Marlene-doctors

[Guest guest]

Hi !

I have a better picture of this guy now:) In a sense, I'm fortunate in

that neither my GP nor the rheumy I've seen believe in doing bloodwork too

often. The rhuemy feels it is too expensive and only if a particular or new

problem showed up, would it make sense to do more bloodwork. That being said,

I think repeating certain tests, perhaps once a year, might be wise for most

of us, especially if we have a history of say, autoimmune disease, like I do.

It's so true- these newer medications are so darn expensive. I also lucked

out with my GPs office with one of them, though. He prescribed Nexium for me

for a time, and it did help me. Luckily, I never had to pay a dime for any of

it, and took it for several months, daily. They gave me samples whenever I

ran out- thank the Lord! Even with insurance, my co-pay for something like

Vioxx, which I use when needed, is $30.00. It all adds up....... and up and

up. It's a darn shame that some of the newer meds that really could help

people live more comfortably are not covered by insurance. On the other hand,

I've become wary of new meds and like to see them on the market for a good

number of years before I feel super comfortable in taking them. For the most

part, the testing the companies do, even while regulated, leaves a lot to be

desired! Take care, and good luck- hope you can find a better rheumy!!