I need help fast...

[mamaScarlett]

like Lauren said,
<br />playgroup, or mom swap. i know you said you're tired (definitely been there)-but if you could commit to a day a week (or afternoon)-of taking another moms kid, then you could switch.
<br />when i'm desperate, i literally exhaust my family resources. that means i do for them what i can when i'm well. but USE as much family/close family friends AS POSSIBLE. that is what they are for.
<br />tell them (and yourself) it is a temporary situation until you get back on your feet and feel better.
<br />gather your closest family and friends. pick say 2-3 people. tell them flat out-you are desperate. you need some help for a bit until you get on your feet again. you're worried you will be seriously ill soon if you don't get help. you need to make out a reasonable schedule of help.
<br />what ways can you get safe childcare without heavy costs? cut out as much as possible.
<br />another option may be to offer services other than money to moms/close friends willing to help. you drive their kids weekly somewhere, make dinner 2x a week, do their laundry/ironing...etc in exchange for a few hours each week of childcare.
<br />this will tell people how serious you are about making this work. you aren't it in for a free ride or to have time for a pedicure. people respect moms that will do whatever it takes to care for their family-and you are doing that. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
<br />above all remember: this WILL pass! you'll feel better, and they'll get older and easier to manage. you CAN do it.

 

[LouLou]

IMHO a family photoshoot where you give them the digital files of say 20 best photos is worth 3 - 3 hr. babysitting sessions. Does that sound confusing?? LOL not clear thinking here. What I'm saying is I'd be willing to babysit a photographers kids 3 times for 3 hrs in exchange for 20 really good photos of me and my family (this is if I didn't have cf myself and be in the same situation you are in which I don't think your friends are).

If you don't have friends interested in your services or if you are already giving it away (shame, shame!) then you could barter with stranger SAHM but not sure if you are comfortable with this arrangement.

 

[LouLou]

IMHO a family photoshoot where you give them the digital files of say 20 best photos is worth 3 - 3 hr. babysitting sessions. Does that sound confusing?? LOL not clear thinking here. What I'm saying is I'd be willing to babysit a photographers kids 3 times for 3 hrs in exchange for 20 really good photos of me and my family (this is if I didn't have cf myself and be in the same situation you are in which I don't think your friends are).

If you don't have friends interested in your services or if you are already giving it away (shame, shame!) then you could barter with stranger SAHM but not sure if you are comfortable with this arrangement.

 

[LouLou]

IMHO a family photoshoot where you give them the digital files of say 20 best photos is worth 3 - 3 hr. babysitting sessions. Does that sound confusing?? LOL not clear thinking here. What I'm saying is I'd be willing to babysit a photographers kids 3 times for 3 hrs in exchange for 20 really good photos of me and my family (this is if I didn't have cf myself and be in the same situation you are in which I don't think your friends are).
<br />
<br />If you don't have friends interested in your services or if you are already giving it away (shame, shame!) then you could barter with stranger SAHM but not sure if you are comfortable with this arrangement.

 

[dee5]

Seems like most have addressed the childcare. Regarding finances there is an organization in WA called Breathe 4 Tomorrow that helps families with CF with financial struggles. I don't know the details but you might try it online. Also, there is a site called NeedyMeds that has a discount card (costs nothing, you can print off from computer) that will discount your meds if you are paying cash. If not, it's not helpful if you have insurance. Your insurance price is cheaper and the card can't be used with it. Also, there site has a database by med for assistance programs. Look it up alphabetically, click and read a brief description of the program and qualifiers. Don't let the qualifiers scare you off. I miss read one and then when I went ahead and applied.........we qualified! Also, we live in the great State of Texas! There is a program here that covers CF, at any age, with no qualifiers, for life. It has a waiting list, but worth the wait. Maybe your state has something similar. Also, CF Foundation also has patient assistance program for Pulmozyne and Tobi, I believe. Pray something clicks for you.

 

[dee5]

Seems like most have addressed the childcare. Regarding finances there is an organization in WA called Breathe 4 Tomorrow that helps families with CF with financial struggles. I don't know the details but you might try it online. Also, there is a site called NeedyMeds that has a discount card (costs nothing, you can print off from computer) that will discount your meds if you are paying cash. If not, it's not helpful if you have insurance. Your insurance price is cheaper and the card can't be used with it. Also, there site has a database by med for assistance programs. Look it up alphabetically, click and read a brief description of the program and qualifiers. Don't let the qualifiers scare you off. I miss read one and then when I went ahead and applied.........we qualified! Also, we live in the great State of Texas! There is a program here that covers CF, at any age, with no qualifiers, for life. It has a waiting list, but worth the wait. Maybe your state has something similar. Also, CF Foundation also has patient assistance program for Pulmozyne and Tobi, I believe. Pray something clicks for you.

