Hey Petey- Hang in there- You are in one of the most difficult phases here- dealing with all this crap. Everyone should be taken care medically of in a wealthy country like America - its SO disgusting to me.


I'm almost 6 post surgery and I'm eating most stuff- Which isn't that normal at all-- just dove right into it because A- I was tortued by smelling stuff and B -I was pumped up on fertility drugs and C- I love to cook and eat well-- I'm a bit of a foodie...So I'm not eating a steak dinner or biting into things-- (yet- maybe never) I have to go very slowly small bites with lots of water but it does go down and I can taste everything-- I don't get to savor it on a tongue for as long but I get the full on flavor. I can live with this for eating if that's as far as it goes-- but who knows the human body is amazing-- and so are human beings in what they can overcome

I know you mentioned you went to culinary school. You'll be able to figure out a diet that works. I can eat anything as long as its not dry as a bone and sharp- something that takes a tongue and only a tongue to crush up. ANYTHING is possible
I can communicate pretty well- my speech is very garbled but most people just bumble along with me and figure out what I'm saying no problem. I'm carrying a little pad with me. My husband can understand me 100 perecnt- EVEN on the phone- CAn't imagine calling anyone else though -- at least not yet-- Remember when your kids were little and no one else could understand then except you and your wife?? Well that intuitive instinct will be with your family and friends too--- even very perceptive strangers-- 99 % of people just want to help you to communicate-- most people are really sweet and nice to me when I try and talk.

So anyway-- I know the no-insurance thing is super rough to deal with. A real pain in the ass. I've had spells before when I didn't have it or had a cheapy plan where I would have been charged a ton.
So I think anyone who has insurance on this board probably just can't be as sympathetic. It adds so much more into the equation. Its got to be so stressful and exhausting for you- I can't imagine on top of not feeling well. I hope your family can help out with doing some of the research of alternative ways of getting financial help. Did you see my post in the disability insurance area? check it out--due to a serious illness ther eis some way you can retire early and get any moneies you paid into medicare and I think SS early. Not sure hwat the age cutof is- but look into it.


I have teh luxury of good insurance and double coverage (happy accident) through my husband. But I just recently got that good insurance. Iw as a contract employee for a long time and had periods of not working.