Do without my pain meds this month because I can't afford them.
I just got home from my neurosurgeon consult. It went well. He doesn't want to do surgery due to risk of paralysis. He said "I would rather your doctor get your pain under control." My PCP/PM is thinking the same. She has changed my scripts to 60 Oxycontin 20mg and 90 10mg oxys IR. That's over $900 before insurance. Fortunately, being disabled, I have decent insurance. My PCP was able to get a PA for the Oxycontin 20mg. That brings it down to $289.72 + $5.00 for the oxycodone.
All my bills are paid this month and we have food, shelter, and utilities. I'm grateful to God for that.
Unfortunately $289.72 may as well be $1000 to me. Disability just doesn't pay that well. I am finally able to get my doctor to prescribe the Oxycontin ER, but the script is useless.
I'm kinda glad I don't have any family left. First I lost them to chronic pain, then they have passed on. This is one time I wish I had family to help me.
I'm grateful my surgery consult went well. If the surgery went well, then I am looking at a 30% decrease in pain. At least that's my neurosurgeon's high end estimate, of course it could be less. Also my age, 64, coupled with a lifetime of smoking certainly is not in my favor of the bones fusing correctly if at all.
I am depressed to say the least. I've got a few days to taper before I am out of my oxy 15s.
I'm just frustrated and needed to vent. I'll be bed bound for at least a month. Unfortunately there's not a less expensive option my doctor will prescribe. I'm allergic to morphine. Xtampa is over $400.
May God bless and guide this wonderful community. You guys and gals are kind, caring, and compassionate. I appreciate you and love you. Have an awesome pain free day.
Respectfully,
Jace