I feel for you. Im 69 and was dx in 2008. Its definitely a Rollercoaster. Hang in there. Rest alot. Im in tge same boat ,I just started MTX today hoping for quickly kicking in as well.
July 20
But Everytime I go back I feel like I'm just starting all over and I'm in a lot of pain
July 19
I really need to go back to my rheumatologist
July 19
That sounds really tough, and you're definitely not alone in facing this challenge. Having to stop RA medications suddenly due to insurance gaps is more common than it should be, and it's completely understandable to feel frustrated by it.
Stopping RA medications abruptly can carry some real risks, including:
- Flares — Show Full Answer
That sounds really tough, and you're definitely not alone in facing this challenge. Having to stop RA medications suddenly due to insurance gaps is more common than it should be, and it's completely understandable to feel frustrated by it.
Stopping RA medications abruptly can carry some real risks, including:
- Flares — Inflammation can return quickly and sometimes more intensely than before
- Joint damage — Uncontrolled inflammation over time can accelerate damage to joints
- Reduced medication effectiveness — Some medications may work less well when restarted after a gap
- Increased disease activity — Losing disease control can impact overall health and quality of life There are some options worth exploring to help bridge those insurance gaps:
- Patient assistance programs — Many pharmaceutical manufacturers offer free or reduced-cost medications for people who qualify
- Rheumatologist communication — Letting your doctor know about insurance issues ahead of time may allow them to plan a safer tapering strategy rather than a sudden stop
- Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) — These offer sliding-scale fees for care and sometimes medications
- NeedyMeds.org — A helpful resource for finding drug assistance programs
Keeping your rheumatologist informed about these gaps is really important so they can help protect your joints as much as possible during those periods.
July 19
I have had the same insurance changes. It's frustrating. I suggest going back to the rheumatologist. Be honest with your frustrations. Sometimes they will give Prednisone for a bit to look even out your pain if your having a flare. I've learned that having RA is a practice in patience. I'm not always patient, but I'm better than I used to be. Don't keep suffering call the doctor. ❤️🙏
July 20
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