Re: Insurance and drugs

[Guest guest]

For many people the drugs don't need to be terribly expensive. Plaquenil or Methotrexate work for many people and these are not terribly expensive. What drugs have you tried and why did you quit them? While it is much better to be treated by a rheumatologist any doctor can prescribe these medications. Also you might review your reasons for falling out with the two rheumatologists in Alaska. One of them might be OK if supplemented by a sympathetic Primary Care Physician. I can't help with the lack of insurance. Good luck and God Bless.

----- Original Message -----

From: janetlou59

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Sent: Sunday, June 08, 2003 4:36 PM

Subject: Insurance and drugs

Hi all,I am new to the group. Diagnosed 15 years ago. After having a falling out with the only 2 Rheumatologists in the state (Alaska), I tried alternative health care for the past 8 years. Long story. But Now I am horribly flared up and needing to find a rheumatologist. I have decided to fly down to Seattle. In addition to location being a problem, my COBRA insurance runs out in 8 months. Have any of you been on the expensive drugs without insurance. I am an at home Mom of 2 wonderful girls and my husband is self employed. I couldn't work now if I wanted to. I thought I was managing okay with the alternative approaches but this past year has been bad. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks Janet. Ready to come out of denial but afraid of going to the poor house.

[Guest guest]

HI,

I've been on plaquenil, sulfa drugs, gold injections, massive amounts

of ibuprofen, oral antibiotics, cortizone injections, prednisone and

methotrexate. One radiologist fired me because I wanted to get

pregnant and he very rudely told me to hurry up about it and come see

him when I couldn't walk any more. The other had no patience for

anyone wanting to manage their health. I felt like he was very

threatened by my questions. I worked in radiology as a technologist

for 20 years and have dealt with all sorts of bedside manners but I

know what works for me and neither of these physicians do. I have

tried to get with the docs here in town and I think that RA is just

too complicated for them to take and interest in. I am going to try

again though since I will need at home support even if I do go to

Seattle for a Rheumy. Thanks for the reply. Janet

> For many people the drugs don't need to be terribly expensive.

Plaquenil or Methotrexate work for many people and these are not

terribly expensive. What drugs have you tried and why did you quit

them? While it is much better to be treated by a rheumatologist any

doctor can prescribe these medications. Also you might review your

reasons for falling out with the two rheumatologists in Alaska. One

of them might be OK if supplemented by a sympathetic Primary Care

Physician. I can't help with the lack of insurance. Good luck and

God Bless.

> ----- Original Message -----

> From: janetlou59

> Rheumatoid Arthritis

> Sent: Sunday, June 08, 2003 4:36 PM

> Subject: Insurance and drugs

>

>

> Hi all,

> I am new to the group. Diagnosed 15 years ago. After having a

falling

> out with the only 2 Rheumatologists in the state (Alaska), I

tried

> alternative health care for the past 8 years. Long story. But Now

I

> am horribly flared up and needing to find a rheumatologist. I

have

> decided to fly down to Seattle. In addition to location being a

> problem, my COBRA insurance runs out in 8 months. Have any of you

> been on the expensive drugs without insurance. I am an at home

Mom of

> 2 wonderful girls and my husband is self employed. I couldn't

work

> now if I wanted to. I thought I was managing okay with the

> alternative approaches but this past year has been bad. Any

advice

> would be appreciated. Thanks Janet. Ready to come out of denial

but

> afraid of going to the poor house.

>

>

>

>