No Insurance

I was diagnosed with Hypothryoidism last year because I had gained a lot of weight. I couldn't afford to go back to the doctor so i went off my levothyroxin. My morning joint pain started getting worse than usual. I figured it was just my hypo symptoms, so I went back on my levothyroxin, but the pain only got worse. My hands are swollen and sensitive. I double over in agonizing pain when something brushes against them or bumps them. My wrists crack and pop and are sore. My feet feel like they are being crushed by my weight when I stand.
My career is physically demanding; i need the use of my body and hands. It got to be so much pain that I've been having to leave work early several times. I finally went to the doctor and my TSH levels are normal, but he sent for more blood tests. Meanwhile he put me on an anti inflammatory that took the edge off the pain a few days, but never really did much for the swelling. Now the swelling is back to making my hands feel like balloons and the pain is really bad. More test results came back. He says my ANA is positive. He wanted to refer me to a reumatologist, but I dont have insurance. They can't find a reumatologist that will accept me as a patient because I don't have insurance. I fear that I'm going to lose my job because I cannot complete my job duties. My medical bills are already higher than I can afford just from a few blood tests.... I'm in so much pain, and I have no idea what to do anymore. I'm only 21. =(

I'm on anti inflammatories already and I'm not going to take pain killers everyday because I like my liver- not to mention they don't do much for the pain, anyway and do nothing for the swelling.
I don't qualify for medical assistance such as medicaid, even if I quit my job because I'm getting married in three months and he would make too much.
I'm already enrolled in two colleges, one community, and one online - no clinics. Any other college is an hours drive and I simply can't afford it -- let alone the gas money to commute even if I could afford an expensive college.
I already have a full time job... in this economy, i'm lucky to have that.... I've been keeping an eye on job openings but nothing thats full time or has insurance.

I only recommended the Advil because you don't mention being on a daily anti inflamatory and that is what advil is.

Plaquenil is great but methotrexate is much cheaper and works better on the inflamation-though plaq works better for me for all the systemic symptoms-if you can get both-even better.

Go to the websites of the manufacturers of the medications that you take and see if there are any patient assistance. I lost my insurance, and now I'm getting all of my medications for free. I had to change brand names, but the medicine is still the same. Talk to your doctor, also. The doctor can sometimes give you sample medication that they get for free from drug representative. Also, check out your local health department.

If you're getting married, does your fiance have a possibility of getting you on his health insurance?

If the pain is as bad as you say, I would take the Advil, as someone suggested. It isn't that bad on your liver; just be sure to take it with some food so it doesn't hurt your stomach.

I've only ever been to the doctor maybe a few times in my entire life as I didn't have insurance even as a child so I sorry if I sound stupid, but I thought that since he wanted to refer me, and no one would accept me that that meant no one would help me? That doctor will still see me and can prescribe me other things since the Meloxicam isn't working, even without a diagnosis?
Can that doctor diagnose me, since there is no chance I'll get in to see a rheumatologist? I read a few articles online that you need more than just the blood tests to be diagnosed...maybe some xrays or something? Can the regular doctor do all that he has to diagnose me?
How much does all those medications cost (Plaquenil, methotrexate, steroid injection)? And can the doctor eventually refuse to see me if I can't pay all my bill all at once?

I've called his office back several times and mentioned that I still have pain and swelling but no one mentioned coming back in. I had to bug them several times just to get the doctor to get more refills on my levothyroxin. Even when they said they would have the doctor call me, his secretary just sent me a letter in the mail instead. I don't think he gives a hoot about me or my pain. Unfortunately, this was the only doctor in the surrounding three medical centers that was accepting patients.

My fiance does have health insurance, but its private he says and I've been told I wont get insurance since I now have preexisting conditions. I read that I could get insurance some places if I pay an arm and a foot, but we are on a tight budget as is.... and if I can't get treatment, I'm going to have to either reduce my hours or quit my job because the pains too much..and then we definitely couldn't afford it. I feel like there is no light at the end of tunnel....

A lot of insurance plans do cover pre-existing conditions after a six month waiting period. You really need to check into your fiance's insurance plan. If you have RA, you need to see a rheumatologist.  A PCP can order blood tests, and xrays of your hands and feet to get started.  Before I was Dx, my ortho prescribed prednisone and Tramadol (a pain killer ) for me.  I understand how you feel about pain meds, but I have to be truthful with you.  The pain can get so bad, that you cannot get out of bed or brush your teeth. I choose to take the meds so that I can have some quality of life.  Prednisone, MTX and Plaquenil are not very expensive.  If you would, at some time, need a biologic, you can go online and apply for financial assistance.  The biologics are expensive.  Best Wishes, V

I'm on the same boat! Lucky for me a friend found this clinic that charges people according to their income. The one I go to is called miami beach health center. I suppose it's founded by city or state. Try finding if there is one similar close to you. I'll call and see if they have a list or something with these type of clinics. I'm on enbrel which is expensive but my doctor got me in a program that pays for it. Ask your doctor about such programs. Also contact the RA foundation, they have free RA clinics, hopefully one is near you.