Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...
I had my first 3 Remicade infusions, which they call the load and go. Now Im at having one every 8 weeks. At first they told me the infusion was $5,000.00 and my share was $1,000.00. They said lets get the first 3 done, get it filed with Medicare and see what we can work out. I had called all of the resources they recommended but either I was disqualified because I have Medicare or they had no funds available for RA meds, or something. Well, insurance paid the first two so far and my share is $612.00 each with them billing $4,400.00 ea. A little better than we thought but still not sure how to cover it. Im going to call the dreaded billing office to see what they say. For the first time I am feeling some relief physically, not a lot but some so Im hopeful.
Ive talked on here about effects of severe stress on RA and mentioned I was in a volatile situation that I was dealing with for many years. Well, I went into counseling couple months ago and two weeks ago I had the States Adult Protective Services dept at my door for a surprise visit to interview me. My therapist was mandated to report things that were happening with my 29 yr old daughter. I had only told her some of what was going on but I guess that was enough to have them show up and they said she had to move out. (long story) So things are confusing here. I had to get a roommate, Despite everything I really miss her. I dont know whats going to happen nowMy caseworker is very nice but still...
Over the last 6 months or so my memory has been so horrible and I dont know if its brain fog, stress, or what. 7 years ago I had cognitive testing done and I had quite a few areas in the lower percentile with memory and reaction time, my PCP thinks we need to repeat it on the 25th because of my symptoms but I think itd be more accurate not doing it while all this stress is going on. How bad is brain fog in others?? Does it affect your day to day activities?
Ive talked on here about effects of severe stress on RA and mentioned I was in a volatile situation that I was dealing with for many years. Well, I went into counseling couple months ago and two weeks ago I had the States Adult Protective Services dept at my door for a surprise visit to interview me. My therapist was mandated to report things that were happening with my 29 yr old daughter. I had only told her some of what was going on but I guess that was enough to have them show up and they said she had to move out. (long story) So things are confusing here. I had to get a roommate, Despite everything I really miss her. I dont know whats going to happen nowMy caseworker is very nice but still...
Over the last 6 months or so my memory has been so horrible and I dont know if its brain fog, stress, or what. 7 years ago I had cognitive testing done and I had quite a few areas in the lower percentile with memory and reaction time, my PCP thinks we need to repeat it on the 25th because of my symptoms but I think itd be more accurate not doing it while all this stress is going on. How bad is brain fog in others?? Does it affect your day to day activities?
Seriously though, my gosh, you have a whole lot on your plate! I am so sorry to hear this. Of course you miss you daughter! No matter what, they are our children.
I do have problems with a little fog, but not a lot, thankfully. I do have to make lists and notes for everything. I then realized that while I did 'write it down' then I had issues of remembering what was the reason I wrote it down - does that make any sense? Now I have a notebook, and write what I need to remember in that. I set my cell phone alarm with appts, so it will tell me what to do, etc.
Caseworker, counselor, Remicade: you are taking steps to make the situation better. I hope it all works. It's time for you to catch a break.
If it were me, I think I would postpone the cognitive testing until my head felt a little more like my own. Yours is going in eight different directions, I'd imagine.
I do have brain fog. The degree changes.
Stress has always enhanced exhaustion & brainfog & at times pain levels.
I simply can't think or get my thoughts out. If I'm under major stress it can be complete mental blocks & I swear I sound drunk. Slur my words best way to describe. Overwhelmed I do not function well.
It also sets off the worst exhaustion where I'll fall asleep no matter where I am.
By now I'm able to connect the dots.
Just in case might be wise to consider delaying.
My heart goes out to you. I'm going through something very similar it's beyond stressful. I'm here should you need an ear.
Sammy