My hand is healing nicely!! The splint didn't last long. It was SO annoying to wear, I couldn't type, I couldn't walk the dog, I couldn't open a door... nothin. It's almost been two weeks, and other than being a little stiff and sore I think I will survive!!
My energy levels have been pretty low this week. I think it's the weather! It goes from being sunny to rainy, spring to winter - Mother Nature cannot make up her mind. I am still Rebif side effect free!!! This is a huge relief to me.
As some of you may remember, my biggest complaint was the nasty red spots that I got after every injection. The small red marks turned into GIANT red marks when my dose went up to 44mcg. The spots were driving me crazy and I was not impressed. I did some research online and learned about this stuff called Arnica Gel. It's made out of daisies and herbs and is used for sore muscles and bruises. It smells horrible, but it WORKS! I rub it on every injection site, and my huge red spots never appear!!! So far I've used it for my past three injections, and I'm spot free for all three. I highly recommend it for anybody that is having the red spot issue with their injections. If you can deal with the smell until it dries, go buy some!
I had my neurologist appointment the day after I broke my hand. As always, the office was running an hour behind. I don't know why I continue to rush there for my appointments when they have not been on time once for my appointments. They even lost my spinal tap appointment after I had booked the day off work, arranged for a ride and for my boyfriend to look after me. We got there, and they said they didn't have my appointment written down. Luckily they pencilled me in, but still!! Anyways, my appointment this time went great. My spinal MRI came back with NO lesions, everything looks normal and good. I should have asked about the arteries in my neck, but I figured since he didn't bring it up that there was probably nothing there.
I've made some really great changes in regards to my diet. Trying to eat healthy lunches, avoiding high fat/salt foods. Making sure that I'm eating breakfast, lunch and dinner. It's HARD! I've cheated a couple times with some sweets/candy, and McDonalds for dinner last night hah but I'm definitely better than I was in the past, and it can only mean good things for me! I need to concentrate on getting more exercise now - but it's hard when you're so tired!! ARGHHH. I should really be taken my Alertec more often.
Now here's the best story. My last four vials of Rebif cost $700.00 after my insurance went through. Actually it was $800.00 until I complained to the pharmacy and they knocked $100.00 off. Before insurance it was $2040.00. I decided to take my prescription to few different places and see what kind of prices I was offered. Save-on grocery was around $1800.00, and Costco was $1600.00. HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE?!?!!? A $440.00 difference between a People's Drug Mart and Costco?!?!?! I was so furious at People's Drug Mart when I found out the price difference that I transferred every last prescription to Costco and I'll never use the People's Drug Mart Pharmacy again. Talk about taking advantage of sick people. It makes me want to throw up. Since Fair Pharmacare (the insurance I get through the province) is paying a higher percentage now my monthly Rebif supply cost me a whopping $104.00!!! That's manageable. I think it will be cheaper the next round because each time I fill the prescription Fair Pharmacare covers a higher percentage but I'm not exactly sure.
That's all for now. I worked late tonight, and I'm ready to sink into my comfy bed with my dog, my cat, and an iPod full of podcasts.
~Sarah
Just about to go to bed, and I see this! http://www.vancouversun.com/health/First+oral+treatment+approved+Canada+says+drug+company/4420028/story.html Thoughts?
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