Hope needs kicked often. She talks big, but I think there's a reason she was packed into Pandora's Box along with all the other evils of the world in the first place.

it's what makes this the best place on Earth or in the ether.

Truth.

As a recipient of the phenomenal generosity of this community, I join you in tearing up quester. May you be lifted by the spirit of support as much as you are by the dollars. And may something solid, practical and doable present itself to you soon.

In other minor miracle news, I finally have the prescription in hand. 15 days it took.

In the end, I was so frustrated that I sent a complaint email to the 'info@clinic' address with no greater expectation that it would disappear into the ether.

This morning, I got a call from a very polite young man who assured me the problem would be fixed. Later in the afternoon, the nursing supervisor of the entire clinic network called to apologize and inform me that the script had been submitted less than two hours after my earlier conversation.

Now. I'm a bit wigged by the potential side effects of this drug. And, I'm thinking I need to find a different podiatrist before I have to be rechecked in 30 days. Not going back to _that one_.

In conclusion: Yay squeaky-now greasy-wheel!

Now. I'm a bit wigged by the potential side effects of this drug.

Feel free to hit me with an e-mail if you have any questions or I can put your mind at ease, even a little bit. I'll be up until about 11:30 or so. (And, obviously, I can answer your e-mail tomorrow, too.)

And honestly, they have to list the possible side effects, legally. But drug trials are conducted in a huge (HUGE) number of people, and every side effect has to get reported. But the odds are very high that you won't have any side effects.

(I say that as someone taking an antibiotic right now and annoyed that it's making my stomach queasy. Although it's compounded by a lot [LOT] of work stress right now, so the quease could be as much from the stress as the antibiotic.)

Yay for finally getting your drugs, bonny!

quester, I wish I had some good advice for you. I agree with meara that food stamps would be a good thing to look into. I'm sorry that's the situation you're in.

I have no idea if these will be helpful to you, but here are a couple of things I just thought of: I remember people suggesting to smonster that she look into doing odd jobs for people, via something like TaskRabbit -- is there any chance you might be able to pick up a little extra work that way? Could you, say, petsit or walk dogs or do something like that on the side? Also, a friend of mine recently mentioned that her mom has written some stories for Chicken Soup for the Soul anthologies, and they pay $200 for every story they accept for publication. OK, so those books are not shining stars in the literary firmament, but it might be worth a try.

We help each other. It's what we do.

What I love is the feeling of sending out a few beans and finding they grow into a very large stalk.

I'm glad you got the medication, bonny.

quester, I'm sorry. I have no advice because I suck at money.

I was very productive today. I reorganized all my clothes, made a large charity bag and a smaller bag for the consignment store, and then did a bunch of errand. Then tonight tapas with friends. So drunk.

I'm sorry it's been so hard, quester.

Steph, insent, but no hurry. And thanks!

You guys! I'm so overwhelmed. I have no words...thank you!

{{{{{Buffistas}}}}}} I hug you all.