Today is Day 88 of the Art Apple A Day Retrospective – for information on the project click here.

Day Eighty Eight – December 27, 2010

Looking back 10 years ago today…

I can see that all these years later, I’m still managing the ups and downs of insurance issues with a drug I’ve now been on for just over 14 years.

Wow.

I almost had to postpone my regularly scheduled infusion this last month because my dose was adjusted down for the 40lbs of weight loss I’ve accomplished since March. The change (even lowering of dose of a drug with a 14 year track record) required an approval from my insurance company. You would think they would jump at the lowered dose. Lowered dose = lowered cost! But it took a lot longer than any sane person would think it might. All worked out fine but it is just another example of how difficult it can be to manage getting a life changing medication and the worry that goes along with that. On top of that in the two weeks since lowering the dose, I’ve experienced pain in my hips that I wasn’t having before. Could it be a coincidence? My Rheumatologist believes a change couldn’t make an impact so quickly. I’m not convinced but time will tell. I made sure to report the issue so that it is in my chart to support increasing my dose back if needed. It’s always something, huh?

Guess who knows that? Yes… YOU. All of you who share this diagnosis. I feel loved and surrounded by you and your understanding love and empathy. What would I do without you all! I paint us apples, you send me love to keep going – thank you so much!!!

To see my original Day 88 post ~ All Heart and One Apple ~ from 10 years ago click here or on the image above.

And the story will continue tomorrow…