I can haz drugs nao?

[next_to_normal]

One of my classes this summer is on health care policy, and I hope it answers this question: "Why are insurance companies so dumb?"

To recap, I've been on Remicade since I went to the hospital in January. At first, it seemed like a miracle drug, because within two days of the infusion, I felt great and it was like I'd never been sick. The schedule is such that I started out going back after two weeks, then after four, and then it's supposed to be every eight weeks until further notice. When I went back after two weeks, everything was great. No symptoms, feeling like a regular human being again. The four-week stretch was a bit of a problem. I made it to three before I started having symptoms again. But again, as soon as I got the treatment, I was back to normal within a couple days.

The eight-week thing has thus far been impossible. I made it four weeks last time, and had to go in early because there was no way I would last another whole month. That time it took over a week before I bounced back, and I started having symptoms again four weeks after that. I still have another week and a half until my next appointment, and I've been trying to get it moved up so that I'm not in pain until next Friday, but the insurance company is dragging its feet getting my prescription refilled. (I have to go through a specialty pharmacy and get prior approval because it's so expensive.)

Don't they realize this is exactly how I ended up going to the hospital in the first place? I was supposed to start on this medicine, but because the insurance took their good old time getting it approved, two weeks later I still had no medicine and was puking my guts up pretty much every day. I would not like to repeat that experience, so please to be giving me drugs now, k?

In other news, I went over a friend's house to watch Glee last night. It was my first time, so, people who watch it - is it always like that? Is that a typical episode? Because I remain unimpressed and can't figure out why it's such a sensation (except, of course, that it's got big flashy musical numbers, but WTF, watch an ACTUAL musical, why don't you?). Afterward, my friend said to me, "You want to watch the whole thing now, don't you?" and I was like, "Um, maybe if NPH were in every episode..." I remain puzzled as to how this happened. I mean, this is the friend who introduced me to Buffy, Angel, and Veronica Mars. She MUST have good taste. And yet, not only did we watch Glee, she also subjected me to Cougar Town. I don't understand.

Comments

[gabrielleabelle.livejournal.com]

Ugh. Insurance companies are stupid-heads. I'm having my own issues cause the current meds my gastrologist wants me on are upwards of $500 w/o insurance (since I hit my annual cap). I've spent the past week going between my doctor and the pharmacy to try to find a cheaper alternative (that'll still be effective in fixing the problem).

You have my utmost sympathy. *cuddles*

Re: Glee. Heh. Last night was actually one of the better episodes. I've found Glee is best taken as a no-substance sugary confection of a show. I'm mainly watching for the musical numbers because they're sometimes awesome. Oh, and Sue. I love Sue. She didn't have a big part in last night's episode, so you didn't really get to see her awesomeness.

But I think I'd prefer to watch an All Sue show. The rest of the cast doesn't interest me much anymore.

[slaymesoftly.livejournal.com]

Oh, sorry you're not doing well again. This is the reason people hate insurance companies...

I've watched Glee a few times, but it never sucked me in. I do like the musical numbers, but have no desire to sit through the rest of the show every week just for the singing finale. I did almost watch last night because of NPH, but didn't. I'm assuming he was very good?

[beloved-77.livejournal.com]

I was a bit cautious with Glee when the media first started saying what a hit it was...before it ever premiered. :-P I watched a few episodes at the very beginning, but it was a bit too contrived for me. I did stumble into it again a few weeks ago, and it's watchable, but not a sensation for me. But there are some funny parts.

[green-maia.livejournal.com]

{{{{*Hugs*}}}}


This is why I want a single-payer health-care system...

[penny-lane-42.livejournal.com]

I do not understand why this country can't get it through its head that PREVENTATIVE CARE IS A GOOD THING. Spending some money now in small doses is so much better than spending lots of money later--not to mention that it makes people's lives easier.

*hugs*

I hope the stupid insurance company comes through for you.

I need to watch this week's episode because of my NPH love, but yes: Glee is a disappointment. And I'm all about watching real musicals instead. I feel kind of clairvoyant! I knew you wouldn't like it!

Also, I don't think I've mentioned this before--but I love you using my "unironic musical love" tag. Love it.

[urania-calliope.livejournal.com]

:( I'm sorry about the sickness. *hugs*

[alwaysjbj.livejournal.com]

I watched five minutes of Glee because everyone raved about how good it was...it was five minutes too long! I really don't get what people see in it.

[dragonflylady77.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry you're going through this!! I hope the insurance and the doctor come through for you really soon. *huggles*

As for Glee the only episode I've seen had Kristin Chenoweth in it. I loved her but I don't get the Glee thing. At all.

[dreamsofspike.livejournal.com]

I think i'm the only one on your flist that actually *adores* the show... :P hehe

and as someone else said, it's meant to be taken lightly, tongue-in-cheek... its deliberately exaggerated characterizations, etc... and of course the point is the amazing musical numbers... i have to admit, though, the ep you saw was a bit of a disappointment, despite NPH... i really was disappointed because i thought, show is usually good... NPH is usually awesome... this should be EPIC!!

And, um.. not so much :(

And there wasn't much in the way of actual plot development in that ep, besides the whole "Rachel's mom" angle...

If you could muster up the desire to try a different ep, I'd actually recommend the two in a row right before the last one... there's loads of emotion and character development and such in those ;)

and yeah, insurance companies are buttheads :( i worked for one for a year, and it's all about making as much money as possible and paying out as little as possible in claims :( it sucks :( *Hugs* sorry you're going through such a hard time with them :(

[sevvy-o.livejournal.com]

Insurance companies suck. I'm sorry you're in pain. =(

Hahaha I love Glee because of its ridiculousness and also to see the occasional Broadway guest stars. I think it has its cute moments, and I feel like I haven't watched a high school show in forever. I didn't see the NPH episode yet though, hopefully tonight!