Back On

Today I was finally able to start all my R.A. meds again. After fifteen weeks without anything but Prednisone, I am thrilled.
I had to stop everything before my first surgery. And since everything kept getting delayed, it meant more time without my meds. It was still worth it. My two most painful joints have been [...]

Reflections IV

So I have this voice in the back of my mind whispering that the worst is almost over.
But if four years of battling rheumatoid arthritis has taught me anything it’s that I shouldn’t let my hopes get too high too quickly. Isn’t that a terrible way to view the world? I know it is. But [...]

Check, Check , Check

I’ve been making my way down the pre-surgery check list. Every time I get one thing checked off, it seems like another item is added.
Wednesday I had a dental appointment and have been cleared.
My Rheumatologist called and said she wanted updated X-rays of my neck. It has given me problems in the past. It hasn’t [...]

Knee surgery

I saw my rheumatologist today. After countless physical therapy sessions, I finally get to make an appointment with a orthopedic surgeon to see if I’m a candidate for knee replacement.
My doctor was very reluctant to mention this option. I had to down right refuse anymore physical therapy. I told her there was no way I’m [...]

This and That

For one month my medication costs were just under $1600. With my new insurance, I only paid $6.25.
Enbrel is the biggest expense. It runs a little $1500 a month, but I now only pay $3.1o. It’s still hard to get used to.
Also, I’m almost out of visits from my home health physical therapist. My right knee went [...]

Good times a comin’

I did want to at least let everyone know how much better I have been doing. In fact, I feel better than I have in years. And I’m on an almost non existent dose of Prednisone.
It’s all thanks to the Enbrel. In the last six weeks or so, it has finally started doing it’s job! [...]

Medical Update

I’ve had three issues in the past couple of weeks.
One being frustration with my pharmacies. Another being frustration with my body, and the last is complete sadness about my doctor.
I’ll start with my pharmacies. I had too order my Enbrel through a pharmacy for the first time. I never expected it to be so complicated. [...]

And now with Insurance

I had my first visit with my rheumatologist with insurance. My card came in the mail Saturday! I’m in such a good mood. I’m sure I looked like some sort of nut job. I was smiling the whole time. Everyone in the office was excited for me. My doctor had a list of things shes [...]

The waiting game

I am so good at the waiting game. I’ve been waiting for years….
Ok, I finally got my Medicaid card in the mail. Along with my Medicare prescription drug card. I have not however, received my Medicare card. Its all very confusing. I also cant seem to find any doctors offices that take Medicaid. Though some [...]

Oh, thats just perfect.

I received a letter in the mail today dated May 27th 2008. It was from the Foundation who supplies me with Enbrel for free.
They just wanted to inform me that I have been dropped.
No explanation. I will have to call Monday.

Lack of Insurance II

I went to my doctors Wednesday. Its been a few days, but I think I have sufficiently recovered. In fact, I’m feeling pretty good.
My father had to come to town to do some work on our family home that is up for sale. It’s been on the market for almost a year. Apparently, we couldn’t [...]

Can’t put the needle in.

I started my Enbrel shots again last week. I forgot how much I hate them. Not that I’m complaining. Thank God for Enbrel! But I have always had a very bad phobia of needles. Its completely irrational. I’m not afraid of the pain. Its…..I’m not exactly sure. But I think it’s just the fact that [...]

Happiness

I had a doctors appointment today, and I’m going back on enbrel!!!!!! Side effects be damned.
Starting……..tonight!
My white blood count is dangerously high, therefore i must get off the prednisone!!!!!! Oh happiness, happiness, happiness.
Good things can happen. Haha.

Disabilty

I am so nervous. I am so unbelievable scared.
I just spent an hour on the phone with my lawyer. My case is Monday, and my entire life is dependant on it.
I know I should not have anything to worry about. I have always been honest about everything I’ve written and said to the social security administration.
But [...]

Current Meds

Id like to mention the medications I am currently on. My current treatments include:
8 mg shot of methotrexate once a week. ( I have been on methotrexate for over 2 years now. Its the only medication Ive been on consecutively)
I take two tablets of Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) a day ( I have been on this drug for three months now. [...]