COPD & Emphysema Support Group

COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...

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Not a good report

higginsp
higginsp
Went for my annual testing at the Pulm Office. I haven't been able to use Spireva for over 6 months now because of the price ($300/mo). I have to meet a $2000 deductible before the insurance company (BCBS) will pay anything toward any of my medical expenses. I just haven't been able to afford the Spireva.

After my test, which the Pulm said was "significantly worse", they changed me from moderate to severe emphezema. I'm freaking out a little now because I thought I had a long time before I would move into the severe stage. Maybe if I was able to take Spireva, I would be back to the moderate stage.

Anyway, the Pulm gave me a discount card for the Spireva, which I'm taking to my pharmacist at lunch, to see if I can afford it with a discount. My Pulm also mentioned the possibility of putting me on Tudorza, which I've never been on. She mentioned the Tudorza in case I still can't afford the Spireva even after the discount because Tudorza is cheaper than the Spireva. To me, cheaper means not as good as. Has anyone had any experience with Tudorza and how it compares with Spireva?

Love to everyone!
bm55
bm55
I have been ordering from here and you don't even need a script.

http://www.inhousepharmacy.biz/ We don't have insurance yet. Hubby just diagnosed. You may find something cheaper here.
silfoxx2002
silfoxx2002
Hi Pat, Wow, what a zinger! I heard those very same words a few short months ago. "moved from moderate to severe." I am having a lot of trouble, still, believing it. I'm doing the best I can to be me. It's still a little difficult to smile, but I manage. I'm the classroom clown. I try my best, all the time, to help someone with turning a frown upside down into a smile :>).

Hugs and prayers for you dear one. Just remember, I'm tellin' you this, just between you and me: we're (you and I) are gonna be around here for quite awhile!

Hugs and God's Blessings, Jim
deleted_user
deleted_user
I went to the senior center and talked to someone that helped me get an insurance for my meds. that i can afford. I had AARP and paid $40 - 45 a month for advair and spiriva and $ 35 for my Ventolin rescue inhaler - Plus a monthly fee to have it - - I now have Well Care and my cost is $ 6.95 a month for each and no monthly charge - -The only downfall is I have Albuterol for my nebulizer and just found out it does not cover that at all - I have been getting the Hannafords discount which is limited and ready to run out -
I will go back and see them and see what I can do for that -
I also have used the manufacture and gotten free meds.
I am going to check out ADC. I have never heard of that - thank you for the information
Best of luck and I hope you work something out- I also had to stop my med at one time or another because of cost and it did make a difference for me -
As far as the stage we are all in - I don't think about it - I have a hard time thinking about not being in this world so I just live and do my best and enjoy all I can - If I get into the depression stage I will give up and that is not an option - Keep moving and smiling