Guest guest Posted April 25, 2008 Report Share Posted April 25, 2008 I hope they can help soon! I know the two year waiting period for Medicare is not fun. I had medicaid for a bit but it wouldn't pay for any psych visits. They said I could go to the community health center for help with my anxiety disorder but then they stopped covering those before my first appointment even! Now I just have 20 percent copays for everything although that seems to add up too. It's frustrating when we are already tired but then the medications we are on can cause even more fatigue. <man_u8@...> wrote: Hi all, hope everyone is well and flare free. I have been trying to get on provigil or a medication simular to it to help combat the extreme fatigue that I have from my RA/fibro. I did a sleep study and I don't have sleep apnea or any sleep disorder. The problem is that provigil is being used " off label " for fatigue, and many insurances won't cover off label use of medications. I need to see a psychirist (I can't spell, sorry) to help w/ my depression, PTSD (traumatic hospitalization) and bi-polar. My rheumy wants to see of they can better manage my meds to help me feel less drained. They said I am doing everything right to fight the fatigue...but they are not comfortable messing around w/ the dosing of my mental health medications. Grrrr. The problem is that my discount health program doesn't cover pysch (I would need $65 up front and then billed for $300). I just got approved for SSDI, so I can get on Medicaid...then I can see a psych with no out of pocket cost. I am again playing the waiting game. I just hope they can help me. --------------------------------- Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 25, 2008 Report Share Posted April 25, 2008 Hi , Like so many of us with RA, fatigue is a huge problem for me. Even on pain-free days the fatigue threatens to take me out of the game. I have bipolar II and see a shrink. He's thorough and when I was dx'd with RA he asked a lot of questions. At the time, I thought I would never overcome the fatigue. We talked about the issue and he prescribed Adderall for me. It's usually used for ADD (which is also an issue for me, although not a major one with all things considered). The Adderall has done wonders in dealing with my fatigue. It has greatly improved my energy levels and has enabled me to continue working full-time. If you are able to see a p-doc, ask about it. It might help! (but know that it is a Class 2 drug and highly controlled - if you have addictive tendencies at all, it might not be for you) Kim > > Hi all, hope everyone is well and flare free. I have been trying to > get on provigil or a medication simular to it to help combat the > extreme fatigue that I have from my RA/fibro. I did a sleep study and > I don't have sleep apnea or any sleep disorder. The problem is that > provigil is being used " off label " for fatigue, and many insurances > won't cover off label use of medications. > I need to see a psychirist (I can't spell, sorry) to help w/ my > depression, PTSD (traumatic hospitalization) and bi-polar. My rheumy > wants to see of they can better manage my meds to help me feel less > drained. They said I am doing everything right to fight the > fatigue...but they are not comfortable messing around w/ the dosing of > my mental health medications. Grrrr. > The problem is that my discount health program doesn't cover pysch (I > would need $65 up front and then billed for $300). I just got > approved for SSDI, so I can get on Medicaid...then I can see a psych > with no out of pocket cost. I am again playing the waiting game. I > just hope they can help me. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 25, 2008 Report Share Posted April 25, 2008 Steph, I stopped at the outpatient mental health building while I was there for my rheumy appointment. I gave them my refferal and they said medicaid would cover my visits. Granted...I am sure it's not the best place for me to go. (Denver Health is the general hospital in the area). When I went in, it was kinda scary. I just have to deal with it since I don't have a choice right now. Hi all, hope everyone is well and flare free. I have been trying to > get on provigil or a medication simular to it to help combat the > extreme fatigue that I have from my RA/fibro. I did a sleep study and > I don't have sleep apnea or any sleep disorder. The problem is that > provigil is being used " off label " for fatigue, and many insurances > won't cover off label use of medications. > I need to see a psychirist (I can't spell, sorry) to