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Finally getting medication!

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 4/4/2013 9:55 PM (GMT 0)
A few years ago I started this horrible flare, unending it seems. I'm still in this flare. I've had some success with Remicade (just not remission) and then went into a study for a new drug (with little success). I eventually decided to end the study prematurely.

Going back on Remicade didn't seem like a good idea. I had already been off it for a good while by this time and it was too expensive. I could no longer afford the build up of debt from the hospital. I opted to try Humira and had my doctor get preauthorization for it. It was declined! It wasn't FDA approved yet for UC. I asked for an appeal, but my doctor never did it or his nurse never brought it to his attention. After a few more calls with my doctor's nurse I gave up on Humira. I blame the nurse for not being more helpful and trying to demoralize my efforts.

I waited and finally the FDA approved Humira for UC back in Sept/Aug of 2012. I called again and this nurse again with a demoralizing attitude and then did nothing. They didn't try to authorize it again because I never received a letter from my insurance that they tried. I gave up!

Recently I decided to get an office visit with my GI and discuss this with him directly, his nurse didn't seem to get anything through and I think never told the doctor. They apologized and finally resent my preauthorization...

IT WAS APPROVED! My Humira starter pack will arrive the beginning of next week! With my insurance it will only cost me $60.00 and with the Humira card $5.00. This is way better than Remicade that was costing me between $400 and $1000 every 8 weeks!

I can't wait! I'll update you guys with results if I have any.
Posted 4/5/2013 12:08 AM (GMT 0)
What a hassle huh??? Are you going to take the starter pack to your GI so they can show you how to use it? Or do they send it to them directly?

I hope that Humira will be your magical "cocktail"! :)
Posted 4/5/2013 12:43 AM (GMT 0)
Crossing my fingers it works well for you!
Posted 4/5/2013 6:54 PM (GMT 0)

Red_34 said...
What a hassle huh??? Are you going to take the starter pack to your GI so they can show you how to use it? Or do they send it to them directly?

I hope that Humira will be your magical "cocktail"! :)

The starter pack is coming to my home and I am fully capable of doing it myself. I've seen so many videos, researched this medication so much in the past few years I feel confident I can do it myself just fine.

My parents also use pens for medications, I've watched them and this is even easier then what they use.

I was informed a nurse can come to my home and show me how to do it the first time for free, but I just don't need that :-) and I don't feel like scheduling that either even if it's free.
Posted 4/5/2013 7:04 PM (GMT 0)
I hope it works for you!!!
Posted 4/5/2013 7:12 PM (GMT 0)
I do too! I have a disney world trip in October and moving off to be on my own again around the same time. I would love to be in remission for all those exciting times coming.
Posted 4/5/2013 7:51 PM (GMT 0)
Hope you get results and that you're feeling perfect for the plans you have in the Fall.

q
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