Wednesday, December 31, 2008

End of the Year

And Welcome 2009!

Tonight I am thankful for:

A full year of being able to visit my parents whenever.

Almost a whole year of Miss Harley being in my life.

Another year of Jim and I facing the world together.

A "child" who still stays in touch very, very often.

The continuing recovery of my Mother-In-Law.

A full year of being a member of the IU family.

Making a new life out here in The Ville.

Friends from back east who don't let geography mean anything.

My "online family" who have been there for so many years now that they mean as much to me as the people I spend time with outside the computer.

The opportunity to make 2009 an even better year than 2008!

Much love to all and I hope everyone in my heart has a safe and happy new year.

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Drugs and Insurance

I am thankful that we have the drugs necessary to make us well- but I am also VERY thankful for medical insurance.

The latest drugs we are considering for my treatment are VERY expensive.

Humira comes in at 20,000 a year
Enbrel comes in at 17,000 a year
Remicade comes in at 22,000 a year

There is no way we could even consider these without insurance. Instead of these insane prices- it will cost me $480.00 a year. That is not including my Methotrexate (120.00 a year w-insurance) my tramadol, (72.00 a year w-insurance)and my folic acid (48.00 a year w-insurance) or the B-12 injections that we may be starting next. On top of that is the appointments with my rheumatologist every 6 weeks and labs at every appointment. The physical therapy I underwent this year- the AF water program they want me to do next year. The baseline x-rays for my hands, feet, hips, back and lungs. I dont' know how anyone with RA could manage without insurance.

I also find it amazing that with such a debilitating and chronic condition- the SSA takes up to three years to approve a disablity claim. I am so thankful that I am not at that stage yet. But courtesy of the www- I can research and be ready when it does get to that point.