Doctor dropped the ball

[Tuff]

My GI "forgot" to reapply for funding for Remicade for me, even though I reminded his receptionist. He asked, can't I pay for one myself? (6K) Sure, let me just get my check book out. I got one free dose from the manufacturer, and missed my Dec. 15 dose. The approval came 3 days later, but now I can't get an appointment to get the infusion done, even though I've told them I'm getting very ill. This is a small town, and they only do them two days a week, am and pm. There was a cancellation for yesterday, but nobody had thought to order my meds in, even though I'm on the cancellation list, so I didn't get it done. They say next week is not looking too good either. I'm back to the eat/run to the bathroom routine, and fear it's going to get a lot worse.
:ymad: :voodoo: oo:

 

[Trysha]

This is a totally unacceptable situation.
Perhaps you need a more thoughtful and considerate GI
Hope you are able to get set up with a consistent treatment plan
The Ontario Trillium org.may be available to you for the funding
The drug company may also be able to help you their name is Janssen
Feel better soon
Hugs and best wishes
Trysha

 

[FrozenGirl]

Talk to Bioadvance, the company that does financial assistance. ( part of Janssen) They can set you up with a coordinator. They gave me a free dose before we even got any sort of aid set up. Maybe they can help you.

 

[Robrich]

You really should get on them.
For remicade to work over the long run it needs to be given regularly. Like exactly every 8 weeks or whatever is prescribed. When you stop start you increase the chances of it failing either by building antibodies or your system finding a a way around it.
Regardless it doesn't last forever so you need to milk it for all you can and keeping things consistent is very important
Totally irresponsible by your doc

 

[Tuff]

Thanks. I'm on Trillium and have a co-ordinator.
The clinic where my doctor works is closed for the holidays, back on Monday. I think I'm going to ask him for Prednisone much as I hate that stuff. My previous doctor retired after a heart attack, and there's only one other here I think. This one doesn't seem to care much. My blood work has been off since April

 

[UnXmas]

Once again I am amazed by the terrible medical system in some places. Money just doesn't factor into it here - I can't believe the added stress you have to go through.

(My automatic spellchecker thought I meant "the terrible medieval system". Doesn't sound too far off either. )

 

[Tuff]

Medieval system is about right. It's so shocking when you fall through the cracks. I finally got my infusion on the 7th, three weeks late, and slept for a day and a half. Today, my flare is easing off, such a relief. It really is a miracle drug for me, I hope it works for a long time.

 

[FrozenGirl]

I'm so glad you got your infusion though it's really sad it took so much to get it.