[malissa1514]

I have no health insurance. I know I have a number of problems, such as overweight, pains in my joints, swelling, my left arm for some reason has swollen twice the size it's suppose to be. Where can I get medical assistance.?

[bellerd]

Depending on your income level, you could apply for Medicaid. Plus, most cities offer free or low-cost clinics. There is a trade-off, in waiting long hours just to be seen, and not having the same doctor with each visit. When I was pregnant with my first child, we had no insurance, and made too much $ for medicaid ($1200 a month - unbelievable!). I ended up using a low-cost clinic where interns provided the medical care. Fridays were the day for prenatal care. I had to show up at 7 am, where it was first-come, first-served. I often spent the whole day there. Again, we are in a situation with no insurance, and four children. I've applied for Medicaid, and am waiting to find out if we qualify. Also, see if there are any teaching hospitals in your area. Here in Houston, we have quite a few of these, including a dental school, which provides low-cost and sometimes free services.

[jade46]

It depends on where you live too. Usually the county hospital will run a low cost or indigent program. I had to do that while waiting for disability. Like Bellerd said it is a trade off and usually took all day. Plus, even with no income there was a small fee for services.
Fluid retention is nothing to play around with. There is the possibility of the fluid collecting around the heart and/or lungs. Reduce your salt intake immediately; try to elevate your legs as much as possible...and drink lots of water. I am not in the medical field and therefore you should see a doctor as soon as possible. However, I do also suffer from fluid retention and know that is some things I've been told. Mainly to watch the sodium intake.
Remember that in an emergency situation hospitals have to treat you whether you have insurance or not.

[mcmama]

In NJ there is a program for insuring kids, but it really leaves the adults behind. When my brother was coping with AIDS, without insurance, he found a hospital in Florida where they worked out something because he was indigent. I think for that, they wanted to develop treatments and also stop the spread of the disease. But there are some hospitals, usually affilliated with Universities, which can work out plans with you. The swelling in your arm is very alarming, and you need to see a doctor immediately to see what that is about - I would see about emergency care at a county hospital or a university medical center. As far as the joints, I have a similiar problem, and have found relief through doing Tai Chi exercises. I also go to a chiropractor who take s me on a sliding scale as my insurance does not cover that.
It has been a while since you posted, let us know how you are doing?