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Posted 6/30/2009 5:37 PM (GMT 0)
I can't afford my medicine anymore.  I didn't think it was helping all that much but relativity is everything.  I've tumbled down a black hole of pain.  I can't afford my co-pay to go back to the doctor either. Now I'm completely overwhelmed. 

My mother used to tell me that I woke up crying every day of my life until I was three.  I've started it again.  The past few mornings, I've realised that the first thing I do when I wake up (and probably before) is whimper.  Just falling asleep in the first place is nearly impossible, and to have the pain wake me several times during the night.....<sigh>

I don't know what to do.  I don't know where to turn.  I can't tell my parents because they'd try to pay for my doctor even though they can't afford it and my father has health problems of his own.  No way will I interfere with his ability to see his doctors.  My son is in boot camp and doesn't need to be worried about me, so I can't say anything to him either. 

I sit here in my office, struggling to keep the tears from rolling down my face and doing everything I can to concentrate because my job is important.  If I let a big mistake slip past, some criminal might go free on a technicality.  Not to mention the "dings" I (or more importantly, my guys) would get from HQ if I miss something.

Typing makes my arm muscles burn; sitting, standing or walking causes my hips to hurt, if my head would explode it might feel better.  I feel like the Tin Man without my oil can.

I guess I just really want to throw myself a pity party. cry   .  I know ppl here understand what I'm feeling, so I felt the need to 'say' it here, among compatriots.  My pity party will, of course, be temporary.  I'll pull myself up by my bootstraps later.  In the meantime...I want to curl in a ball and cry.

Thank you for 'listening'. blush

Posted 6/30/2009 6:11 PM (GMT 0)
Anstar, that's terrible!  But, we do know what you are going through.

 

I don't take prescription medication for fibro.  I've relied on ibuprofen with food and extra strength Tylenol to get by.  I also take malic acid/magnesium supplements and they do help with pain and fatigue.  They don't help everyone but some have gotten some relief and they are relatively inexpensive.  Also, many with fibro are deficient in vitamin D.  That can cause pain and fatigue, too.

 

You might try calling your doctor and explaining the problem.  Maybe they would give you samples.  You could ask about the stuff I take, too.  This way you wouldn't have to pay a copay.  If they want you to come in, tell them you can't afford it right now.  Trust me, I'm sure there are others out there saying the same thing to them.  I'm sure they understand. 

 

You do need to keep moving.  If you have a desk job, make a copy of the gentle exercises in Fibro 101.  They are done sitting down and you can do a stretch every few minutes and no one would know.  Also, try to get up and walk around as often as possible.  You won't get as stiff that way.  The movement and exercise really does help with pain. 

 

I do hope you come up with some good ideas and get relief.  If you can get the edge off the pain and get it under control, you will be just fine. 

 

Sherrine

Posted 6/30/2009 6:23 PM (GMT 0)
hey there,
I can empathise with what you're going through. I get all those pains too when i'm on the comp for any length of time.
I get by with pharmacy drugs like solpadeine, a paracetomol and codeine mix, i think it's tylex as well. I'm constantly stretching, bending and manipulating myself, to the point where my colleagues don't even notice anymore.
I swim for about 20 mins after work when it's really bad and this helps a lot. I don't know if you can access that.
I just want to empathise as i know where you're at. while i can afford cheap meds, my doctors and physios have had to be left on the long finger till i'm financially back on my feet.
take care.
Posted 6/30/2009 6:48 PM (GMT 0)
Anstar I feel bad for you. I think it would help to talk to your doctor.

 

 A few months back my blood pressure med had to be changed because I had an allergic reaction to the med I had been taking.  My blood pressure is pretty high without med.  The doctor gave me some samples to see if the new one (Cozaar)   would work o.k.  He then gave me a prescription for it.  It was very expensive even with my insurance.  I talked to him about this.  We have had a bad year financially like a lot of people.  He was very understanding and has given me several months worth of samples.  Also he told me that Cozaar is suppose to go generic soon.  I sure hope so.

 

I also take the malic/magnesium and I really think it is helping me.  I exercise and practice yoga everyday, even if just a little bit.  This helps too I think.  If I miss a day of exercise of any kind I feel stiffer the next day.

 

Good luck. yeah

Puppylover

Posted 6/30/2009 6:58 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone. I do get up and walk around frequently, and I'm constantly twisting and moving in an attempt to ease the stiffness. Nothing seems to be working lately. I take Tylenol PM to help me sleep at night and ibuprofen during the day. May as well be popping M&M's.
I'll look into some vitamins and other health supplements, maybe those will help some.
I'll also try to call my doctor, but his office is over 50 miles away (the closest one who will accept my insurance) so popping over for samples is a little difficult too.

