Could I have CF? Does pre-authorization cover you for a series of vaccines?

October 29, 2002

Dear Group,

I've posted fairly infrequently since my son (now 19 months old with CF) was

diagnosed, so I am humbly asking for your ANY and all opinions regarding my

two questions:

1) I'm in a tough spot as my husband recently lost his job and I'm

wondering about how to spend what's left of our yearly alotted insurance

dollars in the next three months. My son is my primary concern, of course.

His daily meds (at this time) run about $200/month (THANKFULLY just enzymes

and vitamins for now). Our insurance has approved him for a second year of

Synagis (for RSV: considering he was severely premature and has CF) and

received one vaccination in October. If my husband's insurance changes (ie,

we have to go to Cobra), can the insurance company effectively PULL the

preauthorization on my son's Synagis (as I understand it's done

month-to-month)?

2) I've ALWAYS been a cougher, even when well, and in the past

ten-or-so-years, have been bothered by morning coughing in efforts to get

the " settled " overnight junk out of my lungs. Since recovering from some

weird bug that really whipped me (and my husband) over a month ago, I

actually cough up " plugs " of mucous every morning. Also, I am thin because

of my " inability " to keep anything in my system. In Junior High I was

diagnosed with " irritable bowel syndrome " , given drugs, and then couldn't

" go " if I had to. Twenty years later, I know the location of EVERY public

restroom in the Tri-State-Area!!

Here are my questions, that I would so ENORMOUSLY appreciate ANY responses

to:

1) Does anyone know if my son's RSV vaccines could be halted? Once a kid

gets pre-authorized is it per VACCINE, or per SEASON?

2) I think I could possibly have CF and not know it. Could anyone

recommend a fairly reasonably-priced lab (in the tri-state area) that tests

adults for CF? (We cannot afford Ambry)

Thank you so much for reading my rant.... I am so VERY depressed.

Love to All,

Paige

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