Helpless:when loved one gets ripped off

[shootingstar]

Just received news from a good, long-term friend. I think she got ripped off because took a special breathing course from an unlicensed, non-medical practitioner to help with some sort of medical condition. I'm sure the placebo effect might have helped. But it's probably the same thing one might get in yoga in terms of breathing exercises. I dunno.

Costed her about $500.00.
I know her health has deteroriated...considerable weight gain post-surgery after major bowel surgery and whatever else. Due to serious endometriosis. Prior to all this, I did strongly urge her she see a doctor but she delayed it for several years. She actually nearly died. She is just 1 yr.older than I. She has now has more difficulty walking far for several hrs. on end due to her lack of fitness and other medical reasons. Yes, only 51 yrs.

Anyway, this is disconcerting. Probably the 3rd time in our long friendship, where as a friend I cannot assist her nor will she listen to my advice for a serious problem.
She is conservative Mennonite, her educational level is gr. 10 which sometimes hampers her in knowing how to ask the right questions for critical situations, medical..and legal. (long complicated story involving the law and someone trying to hasten an estate matter over one of her dying family members. Unbelievable.) Also strict Mennonites don't read news, watch tv nor trust doctors, lawyers much so they aren't savvy about certain things and hence, they can be easily misled.

I know her well and her family members. We have a great friendship and have learned much because of our different backgrounds. I have long learned a long time ago, not all Mennonites lack a sense of humour. In other ways, she's quite savvy.

Hard to stand by and just see loved ones get ripped off.

[Tri Girl]

It's really hard to watch that happen to someone you love.
It's like that old saying: you can lead a horse to water but cannot make him drink.
Hopefully you can make her *drink* sometime and she'll listen to your advice... she's lucky to have such a good friend!