that, Always have that "positive attitude" in the back of your mind!)

Here are the best 10 reasons you should be meditating - and to read about them in detail please follow the LINK below to her page!
(This article is from one of my favorite bloggers, Celestine Chua)

1. Gain Inner Peace.
2. Increase Your Self-Awareness.
3. Makes You Grounded and Calmer.
4. Makes You Present.
5. Increases Your Consciousness.
6. Our Source of Inspiration.
7. Rejuvenates You.
8. Cures Insomnia.
9. Increases Your Spiritual Connection.
10. Increase Your Fulfillment of Life!

LINK:10 Reasons You Should Meditate

*I will be posting the actual steps you need to take & how to get started meditating!*

Aching Back? Cholesterol Medication Might Help

2010-06-30T09:08:00.001-04:00

ScienceDaily (2009-03-03)
A new study finds that using statins may be useful in treatment for degenerative disc. Back pain, a hallmark of degenerative disc disease, sends millions of people to their doctor. In fact, more than 80 percent of patients who undergo spine surgery do so because of disc degeneration. And part of the answer may be as close as a patient's medicine cabinet.
read full article
Aching Back? Cholesterol Medication Might Help

Regain Control Over your Pain... NOW!

2010-06-27T23:21:00.002-04:00

The first and most important step you need to take to regain control over your pain is...
Your Attitude....
Your mind-set, how and what you think about consistently.
Day after day, hour upon hour, minute by minute.
IF you are ALWAYS thinking about your pain, how miserable you feel, how depressed you are...
Well, to put it bluntly - That is Exactly what you are going to get.
Our minds, ie: thoughts and attitudes will control HOW we feel.
Change your mind... and you WILL Change your Life and most importantly your PAIN!
=D

Please know that this is only the 1st step, a beginning to getting your life back on track and regaining control over your pain issues.
If you start watching this video every day...
Your mind starts absorbing and retaining the positive words and message of the video.
And just like having the bad habit of thinking negative thoughts - NOW your brain starts to retrain itself and will only remember what 'it sees', what you put in front of it (what you are thinking about and watching!)
So, watch the video first thing after you awaken, anytime during the day if you are starting to feel down and also at bedtime so that these positive thoughts are what you are holding in your mind as you fall asleep every night.
Getting rid of and changing negative thought patterns isn't easy in the beginning, I KNOW. How? Because I have been there.
Right exactly where you are. And TRUST me, if I can change... lol, anyone can!!
Ok, so here is the video and keep thinking in the back of your mind - This will work, this Will work, This will Work, THIS WILL WORK!!
*Always KEEP a positive mental attitude for this to all come together and begin to finally happen for you*
I am with you...
Love & Blessings,
--snookiecollins

30 Ways to Quickly Improve Your Life

2010-06-25T13:17:00.003-04:00

This is an article that I really enjoyed. And it definitely is a step towards positive change in your life, because just by reading self-improvement books and articles you start to 'feed' your brain better thoughts and mental images which in turn help you to feel better.
How...??
Well, think of it this way - If you put nasty, filthy, decaying food into your body, how are you going to feel?
Are you going to feel better? Are you going to feel Good?
No. You are going to get sick and feel worse and worse every day that you do that.
The Mind (your brain) is the same way...
What you put into it... like bad, hurtful, nasty thoughts and images, Then you are going to feel worse and worse every day that you do that BECAUSE...
The mind and the body are connected.
What one feels, the other does also. Right...?
ok, Think about this...
You fall down and hurt yourself and your Body feels the pain and your mind is also 'Telling' your body that it feels the pain too.
Now, if your thinking about/reading and watching bad and negative things all the time, your Mind starts to 'feel' bad(hurt) - and then your body starts to feel it too and now you have Pain in your Body.
And the more you think about bad and negative things... the more your pain will increase.
Makes sense doesn't it?
=D
Below is the LINK to the article, which btw is from an awesome blog I love to read daily for positive inspiration, so you might want to read some of the other articles on there as well!
As always Love & Blessings to you!
--snookiecollins

30 Ways to Quickly Improve Your Life

Mind-Body Healing For Chronic Pain

2010-04-13T17:22:00.000-04:00

I found this video on You-tube.
It's 2 Doctors talking about and explaining why & how Mind-Body healing techniques DO actually work in the treatment of Chronic Pain.

Help For Those Who Cannot Afford Their Chronic Pain MEDS...

2010-04-05T23:37:00.004-04:00

Listed below this article are the Titles to all the Links on the Financial Information & Assistance webpage.
This page is a part of the American Pain Foundations website (APF).
I was sent a survey to fill out from (APF) and saw this page and KNEW that there were people who could use this information.
*These are VERY hard times money-wise for All of us, so I knew this info would be invaluable!*
(The 'clickable' links you will need to be able to gain access to ALL the sites listed, will be at the bottom of this article)

--FINANCIAL INFORMATION & ASSISTANCE--

Patient Advocate Foundation Launches Pain Fund

The Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) Co-Pay Relief Program has launched a pain fund to serve patients suffering with chronic pain.
The PAF Co-Pay Relief Program currently provides direct financial support to insured patients, including Medicare Part D beneficiaries, who must financially and medically qualify to access pharmaceutical co-payment assistance.
The program offers personal service to patients through the use of call counselors, personally guiding patients through the enrollment process.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BenefitsCheckUp: Tool for Financial, Health and Prescription Savings*
Find a Medicare Prescription Plan*
Healthwell Foundation Financial Assistance*
HelpingPatients.Org*
Medbank of Maryland *
Needy Meds*
Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief Program*
RxAssist - Pharmaceutical Patient Assistance Programs*
RxHope

FINANCIAL INFORMATION RESOURCES:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Department of Veteran Affairs
Dignity Resources: Understanding Financial Options
Foundation for Accountability - Health Care Quality
Health Insurance Association of America
Families USA
Medicare Rights Center
National Committee for Quality Assurance
Social Security Administration

Below is the LINK you will need to click on, to access ALL the sources and websites listed above:
http://www.painfoundation.org/learn/resources/financial/

The Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) Co-Pay Relief Program.
Their website LINK is:
http://www.copays.org/
You may reach the CPR team by calling 1-866-512-3861.

Another GREAT site I just found is...
http://www.patientadvocate.org/
and their toll-free number is:
Patient Advocate Foundation 1-800-532-5274

**PLEASE pass this on to someone who may need assistance.**
Thank-you!
Love & Blessings to ALL,
--snookiecollins