Losing my engagment ring and finding hope.

[jaaron]

I'm so sorry, Gypsy. As John Oliver said, 'f*ck 2016!' I hope things improve for you in 2017.

In an age where social media allows people to present their lives in any way they want, I think it takes a lot of strength and honesty to open up and tell your story when things are rough.

Sending you many good thoughts.

 

[junebug17]

Oh Gypsy, I am so very sorry about all the issues you're going through and I sincerely hope that things start turning around for you and your husband soon. I'm so glad you have gotten some comfort by reaching out and by keeping in mind the positive things in your life - I know it's very hard to do sometimes but it does help. Sending love, strength, and comfort to you (((hugs))). And I know it's not a priority but I am sorry about your ring and I am holding out a little hope that it turns up.

 

[partgypsy]

I just wanted to chime in, I had no idea of the struggles you were going through. It takes a brave person to share them. I am so glad to hear how the PS community was there for you, it restores my faith in humanity. I get you about the ring. I no longer have my rings(long story, but 2016 was not not good for me either!). It makes me realize that there are things that are more important, especially friendship and the people you love.

 

[raymondmcdonald]

Gypsy you have been instrumental and a source of inspiration for many. I always admire you and appreciate your advise to newbies. Your efforts and contribution to PS community is commendable. Thank you so much for helping us whenever we needed you. Our prayers are always with you. Things will be better soon.

 

[Niel]

Gypsy this company is always hiring, particularly if youd be willing to relocate.

https://www.farmers.com/careers/

 

[yennyfire]

That said, several of you have pointed out that there is strength in accepting help when needed, and have already started by sending gifts (despite my attempts to talk you out of them). )

Accepting help is MUCH harder than giving it (at least for me). I learned that a few weeks ago when my 10 year old DD came home from school with some really bizarre symptoms (she was fine when she left for school in the morning). Long story short, she was in the hospital for over a week while they ruled out brain tumors and other really scary things (she had a really rare condition where a virus attacked some of the nerves in her brain...IV steroids helped reduce nerve swelling, which in turn, helped the strange symptoms abate. We are still under the care of a cranio-facial specialist & ENT, but they expect a full recovery).

The point is, I NEVER ask for help. When my daughter was in the hospital, I was forced to ask for a lot of help from a lot of people....people to get my other child from school, feed him, get him to/from practices, a place to spend the night (since DH and I were both at the hospital), someone to care for our dog, his teachers to keep an eye on him and let me know if he started to fall apart at school (since they were seeing more of him than I was), etc.

You know what I learned? People are HAPPY to help...it makes them feel good (which I should have known since it always makes me feel good to help others). We help others when we can and graciously accept help when needed...that's called being human and ties to the theme of strong people bend, but don't break. That's the way it should be. I'm so sorry that you're in the position to need a helping hand right now, but know wholeheartedly that you'll be the first in line when someone else needs help that you can provide.

Please know that there are a ton of people out there (many of whom you've never met IRL) who owe you a debt of gratitude for all of the help you've given them (me included). We are happy to be able to do something for you for a change....

 

[Acinom]

Oww, so sorry to read that you are going through such a rough time. You are a brave, remarkable and strong lady. Big hugs for you

 

[monarch64]

Hey Gypsy! Lots of hugs and love coming your way from me. I read your OP last night and was moved to tears. You have been an influence in my life for years now and I think you are just a stellar person. I am a better human for having "known" you. I still have an email addy for you and will try to connect with you soon via that. And guess what? Things always get better. You're just in the thick of things right now and can't see or know that you'll come out just fine on the other side. You will. Take care, my friend.

 

[Roi]

Dear Gypsy,

Big hugs, all the best wishes to you and your husband. Hope for better time to come and the worst to stay behind.

 

[dollyanjuli]

oh my gosh Gypsy I am sorry for what you are going through, and admire your strength and grace as you get through this.

Re; a job. I have never loved the saying "things happen for a reason" but I feel like you just BELONG in the trade. So many vendors here have seen your thoughtful responses for years- have you approached any of them about consultant work while you continue looking? You are known for your eye for stones and I know that the way those in the PS community reccomend vendors for pave, affordability, design- you would be the go to person to select stones.

