Could use a little support

So I'm on my third week of titrating off of Lyrica , which I've been taking for nerve pain the past 8 months. I'm also titrating off of Klonopin.

Why, you ask? I can no longer afford it. My insurance plan was discontinued, and the new ones available to me, because I do not qualify for assistance, do not cover much of anything.

My premium went up by 175.00/month, and my co-pay for the med went up by $60.00/month. I might have been able to absorb that into the budget, except that Lyrica is a "controlled substance", so it requires a monthly doctor visit, and a paper prescription to be filled.

None of the new plans will pay anything on doctor visits until my deductible ($3,800.00) is met. That's right, a $110.00/month med (with co-pay) becomes a $310.00/month med.

Klonopin is also a controlled substance. It's only $15.00 per month with the co-pay, but with the doctor's visit, it's $215.00 per month. Yes, I could get both scripts with one visit, but I can't justify another $200.00 + per month in addition to the $175.00 extra I'm already paying on the premium.

Okay, all of that to say, I HURT! It's winter, and my arthritis alone is flared in a way I can't begin to explain to people. Add in the nerve pain, and the anxiety, and I'm just not a happy person.

Quite frankly, the tax penalty is cheaper than the insurance premium alone. The only reason I'm keeping the insurance is because of my heart & autoimmune conditions. I have a 40% blockage in the front of my heart.

If I were to stay on all of my meds, I'd be out $1000.00 a month (including premium) just on my health. My quality of life is being seriously compromised by this, and it just isn't right.

JM,

I am so sorry. :(

Have you researched all of your possible resources to help with cost offset?

Looked online as far as getting discount meds? We have a link in the Resources for one source...

...of course that doesn't help with the doctor's visits/deductible issue.

How about your doctor him/herself? Is there anyway around the system of paying an office visit? Phone consult? It's worth asking...

Sending thoughts and prayers about this!

S.C.

Wow...that is so complicated isn't it?

I guess there are both good and bad aspects of modern medicine...

I wish I had better help to offer...:/

Holistics? Of course this can run as much as Western meds...but maybe something to reasearch...?

S.C.

That is a tough spot you are in, and unfair. I was going to suggest a patient assistance program, but sounds like you tried that and are over the income ceiling. And if you try to get pain meds and/or benzos without doctors appointments, I know you run into problems, because of controlled substance regs and also because there are people who abuse these meds. That hurts people who don't abuse but really need them. One idea would be to call the social worker at your local hospital and explain your situation. He or she might have an idea. Don't give up. You deserve to be able to take the meds that you need. And it sounds like you are willing to pay what you can -- so not looking for a free ride -- just a little help to make the numbers work...

So I'm hanging in. I already ate pretty healthy, but I'm really trying to keep to a completely anti-inflammatory diet to help with the arthritis. The key word being trying.

I am making myself do my physical therapy every day. Even if I only do some of it. I must keep moving or I feel every joint will lock up.

I'm really trying to stay positive. I do get overwhelmed with all of my medical issues sometimes. Managing them all when what is good for one condition, but not for another gets confusing.

On that note, my neurologist has put me on B12 in an attempt to boost my cognitive function. He also stressed the importance of keeping my blood pressure under control to prevent further vascular dementia.

I am keeping my blood pressure under control, but the beta blocker is not good for my Raynaud's. It is so hard to find a balance.

Like I said; I'm hanging in.

Mom, I had to quit my bata blocker it made me so week i could hardly walk, "it slowed my heart down too much",
You will find the ballance keep looking. Peace

Larry ***