As many of you know, I have been battling a number of chronic health conditions for some time, and was recently finally given two diagnoses for my auto immune symptoms. It also appears that I may have yet a third auto immune condition which has yet to be pinpointed. As of April 11th I was given the diagnoses of Psoriatic Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis. Both are in the category of sero-negative auto immune diseases. This is the reason it took over 4 years to get answers, and the subsequent diagnoses, as my blood work didn't reflect the typical inflammatory markers which are commonly seen with such auto immune conditions. The MRI's performed, along with my clinical symptom presentation, provided the evidence for my diagnoses. I have a good degree of permanent damage as a result of the disease progression, which is seen throughout my spine and in various joints. One of the conditions has been reeking havoc in other body systems, including my lymphatic system, and most recently, my heart. I have been experiencing attacks in the past few months, which are a result of inflammation in the chest wall cavity.
In order to slow, and possibly stop the disease progression - hopefully halt the damage being done throughout my body - I need to begin injection treatments involving the newer drugs known as Biologicals. These medications are extremely expensive, and at this point in time, the coverage I have for prescription needs is leaving me with an extremely large copay of $1100 per month. Yes, unbelievable without a doubt. The pharmaceutical company who makes the drug offers full assistance to those without any medical coverage, but nothing for those with Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance of any kind. This is pretty mind blowing, as I am not sure how anyone is able to pay so much for a drug on a yearly basis, let alone on a monthly basis. The copay amount is $100 more than I receive from my SSDI each month. While I have health insurance (for which I am very grateful), it does not mean that I am wealthy by any stretch of the imagination, but for whatever reason, this is what it presents to the drug company. I have no clue what to do, where to go, how to make it work so that I am able to begin receiving these treatments so I may not only improve my health, but stop the disease progression which may ultimately kill me if left unchecked. One condition may go into remission, while the other can only be controlled. Both have already caused a lot of serious health problems, and I fear more will be on the horizon if I am not able to get the appropriate treatment. I am open to any suggestions. I have thought about doing fundraisers, but then I laugh and think, why would anybody donate money? I am not some sweet little kid in need of a transplant, or someone of that nature. I am knocking on all doors in search of assistance to make this work, but am fearful I will exhaust all the obvious options and be left without any probable answers ... If there's anyone out there who uses similar medication and has dealt with the same issue of payment, I am all ears!
I am so thankful and grateful that I have even gotten to this point, as for the last several years I thought I would be suffering - and increasingly so - without answers/diagnoses for a time period unknown. It has been a very long journey, and a very difficult and painful one at that. I began dealing with the medical system, and chronic health issues, at the age of 9 with my spine condition Spondylolisthesis. I am almost 30 now, and the battle continues to this day. It's even been suggested that one of the auto immune diseases may have been present for much longer than the 4 years I have experienced the more severe symptoms, and may be the ultimate cause of my spine slip and collapse. While my low back will forever be an issue considering the fusion and strange position which it sits, the new slip recently diagnosed in my neck, has been caught much earlier in the progression of the spine condition. Considering the likely connection between the auto immune disease and the spine condition, it has been suggested that with the injection treatments, my new neck slip may be stabilized without surgery, given that I am able to receive ongoing treatments for my auto immune diseases.
Ultimately, if the medication works, my body and quality of life will be greatly improved in many areas. This is huge, and for obvious reasons I am excited and anxious to begin said treatments as soon as possible. So, please, if you have any ideas, suggestions, thoughts, etc., for gaining assistance for paying for these treatments, please let me know! Thank you for taking the time to read my post. I greatly appreciate your time and thoughts.
Blessings to all .. I know everyone is struggling, many desperately, with their own issues, whether financial, medical, a combination of both and more, and it's overwhelming to hear about anyone else's problems. Help comes in so many forms, and information is most powerful. Again, thank you and bless you, Cat
