We’re Big Fans of the New Rheumatologist
8 Sep
We’re big fans of David’s new rheumatologist, hereafter referred to as Dr. Nice. He and his staff are wonderful! We get in and out in 45 minutes instead of four hours at the old rheumatologist’s office.
Today David saw Dr. Nice and they discussed the anti-inflammatory, Celebrex, that David has been taking for two months. David told him that it’s helping so much more than Naproxen was, but it’s $225 a month. Dr. Nice wrote a prescription for a different, generic anti-inflammatory drug and told David to see if it helped. He said there’s another generic David can try if that one doesn’t work. We’re so happy to have a doctor that’s willing to work with us!
I asked Dr. Nice if he thought we could get a handicap parking permit. He said sure.
I said, “Great! That will make my life so much easier. I won’t have to drop David off at the front of buildings and go park.”
“You drop him off?” he asked.
“Yeah, and she drives me everywhere. I hardly ever drive anymore,” David told him.
“It hurts to drive?” Dr. Nice asked.
“Yes,” David answered.
“Wow, you’re in bad shape!” Dr. Nice said.
This little exchange cracked me up. I just thought it was hilarious that he’d give us a permit without understanding why we wanted it. It’s funny that this doctor asks so many more questions than the old rheumy, and yet he was amazed that David can’t drive.
I shouldn’t be surprised. This happens often. People don’t understand how bad the arthritis is until they hear multiple examples of things David cannot do.
After the nurse finished the doctor’s office’s portion of the Humira financial assistance paperwork, I asked her if she’d fax all our paperwork in.
“No, they’ll want the originals. You’ll have to mail them in,” she told me.
I understood. I wouldn’t have wanted to send a fifty page fax either. But I knew I’d have to find a copy store on the way home and pay to fax in the paperwork. If they needed originals after they’d seen the fax, they could tell me and I’d mail them, but we need to this financial assistance ASAP.
The nurse and the receptionist couldn’t believe Humira was going to cost $1,000 a month.
“Didn’t you get one of the Humira discount cards?”
“Yes, that’s why it’s only $1,000 a month. The discount card got us $500 off a month,” we explained.
“With your insurance it’s $1,500 a month?” they asked.
“Yes.”
“Why don’t I go ahead and fax them that paperwork. At least they can get started on the financial assistance!”
What medication did the doctor think David should be on when he found out how bad he hurt? Humria.
I have a fax machine and a copier that you are welcome to use. Let me know if I can help.
How maddening!!!! Uh, I know patience is a virtue… you have to be the most virtuous person in the universe!!!! I’m upset for you how much this is not only physically taxing but emotionally, financially, etc – I know I can only help out with prayers but please let me know if there is anything I can ever help you with.
Hello, Darlene! Yes, his treatment plan didn’t change, but I guess he just didn’t realize how much David’s entire life is affected. Thanks for offering the fax machine! I will probably come over and use it if the financial assistance folks need anything else.
Anne, I doubt I’m that virtuous. Last night I told David he should go sleep on the guest bed because I wanted a good nights rest and he was snoring.
And thank you so much for offering to help!
Wow, that is very expensive medicine. Can you ever get free samples from the doctor. I know it wouldn’t be a lot of medicine, but every bit helps, right?
I was on celebrex a few years ago, it does work well. It was free through the military though, thank goodness. $200+ is a lot of money!
Thankful you are able to get a handicap parking permit.
Toni
I found your blog while looking for information on psoriatic arthritis. My rheumatologist is checking to see if that is what I have. Bet you didn’t know you have helped someone “way down here” in Mississippi. I can identify with so much of what you are going through – including the high costs of drugs. Mobic is one drug that comes in a generic that can be helpful. It is super cheap. I can’t afford Celebrex either because I have a high drug deductible. I pray for the best for ‘Y’all’ and know that God is watching over you both.
Hey, Toni! No, they don’t offer samples of Humira. That would be great, though. The rheumy has given us lots of Celebrex samples, so that helps.
Karen, nice to meet you! Sounds like we have lots in common, and not just being Southerners! I hope your doctor gives you a definite diagnosis and that they’re able to get your pain under control. Thanks for reading and praying!
Ashley, does Celebrex upset the stomach at all? I’ve been having terrible pain in my hips (we’re thinking it’s reactive arthritis, otherwise it’s much, much worse (avascular necrosis) and ibuprofen and naproxen are eating my stomach up. I already take prednisone and CellCept that are hard on the stomach. I’d love to find something for the pain that doesn’t have that effect.
Thanks!
Celebrex does not seem to bother his stomach, but he is taking prescription strength Prilosec because he is on so many medications.
I know what you mean about NSAIDs bothering your stomach. They are tough stuff, especially when you take them for extended periods of time. Hope that helps!