The pharmaceutical market is a racquet! Most of my medications are generic; and thank God they cost me nothing. There are a couple of meds that have no generic counterpart; but they are needed to prevent rejection of my second cornea transplant and help control my blood glucose levels. In this post I will focus on the anti-rejection eye drop, Lotemax. The alternative medication to this one is Predforte with its generic counterpart, Prednisolone. Prednisone prevents corneal rejection via steroid treatment that keeps any type of inflammation to a minimum. The main drawback to this low or no cost drug is the resulting increase in eye pressure in patients with glaucoma due to its steroid component. I am one of those glaucoma patients with the degree of severity requiring the use of all four classifications of drugs used in its treatment. Lotemax performs the same function as Prednisolone minus the steroid induced pressure increase.

The cost of this non-generic medication is astronomical. I was fortunate to receive samples from the doctor along with a bottle or two left behind when Wil’s dad died earlier in the year. When I asked for samples during my last appointment, I was informed by Dr. Marks that he did not dispense medication; but only prescribed it. I am on my last tiny sample bottle and feel squished between a rock and a hard place. My prescription is sitting at Walgreens awaiting the result of the tug of war between Dr. Marks stating that I need the higher drug and the insurance company insisting that I use the prednisone drop instead. If the insurance company does pay for the Lotemax, it will cost me at least $260.00; and count $1200.00 toward my Medicare Advantage doughnut hole. Dad had Tricare for Life; and only paid $9.00 per bottle of the same drug. Medicare Prescription Plans do not cover many eye drops. This is one type of medication that is commonly needed and used in advanced age.

I found some prices for the non-insured online. The Canadian Drug Store sells a single 5ml bottle for $28.99 or six 5ml bottles for $91.49. I have my reservations about ordering my medications from another country. Locally, I found it as low as $143.00 at Walmart and as high as $189.00 at Rite-Aid for one 5ml bottle. There seems to be no regularity, guidelines, or limits when it comes to drug pricing.

I am in a Catch 22 situation. If I use the generic prednisone, I risk irreparable damage to my optic nerve from an increase in glaucoma pressure resulting in eventual total blindness. If I cannot shit the gold needed to purchase the Lotemax, I risk losing my cornea. My situation is not uncommon. There are many others out there who suffer similar Catch 22 situations with their own illnesses and medication needs. There are no easy answers; but I will keep searching and hope for the best.

Until next time…

I am pictured wearing a beautiful blue shirt with decorative beading on the front.
Taken November 18, 2013 at Toastmasters International meet and greet with the International President, CEO, and Board of Directors.

I never thought I’d see the day that I actually felt like I looked good in any outfit. My body image and I have been enemies since early childhood. Growing up in an abusive household began the years of self-loathing, overeating, and a general negativity for life. Years of deep discernment, good therapy, and the support of my wonderful husband, family, and loving friends has changed my outlook to one of great expectations for good things to come. The past couple of years have seen improvement in my overall health with the loss of forty pounds and more than forty-five inches body wide (no pun intended). The change in body mass has brought out the beginnings of shape that I have hidden for many years. I have caught myself enjoying trying on clothes (even dresses – very scary). Most of my adult life, I was quite satisfied to wear baggy, ragged, non-descript clothing that hid all signs of any femaleness. As a matter of fact, it would have been okay with me to have had no gender at all. Now, I am feeling more at ease in my body, mind, and soul. It is taking time and patience for me and my body image to become acquaintances. That is the good start to a real friendship. At age 53, it is not too late for me to feel too sexy for my shirt.

Until next time…

 

 

Leader Dog Titan sits proudly at Lions Club meeting.
Leader Dog Titan sits proudly at Lions Club meeting.

On September 14, 2000, breeding stock mom, Whistler, gave birth to her first litter, destined for greatness as Future dog guides.  At six and a half weeks, the puppies were taken to Leader Dogs for the Blind to be issued to puppy raiser families for their first year of life.  Named after the movie, ‘Remember the Titans’, by his raisers, Titan spent this time near Detroit, Michigan.   He was accepted for four months of formal training in October of 2001 beginning an adventure that would last a lifetime.

Titan entered my life on February 13, 2002; just three short weeks after losing my first Leader Dog of more than seven years, Mississippi, suddenly to cancer.  For eleven and a half years Titan was my constant companion.  While working at Family and Children Services, he guided me safely daily on the ten block trek to and from the bus line.  St. Bartholomew’s nursery children shared many stories and tea parties with him.  Titan carried our wedding rings down the aisle in 2003, accompanied me on an Alaska cruise, and was a great ambassador for Leader Dogs and Lionism.  He was the constant in my life through two national moves, a second college degree, and plenty of shopping trips.

On August 30th, I bid a tearful farewell to my Golden angel.  I am in the process of applying for a successor Leader Dog.  Even though both of my Golden Retriever Leader Dogs own my heart, there is room for one more.  I thank the Augusta Lions Club for affording me the opportunity to have such independence and completeness of life that comes from the human dog guide bond.  Adventure number three will be coming soon.

Until next time…