Any additional opinions / thoughts? This was getting pretty far down the list, so I thought I would bump it up a little. :-)
I know. It was a shock when I found out how much I had to pay, but it is not as bad as it could be. The university I work for is self-insured (I still haven't figured out how this is beneficial, but hey, it is what it is), so they literally have to pay for the rest of the cost of my medication. The total cost (see breakdown below from my online insurance login) is $4800 every 3 months, and I pay $400 which leaves them with $4400. Outrageous!!!
Billing Information
Total Cost Deductible Member Paid Co-Pay Plan Paid
$4,820.07 $0.00 $400.00 $400.00 $4,420.07
Your co-pays are horrendous. My gosh girl. I really feel for you. This lovely disease can cost you through the ying yang, no doubt about it.
I was fortunate when I was on Avonex. (which I no longer take) I only had a $30 co-pay on a three month supply. This takes into account that the one shot a week amounted to $212.00 a shot, for the insurance company. After reading your story, I considered myself very fortunate.
Heather
Granny and Heather - Thanks for your comments!
Heather - It hadn't even occurred to me to do another MRI right now because it has only been 6 months or so since the last one. I personally hate MRI's and we still owe about $600 (after insurance) on my last one - and that's in addition to all our other debt and the cost of my Copaxone (I have a $400 copay every 3 months, and I am grateful it is not more). Oh, well. It's something to think about. At any rate, the next MRI I have, no matter when it is, I am going to ask about including the spine.
Additional Comment: Sounds like you are due for an MRI of the spine, with and without contrast dye. And possibly a repeat of the brain, also, since you are in the middle of a flair-up. The best time to get one scheduled, so the doctor can see what is actively going on....
Welcome!
Making the call to take Solumedrol is a difficult one. IF it were MY call...I would say, if I do not have Optic Neuritis with my flair up, I will not take Solumedrol. PERIOD!
I have found over the past twelve years, that Sol is great for taking control of the ON, but I never saw much improvement in my other MS symptoms. So that's one treatment I will avoid, like as you say; because of the possible long term side effects to our bodies.
Again, this is your call. If you are still taking your Copaxone, I would bypass the Sol, unless you are having eye symptoms.
We are glad that you have joined us in our forum. The support here is the best I have found anywhere on the Internet. You will be surrounded with love and compassion, by those one the forum. They are literally "Angels with Invisible Wings."
I know it's tough to be going through a flair-up...I'm in a bad one myself, but this too shall pass. Let us know what you decide on the Solumedrol. I personally think it's a Neurologist, "cure-all." He can't really do anything medically to stop the flair-up in it's tracks, so he does the only thing he can, offer Sol. I guess we can't blame the Neuro's for doing that. Their hands are tied, so to speak. As you will find out by being here, there are plenty of Neuro's that need to be hung up by their toes and beaten in "Time Square," for their insensitivity and lack of compassion. We around here call it the "Weenie Roast." You will read alot about it...
Hang in there. You are not alone in any of this....I promise you that.
Best Wishes, Heather
Hi, and welcome to our family. I'm sorry you have MS. I think your gonna love it here. The people are so caring and loving. We also have a lot of fun at the expense of some pretty lousy doctors sometimes, but that's okay.
I'm sorry I can't answer your question but I know someone will before long. Once again welcome and I hope you enjoy the great company here.
I'll be praying,
Carol