I had my most recent rheumatologist appointment last week. It went well considering.

We had some changes, namely I am no longer going to be taking any injected biologic medication. My body just can not handle it. I started getting welts after my shots on Humira, they weren't too big, my final enbrel shot. I had a welt that was 3in x 4 in on my leg plus the previous two spots also flared like something wild. She told me sometimes people just cant handle injection forms of these medications, She doesnt have many but i'm one of them.

So we are trying simponi aria. She was thinking remicade the last time we talked back over the summer but she would rather hold off on that one as it gives a bit more wiggle room with dosages but it takes longer and can have some side effects so for now its a last resort kind of deal. I'm fine with that plus simponi aria is a 30min infusion. I can totally fit that into my schedule!

We also discussed the methotrexate. While its working and its the constant that is keeping things somewhat betterly controlled but not enough. Its causing my liver number to rise. She had wanted to take me off of it this appointment but until we find a biologic that works for me we are going to continue using it. Dont want to change too much at once. Which is nice. i hate mtx. with a passion. due to me having a sinus infection(totally figure out what was wrong finally...yay) i've not taken it in nearly 2 weeks. I feel it too.

So the bad news.
I unfortunately do not qualify for the simponi copay assitance program. something about being an infusion. and the copay has to be more than 50/time. mine is 40..apparently the 10 dollars makes a difference. I dont see how in my budget. So that frustated me.

I did get a number for a third party assistance program but they do not have any funding atm. So thats something to keep an eye for.

My dad and i had a row tonight about me visiting him. I told him i cant until i get my health under control. He flung it back at me that i am using my health as an excuse to not see him anymore. Right now my health is 100x more important than going out to see him in the middle of flu and cold season. He wanted me to come see him during xmas.

The thought of that is just plain exhausting. Flying. Walking. Just not being home in my bed where i have things in such a way i can sleep without issue. Carting my medications with me. printing multiple copies of my medications so my dad has a copy if something goes wrong. plus its flu season. on a plane. with sick people. I do not. can not. will not. expose myself to more germs unless i have too. my goal is to not get the flu this year.

I told him maybe next summer. he pouted.

I told him to come out and see me. he protested.

I guess its not important then.