 

[dee5]

Seems like most have addressed the childcare. Regarding finances there is an organization in WA called Breathe 4 Tomorrow that helps families with CF with financial struggles. I don't know the details but you might try it online. Also, there is a site called NeedyMeds that has a discount card (costs nothing, you can print off from computer) that will discount your meds if you are paying cash. If not, it's not helpful if you have insurance. Your insurance price is cheaper and the card can't be used with it. Also, there site has a database by med for assistance programs. Look it up alphabetically, click and read a brief description of the program and qualifiers. Don't let the qualifiers scare you off. I miss read one and then when I went ahead and applied.........we qualified! Also, we live in the great State of Texas! There is a program here that covers CF, at any age, with no qualifiers, for life. It has a waiting list, but worth the wait. Maybe your state has something similar. Also, CF Foundation also has patient assistance program for Pulmozyne and Tobi, I believe. Pray something clicks for you.

 

[MaksNana]

Dear Christina,
Dees5, has a great idea about the 'Breathe 4 Tomorrow'. If you go to Sarah's blog, "not so bright and shiny", she has a thing on there called 'chipin'.Right now she is useing it to raise money for Breathe 4 Tomorrow.

Not to long ago , it was set up for her little boy Conner's funeral, and just basic things they needed.

It is a very easy thing to setup, and it is FREE.
When it was set up for Conner and the family, they rasied 10,000 dollars in a few days.

People want to help, and you need to stay home and rest,and not have the worries of today or tomorrow.


If you go to Adults section, and click her blog today , she is talking about how now she is useing the chipin to donate to the Breathe 4 Tomorrow . They paid her house payment and more(Breathe 4 tomorrow). It's under "prayers for Conner".

To me signing up for the chipin, would be easy for people to send you money. Please let me know on what you deside so I can help you.

All my love and heart to you,,,,karla<img src="i/expressions/heart.gif" border="0">

 

[MaksNana]

Dear Christina,
Dees5, has a great idea about the 'Breathe 4 Tomorrow'. If you go to Sarah's blog, "not so bright and shiny", she has a thing on there called 'chipin'.Right now she is useing it to raise money for Breathe 4 Tomorrow.

Not to long ago , it was set up for her little boy Conner's funeral, and just basic things they needed.

It is a very easy thing to setup, and it is FREE.
When it was set up for Conner and the family, they rasied 10,000 dollars in a few days.

People want to help, and you need to stay home and rest,and not have the worries of today or tomorrow.


If you go to Adults section, and click her blog today , she is talking about how now she is useing the chipin to donate to the Breathe 4 Tomorrow . They paid her house payment and more(Breathe 4 tomorrow). It's under "prayers for Conner".

To me signing up for the chipin, would be easy for people to send you money. Please let me know on what you deside so I can help you.

All my love and heart to you,,,,karla<img src="i/expressions/heart.gif" border="0">

 

[MaksNana]

Dear Christina,
<br /> Dees5, has a great idea about the 'Breathe 4 Tomorrow'. If you go to Sarah's blog, "not so bright and shiny", she has a thing on there called 'chipin'.Right now she is useing it to raise money for Breathe 4 Tomorrow.
<br />
<br />Not to long ago , it was set up for her little boy Conner's funeral, and just basic things they needed.
<br />
<br />It is a very easy thing to setup, and it is FREE.
<br />When it was set up for Conner and the family, they rasied 10,000 dollars in a few days.
<br />
<br />People want to help, and you need to stay home and rest,and not have the worries of today or tomorrow.
<br />
<br />
<br />If you go to Adults section, and click her blog today , she is talking about how now she is useing the chipin to donate to the Breathe 4 Tomorrow . They paid her house payment and more(Breathe 4 tomorrow). It's under "prayers for Conner".
<br />
<br />To me signing up for the chipin, would be easy for people to send you money. Please let me know on what you deside so I can help you.
<br />
<br />All my love and heart to you,,,,karla<img src="i/expressions/heart.gif" border="0">

 

[julie]

christina, what state are you in? May states offer child care assistance programs and I'd be happy to help you look into them.

 

[julie]

christina, what state are you in? May states offer child care assistance programs and I'd be happy to help you look into them.

 

[julie]

christina, what state are you in? May states offer child care assistance programs and I'd be happy to help you look into them.

 

[mamerth]

We live month to month with state health coverage. My doctors have signed me up for medication assistance programs-- free drugs. Hubby works tons and we are just making it, too. We use one car.

I have stayed home with our son since day 1. We cut costs where we can-- live a VERY simple life. We homeschool our son because it is so much cheaper than enrolling him in school. My son sits with me while I do my treatments (he does his school work). When I am sick we have "lazy days". We watch all too much tv or movies and eat leftovers. We have been doing this since he was a baby.

 

[mamerth]

We live month to month with state health coverage. My doctors have signed me up for medication assistance programs-- free drugs. Hubby works tons and we are just making it, too. We use one car.

I have stayed home with our son since day 1. We cut costs where we can-- live a VERY simple life. We homeschool our son because it is so much cheaper than enrolling him in school. My son sits with me while I do my treatments (he does his school work). When I am sick we have "lazy days". We watch all too much tv or movies and eat leftovers. We have been doing this since he was a baby.

