Well... my appt was at 1:00pm. During check in the receptionist informed me that BC/BS still had not approved my Remicade and that they just put it up for review monday. when she asked how long it would take for a response they told her they did not know.
Not many people in the waiting room. I sat out in the waiting room for like 45 mins. With in that time 2 "roaches" came in and they sat there talking about what their companies best selling med was for this year. I was in a some pain, from it being cold in there and outside.
I got back to the back RD looked like she was in a good mood and did not look as stressed as the last 2 times I saw her. She greeted me and then went into another room.
I weigh 158lbs. BP 100/60. might have those reversed if they sound wrong.
Waited in the room for 15 mins then she came in and went straight to talking abour BC/BS dragging on approving Remicade for me. She said accroding to her records on her laptop she sent off a letter to both insurance companies back the beginning of October and medicaid had approved Remicade for me the middle of October. She was highly upset with BC/BS because they told her to put me on MTX before they approved Remicade. But she said they approved Humira so what is the difference for Remicade.
We talked about how my meds were working. And a plan incase Remicade does not get approved. Which is for me to start Humira back up and for me to take antibiotics the day before my injections.
So... it went well. She wanted to get MRI's of my hands and right knee, but not right now. Sometime next year. MRI place is booked right now.
She put me on Minocin (sp?)... she looked at me and said it was an anti-biotic and smiled and I told her I knew and it was used for AP Therapy and she was quite surprised I knew that much. She said it does help with swelling in some people and she is giving it to me to see if it will help me; since Imuran & Pred is doing ok, but not as well as they should.
She gave me a new pain med not sure what it is called, it is getting filled.
For Fibro I am on Nortriptylin for now.
She said right now she is not too worried about giving me meds or DXing me with something else until I get on Remicade and see if it helps with most of my symptoms and problems. She says she believes them to be from the continous swelling and RA being outta control.
Oh and as I was scheduling my next appt. RD was standing there and a fax came in so she read it and it was my approval for Remicade! She was so happy she said "YES!" and then I got scheduled for my first Remicade infusion the 13th! YAY!!
I go back to see her the 17th of December and get bloodwork for being on Imuran.
So... so far, so good. Just hate having to pay all the money for my meds this month. I am hoping all will be under 0, if not some I will have to wait to get until next month or when hubby has some extra money. Those co-pays are going to kill what little money we have now.
Good news Joonie
WOOOHOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!Well Finally! I hope it works really great for you.
YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sounds like a great appt Joonie!!!!!! We'll all be counting down the days w/ you!....
Oh and she gave me the topical treatment for my Tinea Visercolor (sp?). I asked for the pill form, but she said it is too hard on the liver and with me being on Imuran already, that she feels the topical treatment would be best.
Glad you got good news and everything you were hoping for!!
don't forget that many pharm companies have assistance programs...you should check into them before
Joonie...I am so glad that you are finally approved. Does this mean you will not need the Minoicin? Is your infusion the 13th of Dec. Mine is the 12th. We can sleep for the weekend together!
Good news, Joonie and sounds like it was a productive appointment with your RD, productive is always good. Glad the Remicade is at last happening for you too. It's been a loooong road.Thanks everyone!
Yeah, still taking Minocin until Remicade kicks in. I have a lot of swelling still, and it is suppose to help with the swelling.
Joonie, Joonie, Joonie, greeeaaat news - hope you feel the effects very soon, hope your pain levels decrease and that you can do more fun things eventually, best of luck and hugs Janie. Congratulations! I hope the Remicade does everything for you that you want it to. Joonie - I am in shock she RECOMMENDED the minocin. It's been a fight up to now to get it - what dosage are you on? YOU GO GIRL. I am so happy for you, great news. Cathy
I'm so happy for ya too Joonie.
She said she recommended Remicade for me because of my age and how bad my RA is. She said she would have put me on Remicade first and skipped the Humira.
She was happy to hear that Humira did so well for me, she thinks the Remicade will have about the same effect, or better. I am hoping it does too.
Thanks, everyone for your replies. Really means a lot to me.
Oh and JSNM, I am not sure what dosage I am on. I did not even read the RX sheet. I just know there were about 6 meds listed on it and half were refills and the other half were new meds.
SO I am on a total of maybe 8 meds now. Not sure will have to take inventory when I get my other meds tomorrow.
Good for you Joonie. I hope Remicade works for you! Sorry about those darn co-pays though
I am absolutely thrilled for you! Its about time your luck changed girl. I so hope Remicade is going to be "the one" for you. It worked the best for me, but, as usual, I became allergic.
Great news! It is about time they took care of this for you. Yippy!!!!