Hi - I'm just venting...

[Guest guest]

Hi to everyone !

My name is Carol, and previously introduced myself breifly before the holidays...My Husband, Tim, was diagnosed with PA in Sept. of 99.  He originally injured his wrist while working - after going from one doc to another (with many different dx's - synovitis of the carpal bone was the original ) we finally found a fantastic rheumy who determined the PA, unfortunately,my hubby lost his job over all of this and we are still in a legal battle with workmans comp.  We did apply for disability but Tim got so depressed over being constantly turned down he quit on the third time around.  We don't have any insurance coverage either....

He is currently taking MTX, avara, folic acid, Lodine xl, and has his good and bad days - The odd thing is that he never had any type of P prior to his wrist injury - he did however contract shingles (as we were told was probably caused mostly by the stress of trying to get his employer to give us a hand) and from there developed scalp psoriasis...don't know if this is common.  Our Dr. who has been remarkably helpful in free samples(and the trial as far as deposistions an giving case info re: the significance of trauma and injury in whatever percent of PA patients who were otherwise healthy,) just started him on the arava, however, it costs close to $300. per month - I just started working FT and am wondering if PA would be considered a pre-existing conditon before I try to get med. coverage for Tim.  I am also working on getting State coverage for him, but it really peeves me off that for 20 plus years we pay our taxes, etc. and then because I go FT to try to get out of the rut, I make $90 a month too much....what a joke.

Well, thanks for allowing me to vent !  Anyone with any input to my garble, would love to hear from you !  Soft hugs to all, keep your spirits up and a smile on your face - people care about you !

Carol