help w/ my > depression, PTSD (traumatic hospitalization) and bi-polar. My rheumy > wants to see of they can better manage my meds to help me feel less > drained. They said I am doing everything right to fight the > fatigue...but they are not comfortable messing around w/ the dosing of > my mental health medications. Grrrr. > The problem is that my discount health program doesn't cover pysch (I > would need $65 up front and then billed for $300). I just got > approved for SSDI, so I can get on Medicaid...then I can see a psych > with no out of pocket cost. I am again playing the waiting game. I > just hope they can help me. > > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 25, 2008 Report Share Posted April 25, 2008 That is such good news!! It was so stressful having to wait 2 years for help for an anxiety disorder. Our little outpatient center was a tad scary too, they had some really good therapists though from what I heard. I so hope they can help do something with fatigue. I know it's not an easy thing to deal with at all. When my CFS struck I was in my second year of college taking a full credit load and we were on trimesters at the time. I took a full summer coarse load and only had 6 weeks to do it all in when the CFS was diagnosed. And being in pain always seems to make fatigue worse. I'm hoping to find some energy soon! I'm so tired of just resting all the time..i have some things to get done for spring <man_u8@...> wrote: Steph, I stopped at the outpatient mental health building while I was there for my rheumy appointment. I gave them my refferal and they said medicaid would cover my visits. Granted...I am sure it's not the best place for me to go. (Denver Health is the general hospital in the area). When I went in, it was kinda scary. I just have to deal with it since I don't have a choice right now. Hi all, hope everyone is well and flare free. I have been trying to > get on provigil or a medication simular to it to help combat the > extreme fatigue that I have from my RA/fibro. I did a sleep study and > I don't have sleep apnea or any sleep disorder. The problem is that > provigil is being used " off label " for fatigue, and many insurances > won't cover off label use of medications. > I need to see a psychirist (I can't spell, sorry) to help w/ my > depression, PTSD (traumatic hospitalization) and bi-polar. My rheumy > wants to see of they can better manage my meds to help me feel less > drained. They said I am doing everything right to fight the > fatigue...but they are not comfortable messing around w/ the dosing of > my mental health medications. Grrrr. > The problem is that my discount health program doesn't cover pysch (I > would need $65 up front and then billed for $300). I just got > approved for SSDI, so I can get on Medicaid...then I can see a psych > with no out of pocket cost. I am again playing the waiting game. I > just hope they can help me. > > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 25, 2008 Report Share Posted April 25, 2008 Kim, My rheumy doesn't feel comfortable prescribing " stimulants " . With my discount program, they would only cover medications if I have documented diagnosis. Once I get on medicaid, I am sure they will be more willing to prescribe me medications for off label use like adderall or provigil. My husband has ADHD and I have tried his concerta and it helped. I had a great therapist who was helping me w/ my bi-polar and PTSD but I lost my health insurance and could no longer see him. I have been prescribed narcotics and benzo's and taking them as prescribed...so I should be OK w/ other controlled medications. I'll just have to wait and see. > > > > Hi all, hope everyone is well and flare free. I have been trying to > > get on provigil or a medication simular to it to help combat the > > extreme fatigue that I have from my RA/fibro. I did a sleep study and > > I don't have sleep apnea or any sleep disorder. The problem is that > > provigil is being used " off label " for fatigue, and many insurances > > won't cover off label use of medications. > > I need to see a psychirist (I can't spell, sorry) to help w/ my > > depression, PTSD (traumatic hospitalization) and bi-polar. My rheumy > > wants to see of they can better manage my meds to help me feel less > > drained. They said I am doing everything right to fight the > > fatigue...but they are not comfortable messing around w/ the dosing of > > my mental health medications. Grrrr. > > The problem is that my discount health program doesn't cover pysch (I > > would need $65 up front and then billed