 

[mamerth]

We live month to month with state health coverage. My doctors have signed me up for medication assistance programs-- free drugs. Hubby works tons and we are just making it, too. We use one car.
<br />
<br />I have stayed home with our son since day 1. We cut costs where we can-- live a VERY simple life. We homeschool our son because it is so much cheaper than enrolling him in school. My son sits with me while I do my treatments (he does his school work). When I am sick we have "lazy days". We watch all too much tv or movies and eat leftovers. We have been doing this since he was a baby.

 

[crystalina0814]

Oh My, Thank you for all of your support. I am so fortunate and blessed to have a place like this I can come to and ask for help/vent!

Julie: I live in Ohio, and I would love any direction as to how I can get a little financial help to cover the kids. That is really what is draining me the most. I would be more than happy to hire someone, but I have searched high and low and cannot find it affordable in my situation right now. I was hoping to hang tight for social security to kick in...but they are dragging their feet!

Heather: You are beyond sweet when I read your response! I may just take you up on that offer too....I just have to get the $$ together somehow. I feel that there is nothing else left I can budget or cut out of my life. I guess that is where the true frusteration lies. I would love to get back into my photography, but I just don't see that happening as a career any time soon. With the joint pain I am having, I can hardly hold a camera at this time. It seems that my health is bouncing around between excrutiating joint pain and the need for IV antibiotics...both with are limiting me physically outside the home.

Everyone else, I am so overwhelmed by all your love and support, and great ideas!! I am NOT the kind of person to ask for help....ever! I typically can just push through all the typical CF crap we deal with...I think it has just all caught up to me lately. I will look into these different ideas...and in the mean time, I am praying for some relief! I love my children more than anything, and I want to make sure they are getting the best care possible in this situation.

Again, I thank you all for your wonderful ideas and support!

 

[crystalina0814]

Oh My, Thank you for all of your support. I am so fortunate and blessed to have a place like this I can come to and ask for help/vent!

Julie: I live in Ohio, and I would love any direction as to how I can get a little financial help to cover the kids. That is really what is draining me the most. I would be more than happy to hire someone, but I have searched high and low and cannot find it affordable in my situation right now. I was hoping to hang tight for social security to kick in...but they are dragging their feet!

Heather: You are beyond sweet when I read your response! I may just take you up on that offer too....I just have to get the $$ together somehow. I feel that there is nothing else left I can budget or cut out of my life. I guess that is where the true frusteration lies. I would love to get back into my photography, but I just don't see that happening as a career any time soon. With the joint pain I am having, I can hardly hold a camera at this time. It seems that my health is bouncing around between excrutiating joint pain and the need for IV antibiotics...both with are limiting me physically outside the home.

Everyone else, I am so overwhelmed by all your love and support, and great ideas!! I am NOT the kind of person to ask for help....ever! I typically can just push through all the typical CF crap we deal with...I think it has just all caught up to me lately. I will look into these different ideas...and in the mean time, I am praying for some relief! I love my children more than anything, and I want to make sure they are getting the best care possible in this situation.

Again, I thank you all for your wonderful ideas and support!

 

[crystalina0814]

Oh My, Thank you for all of your support. I am so fortunate and blessed to have a place like this I can come to and ask for help/vent!
<br />
<br />Julie: I live in Ohio, and I would love any direction as to how I can get a little financial help to cover the kids. That is really what is draining me the most. I would be more than happy to hire someone, but I have searched high and low and cannot find it affordable in my situation right now. I was hoping to hang tight for social security to kick in...but they are dragging their feet!
<br />
<br />Heather: You are beyond sweet when I read your response! I may just take you up on that offer too....I just have to get the $$ together somehow. I feel that there is nothing else left I can budget or cut out of my life. I guess that is where the true frusteration lies. I would love to get back into my photography, but I just don't see that happening as a career any time soon. With the joint pain I am having, I can hardly hold a camera at this time. It seems that my health is bouncing around between excrutiating joint pain and the need for IV antibiotics...both with are limiting me physically outside the home.
<br />
<br />Everyone else, I am so overwhelmed by all your love and support, and great ideas!! I am NOT the kind of person to ask for help....ever! I typically can just push through all the typical CF crap we deal with...I think it has just all caught up to me lately. I will look into these different ideas...and in the mean time, I am praying for some relief! I love my children more than anything, and I want to make sure they are getting the best care possible in this situation.
<br />
<br />Again, I thank you all for your wonderful ideas and support!

 

[mom2lillian]

Christina-do you belong to a church? I know in our church they would be more htan willing to help me out and arrange different days I coudl drop my kids off. There are so many moms with older kids that really LOVE little kids and dont get that time any more, plus alot moms with older kids are 'stuck' home with them over the summer ;-) and would like the distraction.

If you dont belong to a church it might be a good time, if you are not adverse, to look into it. Its just a fact that most people look to church in times of trouble. If you can find a larger church around you there will be more programs and people to help out.