Re: contracts. I actually know quite a few lawyers at the company where I work, based in SF at the Presidio. In my line of work (film licensing) we need a LOT of contract help. Let me reach out and see if they are hiring any contract managers at my SF office, or in my Burbank office (if you are open to relo).

love and hugs and prayers to you and your husby!!

 

[msop04]

Oh, about the RA: I am on Remicade. I am part of their Remistart program. It works with insurance only, though I am not sure it will work with ACA insurance. My doctor's office is going to let me know about that this week.

The rest of my RA medicines are covered. It's honestly the anxiety medications that I am struggling with coverage for. And I will be reaching out the manufacturers to see what kind of assistance they can offer, that is a fantastic suggestion, thank you.

The biggest concern I have is the cost of the ACA insurance is high. And I am not sure we are going to be able to continue to pay for it past January unless things change.



Thank you!

I also recommend shopping for the best prices on the anxiety meds -- independent pharmacies are usually the least expensive, since they have more control over price-matching/adjusting. Best of luck!

 

[stracci2000]

Gypsy,
Over the years, having read all your posts, I can tell you are a very intelligent, kind, and strong woman.
I have no doubt that these bad times will pass, and you will bounce back, stronger than ever. Take heart, and press on. Hugs to you.

 

[kenny]

If you are a member off AAA ask them which pharmacies near you give an AAA discount.
It CAN be substantial!

 

[Dee*Jay]

How do you do this so it's anonymous? Just check the box that says "Hide name and comment from everyone but the organizer"?

 

[missy]

How do you do this so it's anonymous? Just check the box that says "Hide name and comment from everyone but the organizer"?

Yes, exactly.

 

[Polished]

I love coming onto these boards and reading the guidance people receive when making their significant engagement ring purchase. It's a form of relaxation for me and makes me feel good. It seems such an irony to me that Gypsy has helped so many with their engagement ring and hers is the one that goes missing ... For me, to give to a fund to meet a few of Gypsy's immediate needs, would be less of a gift and more of a small giving back to someone who has contributed much. I'm sorry for all you've been through Gypsy. I'm happy you've found hope and I hope you're able to recapture that wonderful peace that you've discovered can be yours.

 

[Amber St. Clare]

Gypsy, I have been thinking about you all day and want to send you hugs and a prayer.

I also have RA {severe} and am on Actemra. I am able to get it for free, my dr. hooked me up with the necessary people. I hope you can work out something similar, soon.

I admire your grace and serenity. And I will continue to pray for you and your husband.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

GYPSY!!!! Oh my gosh, thank goodness someone alerted me to this. I have really avoided hangout due to the political threads. So if anyone posts something important here, I am likely to miss it!

I am just so sorry for all of your troubles and trials. You guys have just had the "when it rains, it pours" scenario. I can't even imagine. I am glad you have each other..you will be stronger supporting each other as you nagivate these troubled waters.

Much love to you Gypsy, and prayers for better health, better days, new jobs, etc. I thank you for this post. I have lost a little heart recently seeing some hateful posts surrounding the election, but it restores my faith that some of our relationships are strong enough to handle a little diversity and actually care for each other.

 

[sillygoose]

Gypsy, So sorry to hear about what has happened....... I never post on here, I just read and read and read.

 

[Gypsy]

Thank you everyone for your thoughtful posts!

Thank you for your donations to the Go Fund Me and your paypal deposits.

Thank you for your supportive emails.

Thank you for your job hunting leads and tips.

Thank you for just being there for me.

The outpouring of support has been incredible and I am so humbled by it. Thank you, thank you thank you.

Yes, it is MUCH MUCH harder asking for help than it is receiving it.

And yes, it is incredibly heartwarming to see our similarities unite us after what has been an incredibly divisive political landscape.

Updates:

1. My current SNRI had a coupon that took my co-pay from 70 down to 4 bucks!
2. On the flip side my Methotrexate was 50 bucks. I didn't get it, I only take it once a week so I am calling the insurance and around to different pharmacies to see if there are any options. 50 bucks for a generic that should be co-payed at 5 bucks!
3. I am about start a round of applications at companies you all have suggested.
4. I will update Grouchy's thread with a couple of short funny stories.

