Lack of insurance leaves reader in a bind

Dear Dr. Gott: I have suffered from seizures for more than 25 years and have traveled to see many specialists at the Mayo Clinic, the Cleveland Clinic, IU Medical Center and the Emory University Neurology Department, without success. Fortunately, a local neurologist determined a "cocktail" of medications that have kept me seizure-free for more than six years. Different trials with generic anticonvulsants have been unsuccessful. Unfortunately, my insurance is about to expire. My husband is about to retire and is on Medicare, but I have several years before I am eligible for Medicare.

Blood tests and the cost of my medications are beyond what we can afford. I tried several avenues of contacting drug-insurance companies, but I was turned down.

Do you have any suggestions on how to afford the only effective treatment I have found? Naturally, seizures are often stress-related, and this is causing me great stress.

Dear Reader: You are certainly in a predicament. Your neurologist has concocted the only solution that works.
You are on a combination of three antiseizure medications that are manufactured by different pharmaceutical companies. Specifically, Keppra is from UCB, Carbatrol ER is from Shire US, and Felbatol is from Meda Pharmaceuticals. Perhaps this is the basis from which to start. Can your neurologist write a letter of medical necessity that you or he can forward to all three companies to determine whether they have any provisions for people in your situation? I am sure you are aware that many pharmaceutical companies have programs for people without insurance or money to pay for medications. Perhaps the three can formulate a plan that will fit your needs and your pocketbook.

I would also suggest you tap into the Epilepsy Foundation, which has facilities in many states. You might begin with the Epilepsy Foundation of America, 8301 Professional Place, Landover, Md. 20785, www.epilepsyfoun dation.org; (800) 332-1000. Good luck in your search.

Dear Dr. Gott: I have been using decolorized iodine for my nails, which have been splitting and shredding. It has worked wonders. When I went to get another bottle, the pharmacist was out and had to order it. In passing, she said she had highly recommended it to treat nail fungus. I have no idea how effective it is, since I never had a fungus problem. Perhaps this will help your readers.

Dear Reader: I have seen a Humco brand of decolorized iodine that can be used for split and shredded nails. There might be other brands available, but the regular bottle on pharmacy shelves is red and leaves a stain when applied to the skin. Because iodine is used as an antiseptic, it probably does work on nail fungus as your pharmacist suggested. Thanks for the tip.
 
Doctor Gott is a retired physician and the author of the book "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet," available at most chain and independent bookstores.