Remicade/Raptiva

[Guest guest]

Well, as you all remember, or let me refresh you, the only option I have

left for arthritis management is Remicade. Keep in mind, that without mtx

it's not as effective according to my rheumy...my veins might not even be

stable enough to try. Well I found out that I have to pay

100.00deductible, plus 10% of each treatment (last trt was 6,

000.00, so that would be 600.00) as co-insurance until I meet my maximum out

of pocket which originally i thought was 1000.00, but its not, its 2,000.00.

So, my first treatment would cost me 700.00 and then my second treatment

would be 600.00 and my third would be 600.00 and my fourth would be 100.00.

No way do I have that kind of money whatsoever....

Soooo... with that said, I had a prescription from my derm. to start my

raptiva again for my skin. I went ahead and ordered it through mail order,

which cost me $40.00 for 3 months supply of Raptiva as it is a once a week

injection. I got it yesterday, and gave myself my first injection. It took

me awhile, i sat and looked at it lol.... keep in mind I'm not afraid of

giving myself shots, being diabetic and on insulin while pregnant, needles

were second nature. Afterwards I was sooo tired, achey and flu like, which

I know is typical on the first injection, and then as you go on, it

diminishes.

My husband told me that he can tell by the way I'm getting up and down and

moving that it's made a little bit of a difference, and I noticed large skin

plaques falling off.... Who knows, maybe i'm imagining it, or willing it

lol.... I am hoping that the results continue.... I took baseline photos, so

i'll mark each months worth of treatments and the differences if anyone is

interested =)

God bless,

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