Editorial note: Our healthcare system is sincerely broken. All of it. From the ground up.

 

[HappyNewLife]

wow, you've had the most awful year. I'm so sorry. I pray that things turn around for you and your husband, and that 2017 is KIND to you!

 

[HappyNewLife]

Also, I've had lots of health issues the past 2 years and crappy health insurance that barely covers anything. Wanted to suggest using www.goodrx.com to check prices on your meds. I'm not affiliated. I was on doxycyclene for 2 years straight (lyme) and with insurance it's $180 and with the goodrx coupon (that your pharmacy scans), it was $80. Hope that helps.

Also, hugs. Depression and anxiety are my #1 and #2 lyme symptoms. It is awful and life-changing and I totally get what you are going through. I wish I could make it easier for you. I take 5-htp for mood enhancement, but it by no means changes things in a measurable way. But maybe it could help you?

 

[Yimmers]

Hi Gypsy,

I'm very sorry to hear about your struggles. I'm sorry that for the lack of better words, life sucks at the moment. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that things will be better for you.

As for meds, a thought occurred to me. If you were able to see a doctor at a hospital that qualifies for 340b funding, would you be able to get your meds cheaper? I know UCSF in the Bay Area is a 340b hospital, and I'm not sure which others in the state are as well. Maybe UC Davis?

Alternatively, Costco may have cheaper rx pricing, and you DON'T have to be a Costco member to fill the prescription. You just tell them at the front that you're picking up meds.

I hope 2017 is a better year, and please, continue to find hope.

Yimmers

 

[Gypsy]

Hi Yimmers and HNL. I use Costco as my pharmacy. They are great. But I didn't know that about the UC's and such. I will definitely look into that. The woman at the Costco counter was appalled at the Methotrexate price today.

Thank you for your posts, I will check out the information you have provided!

 

[Yimmers]

Yup, if you are treated as a patient at a hospital that qualifies for 340b funding, certain pharmacies can provide you the 340b pricing, such as Walgreens. I know the Walgreens on 16th near the Mission Bay campus of UCSF does the discount pricing there.

 

[Calliecake]

Gypsy, I am so sorry for all that you and John have been thru this past year. I hoping these tough times will be over soon. Please know we are all here to offer our love and support. Hugs, hugs and more hugs.

 

[sunnyside74]

Gypsy,

I always read your posts although i rarely post myself, and you will be in my thoughts and prayers -- I am truly so very sorry for this rough spot.

There is so much love coming your way, and good things will find you again.

In 2010 I was diagnosed with breast cancer and left by my husband, and lost the roof over my head and both my pups and my job. I have no siblings and my folks had no resources. But my closest friends pulled together (one even moved in from out of state for a few months to help take care of me!) and eventually I found my way to a new life, and eventually love. Sometimes its these awful detours that are so devastating in the moment which, oddly enough, lead us to the best moments of our lives. I am a general surgery resident, so I don't deal much with RA - but if I can be of any help in the Rx department, please do not hesitate to reach out.

 

[Gypsy]

Yup, if you are treated as a patient at a hospital that qualifies for 340b funding, certain pharmacies can provide you the 340b pricing, such as Walgreens. I know the Walgreens on 16th near the Mission Bay campus of UCSF does the discount pricing there.

Hmm. What qualifies as "treated as a patient"?

 

[Gypsy]

Thank you so much Callie and Sunny. ((HUGS))

Sunny, your 2010-- I can't imagine. I am happy to hear of your silver lining. You deserve it!




FYI- I just checked the Go Fund Me and holy cow, you guys are amazing! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

 

[elle_71125]

Gypsy, I am so sorry that you are going through so much difficulty. I can't imagine how you've managed to stay so positive in the face of such adversity...but I am impressed by it! It took a lot of bravery for you to open up to everyone here. I know that keeping the difficult things close to the heart is what we all do.

I truly hope that you and your family start turning things around. Sending you love & hugs!