Between a torn rotator cuff in my left shoulder, bursitis that has required steroid shots in my right shoulder, bursitis in both hips the doctor also wants to inject, severe tendinitis in my right elbow, and just plain fibro pain, I feel like I need to be taken out behind the barn and shot. :(

I'm 41 going on 102.
Posted 6/30/2009 8:14 PM (GMT 0)
Go to Partnership for Prescription assistance... Cant remember the website. That's where I get my meds for free.
Posted 6/30/2009 9:53 PM (GMT 0)
Here ya go

http://www.pparx.org/ :-)
Posted 6/30/2009 11:15 PM (GMT 0)
Anstar, another possibility if you are having trouble paying for meds and drs. co-pay is to see a chiropractor who has experience in treating fibro. A chiro with orthopedic training will be able to help you with your tendonitis/bursitis issues also. Your insurance may cover some visits. If not, many chiros are willing to negotiate their fees. That's what mine does and the cost is very reasonable and way cheaper than drugs and physical therapy and way more effective IMHO. I hope you find a good solution to your situation very soon. Lisa
Posted 6/30/2009 11:40 PM (GMT 0)

Anstar...talk to your doc and tell him your predicament.  I don't know where you live or what your income is, but when my mom couldn't afford her meds anymore I went to the doctor with her and filled out some forms and she got some free and some at a reduced rate through the pharmacutical companies.

My doctor gives me free samples or I wouldn't be able to afford the drug he has me on.  Maybe he can give you enough for a month or two then you wouldn't have to travel so far very often.  Also inquire about generic substitutes.  My husband decided he wasn't going to pay $165 a month for Lipator and stopped taking it.  We don't have any insurance so I know how you feel.  Unfortunatley, we don't qualify for any assistance.

Huggies

Donna

Posted 7/1/2009 3:45 AM (GMT 0)
I have a comment to make about the chiropractor suggesstion.

I went to a chiropractor to help with my fibro.  I got much much worse.  I then decided to forgo the adjustments and went for the massages only.  That helped a lot.  Unfortuneately, I can no longer afford the massages.  But the chiropractic adjustments made me very sore and it was even difficult to walk.  I do NOT recommend that at all.

Lindaloo

Posted 7/1/2009 4:18 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I don't qualify for that prescription assistance program because I have insurance that covers prescriptions. I'll call my doctor tomorrow and see what he says. As far as I know, there is no generic equivalent for Cymbalta (which is one of the most expensive ones I take). The sleeping meds he gave me last time didn't work so I don't need to worry about the cost of Rozerem anymore.
I had a massage once and the pain was unbearable both during and afterward. I'm also leery of chiropractors because I saw one when I had a whiplash and felt worse after every 'adjustment' than I had before going in.
I appreciate everyone taking the time to respond. Thank you for the ideas and the sympathy. :)
Posted 7/1/2009 6:58 AM (GMT 0)
There seems to be two schools of thought on chiro's. There's the type that do more gentle and non "popping" adjustments...and then there's the "bone crackers." I would avoid the "bone crackers." They're most commonly the ones that I've heard complaints about feeling worse when coming out.

There are a lot of the pharm companies that do assistance with prescriptions, as well as PPA that was mentioned earlier. There's also a site called needymeds which I know to be reputable as well. They were able to help my mother before she passed, and I think they're still active/alive.

And next time that you decide to throw a pity party, please make sure to ask us to bring to bring our pointy little hats with the glitter on them to wear for the party.. smilewinkgrin
Posted 7/1/2009 6:40 PM (GMT 0)
Anstar. I think as far as the chiro goes you have to find the right one. Many have specialties just like MD's do. You have so many orthopedic issues like I do that an orthopedic chiro could help out a lot. Mine uses techniques that seldom involve the bone cracking that Piercings mentioned. They have lots of tools to help you. I do feel sore after treatment but that goes away and my functionality increases. My theory is that for people like us the better control we have on our orthopedic pain/issues the less our fibro will bother us since fibro pain seem to like to live in injured areas. My chiro has done more good for me than all the physical therapists I've seen over the years put together. And no drugs are involved. I wish I could clone my chiro and give everyone on this board one. He has helped me that much. Lisa
Posted 7/1/2009 10:00 PM (GMT 0)

What?  Did someone say 'party?'  I'm there!

Huggies

Donna

Posted 7/2/2009 2:53 AM (GMT 0)
Piercings, you made me smile. Thank you for that.
Y'all bring your pointy hats and I'll provide the snacks. I didn't get to call the doctor today because I spent most of the day curled in a ball. My ex mother in law (who also has fibro) said she knows someone who uses 'horse liniment' and it helps her. I'm going to the local Tractor Supply to see if they stock it (and if it doesn't cost an arm and a leg.) Has anyone here ever heard of using this horse liniment to ease the muscle pain? If I manage to get some, I'll report back on my findings.

Thanks again everyone. :)
Posted 7/2/2009 4:46 AM (GMT 0)
I need to get back to the Dr in the mean time I take Magnesuim, Vitamin B complex and D-Ribose. I also take hylands calm to help me sleep. I need to get in to have my Vitamin D checked.
Posted 7/3/2009 7:40 AM (GMT 0)
I know rite aid/cvs gave me their prescription card they have and it saved me quite a bit on my meds that my insurance wont cover. I know how you feel cause I have a med that cost $600 a month that my insurance wont cover anymore and theirs absoutly nothing that is cheaper just like it as it's a one of a kind, kind of med, but the generics are suppose to come out this upcoming october. And since I only get SSI for me and welfare for my kids, paying that much in meds is out of the question, but thank God my father is in a place where he can help me but it makes me feel bad asking for that much money, I seriously owe him my life. But I know their are many websights where you can print out a coupon that that has discounts and they work whether or not you have insurance, I even found one that is 25% off all presription meds at any pharmacy, but I will have to look up the websights where I found them, I will have to get back to you in the next day or so with those and email them to you.

-hellokitty
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