for $300). I just got > > approved for SSDI, so I can get on Medicaid...then I can see a psych > > with no out of pocket cost. I am again playing the waiting game. I > > just hope they can help me. > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 25, 2008 Report Share Posted April 25, 2008 Steph, I loved my old therapist, he had a private office, so I didn't encounter really scary, " unbalanced " people. Now that I don't have medical insurance, I really miss it. My lawyer said that I would be eligable for Medicare in a year. When I first got diagnosed w/ RA/fibro, I took ephedra and it did wonders for me. My symptoms were controlled and I was able to work until I got sick. I excerise, take vitamins and I am still drained. All I can hope for is that the psych that I see is as good as my old one. I am keeping my fingers crossed!! Hi all, hope > everyone is well and flare free. I have been trying to > > get on provigil or a medication simular to it to help combat the > > extreme fatigue that I have from my RA/fibro. I did a sleep study > and > > I don't have sleep apnea or any sleep disorder. The problem is > that > > provigil is being used " off label " for fatigue, and many > insurances > > won't cover off label use of medications. > > I need to see a psychirist (I can't spell, sorry) to help w/ my > > depression, PTSD (traumatic hospitalization) and bi-polar. My > rheumy > > wants to see of they can better manage my meds to help me feel > less > > drained. They said I am doing everything right to fight the > > fatigue...but they are not comfortable messing around w/ the > dosing of > > my mental health medications. Grrrr. > > The problem is that my discount health program doesn't cover pysch > (I > > would need $65 up front and then billed for $300). I just got > > approved for SSDI, so I can get on Medicaid...then I can see a > psych > > with no out of pocket cost. I am again playing the waiting game. > I > > just hope they can help me. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > > Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. > Try it now. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 25, 2008 Report Share Posted April 25, 2008 HI NICOLE, IM SORRY YOU HAVE NOT BEEN WELL. I TO SUFFER FROM SEVERE RA,OSTEO,NEUROPATHY & DEPRESSION.. I FEEL FATIGUE ALL THE TIME MY HUB SAYS TO STOP BEING LAZY! MY DRS. WANTED ME TO SEE A PSYCH. AS WELL & I SAID NO. THEY PUT ME ON LEXAPRO ALONG WITH MY XANAX & IM DOING SOO MUCH BETTER NOW. I HOPE YOU GET THE HELP YOU NEED TO FEEL BETTER & THATS GREAT YOU GOT MEDICAID.. BEST WISHES & GOOD LUCK,NICOLE.. GOD BLESS,MELYNDAGAMEZ 4/25/08 8:20P.M.CENTRAL TIME [ ] Provigil, no luck Hi all, hope everyone is well and flare free. I have been trying to get on provigil or a medication simular to it to help combat the extreme fatigue that I have from my RA/fibro. I did a sleep study and I don't have sleep apnea or any sleep disorder. The problem is that provigil is being used " off label " for fatigue, and many insurances won't cover off label use of medications. I need to see a psychirist (I can't spell, sorry) to help w/ my depression, PTSD (traumatic hospitalization) and bi-polar. My rheumy wants to see of they can better manage my meds to help me feel less drained. They said I am doing everything right to fight the fatigue...but they are not comfortable messing around w/ the dosing of my mental health medications. Grrrr. The problem is that my discount health program doesn't cover pysch (I would need $65 up front and then billed for $300). I just got approved for SSDI, so I can get on Medicaid...then I can see a psych with no out of pocket cost. I am again playing the waiting game. I just hope they can help me. ------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 28, 2008 Report Share Posted April 28, 2008 Good luck ! I hope you find a solution soon! > > Kim, > My rheumy doesn't feel comfortable prescribing " stimulants " . With my > discount program, they would only cover medications if I have > documented diagnosis. Once I get on medicaid, I am sure they will be > more willing to prescribe me medications for off label use like > adderall or provigil. > My husband has ADHD and I have tried his concerta and it helped. I > had a great therapist who was helping me w/ my bi-polar and PTSD but > I lost my health insurance and could no longer see him. I have been > prescribed narcotics and benzo's and taking them as prescribed...so I > should be OK w/ other controlled medications. I'll just have to wait > and see. > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.