If she can get on Methotrexate and Prednisone that would not cost alot of money monthly. Those meds are generic and not real expensive. When you get into the meds like Enbrel or Humira, the cost goes up to at least 00 per month without insurance. The drug manufacturers do offer patient assistance programs though and that may be an option for her if she gets perscribed one of those meds. For diagnostics, you shouldnt be looking at that much in cost. Just blood work and x-rays plus the office visit should be enough to diagnose, unless she has some other underlying problems that require additional testing.
Good luck to you both.
Thank you. Drugs may be cheaper in Europe than in the
Prednisone is what I believe she takes. I am not sure what other drugs they give her are, but I don't think she is getting any shots, only pills.
In addition to how she feels the concern is how she looks. Not only did she gain weight and lost height but also her skin got thinner; the moment she hits something she is getting a bruise and those are all over her :( I don't remember seeing people looking like she here in the
Thanks again.
One problem with the biologics (injections/infustions) is that they have to be specially handled - kept refrigerated, sterile, etc. However, I'm on methotrexate, and I'm starting Arava this month. They are both pills, and they both work very well in many instances. The biggest problem is that every one of these medicines requires followup care. She will need to have her blood monitored regularly - as well as have routine checkups. Is that possible? The methotrexate can ruin your liver. Some of the biologics can cause cancer. I'm not trying to discourage her. I do think the pills might be easier to manage than shots & infustions. MTX is a very acceptable medicine. It's not terribly expensive. And even if it doesn't get rid of all pain, it will help to slow joint damage.
Depending on what part of the U.S. you are in, be sure to get appointments set up in advance for her for the first week she is here. That way you'll have time for any followup tests etc that might become necessary. I would also call ahead and let the doctor(s) know what the situation is so they can think what might be needed in such a short timeframe for optimal effect. If you take her to a rheumatologist without the 'warning', you might get the 'let's wait and see' treatment and that isn't what you want this time around. Maybe you could make a pre-appointment to go and talk to the doctor about your Mom too.
Good luck - your Mom is lucky to have you.
Sorry - I see now you are in the DC area. Should be a choice of rheumatologists there but I would still do as much prep work before your Mom arrives.Thank you, everybody.
I just spoke to her and found out more. She is taking 20 mg of prednisone daily and 50 mg shot of tauredon bi-weekly. The doctors say that biggest concern about the trip is her vertebrae, sitting straight for 9 hours may be difficult. Someone recommended me a good rheumatologist in our area and I will try to make an appointment. Thank you, Marigold, for an idea of pre-appointment, it really may be a time-saver. Does she need a separate doctor for vertebrae problems? What do they call such a doctor?
[QUOTE=Fiona]The biggest problem is that every one of these medicines requires followup care. She will need to have her blood monitored regularly - as well as have routine checkups. Is that possible? [/QUOTE]
Well, it is not stone age where she lives. Let's say their equipment and infrastructure is 10 years behind. Was one able to do blood monitoring etc. in the US in mid-nineties?
Yes to the blood testing and monitoring. Some of the drugs are new, but the Methotrexate has been around for decades. If the vertebral problems are not RA related, then she may need to see an orthopedist. It is going to depend though on what her problems are there. Unfortunately there is still somewhat of a limitation on treatment when it comes to the spine. There is Physical therapy, which takes at least 6 weeks and there is surgery. That is usually about it. At least if she can get the RA controlled then the back pain maybe easier to deal with.
You might also see if there is a local teaching hospital in your area or a Mayo clinic. You might be able to get them interested in you mom's case as her treatment to date will have been different than what they are used to. University Hospitals sometimes will pick up some of the costs of tests.
There are spine doctors that specialize in treatment of RA as well the orthopedist.
Good thinking Deanna, teaching hospitals and university clinics are a good option.Son77
Be sure to let us know how the visit goes and what you are able to do to help your mother. A somewhat unique situation and it would be good to hear that she has been helped.
I paid cash initially for all my treatment. I went on the state medical board website and just found the list of rheumatologists and started going down the list.
Update: Appointment made with a Rheumatologist for August 16th, with a spine doctor for August 22nd.
Question. Mom will need to get two tauredon shots during her stay. I do not know how to make shots. What can we do? Can one just walk into a hospital and ask a nurse to do a shot of his own drug from his own injector?
Ask the doctor when you make your visit or call his nurse. It is possible that if you have a primary care physcian yourself and explain the situation, one of the nurses there might do it. It is an odd request, but someone should be able to help you. Even your local pharmacy might be willing to do it if there is a script attached since they do immunizations all the time.
The other option is community health clinics or Urgent Cares.