Ankylosing spondylitis is a long-term disease that causes inflammation of the joints between the spinal bones, and the joints between the spine and pelvis. It eventually causes the affected spinal bones to fuse together.
Ankylosing spondylitis is also a systemic disease, meaning it can affect other tissues throughout the body. Accordingly, it can cause inflammation in or injury to other joints away from the spine, as well as to other organs, such as the eyes, heart, lungs, and kidneys.
He has already lost almost all mobility in his shoulders. During a flare up, he has at times, developed such a pressure behind the eye ball it feels like they are being pushed out. His hands swell so much his joints turn white. All his joints hurt badly. It's so hard to see such a young man, especially when it's your child, go through this and not be able to do anything to help him.
His rheumatologist has put him on Methotrexate (a chemotherapy drug), which after several increases, seems to be helping with the pain. He also takes a folic acid supplement is taken in order to help suppress possible side effects.
He didn't escape the poor economy and was laid off, so therefore has no medical insurance. Luckily he has very understanding doctors. His primary care physician, who doesn't charge for his visits and his rheumatologist who gives him a break on lab costs.
Humira was brought up by his rheumo doctor as the next drug to try. It should help with the severe fatigue he experiences. The cost of this medication is $1600.00 per month. The doctor referred him to the Abbott Patient Assistance Foundation. After making sure he was eligible physically, he was accepted!
What a relief!!
Abbott will be delivering the medication free of charge!!
Amen!
We are all so thankful to Abbott and all his doctors.
Fingers crossed these medication will help in his current condition and help prevent any further deteriorating.
What wonderful news for you - praying that this new med will work wonders.
ReplyDeleteJane - Jacksonville
That is a good report on the new meds. I do hope and pray they work with his body for improvement....
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to hear your financial concerns are being met in this matter. Praying the meds will give your son some relief from pain.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to your son. Auto-immune diseases are awful and he has a particularly vicious sounding one.
ReplyDeleteI am glad that God has surrounded you with people who help you and work with you in your difficulties. Even though we do not understand why people must go through such terrible diseases and pain we do know that God is good.
Oh, I'm so glad he qualified. I have a friend who gets Celexa the same way. Truly a blessing. Now, here's hoping it gives him some relief.
ReplyDeleteMy prayers are with your son and also you. Prayer truely is a miraculous thing, just when we think there is no hope, hope and help arrives, thank GOD.
ReplyDeleteBlessYourHearts
Hi Deb, It makes you feel as though a weight has been lifted from your shoulders when you found out about the assistance you were going to get. Your doctors sound like ours who are there for you and help you accomplish what is best for your son's health. It takes that the doctor and all of the others involved at the office to get it done, but they know who to talk to and accomplish it. I will keep him and you in my prayers that this new medication works. We never know until we try is my motto. We have tried a lot of things with my other half and had the help like you so I really can relate to what your family is going through. Take care. Your Missouri Friend.
ReplyDeleteIndeed..... God is good! So glad that your prayers were answered.
ReplyDeletePraise the Lord! What a relief! Lezlee
ReplyDeleteI hope with all my heart that this new medicine helps your son ease his condition. It's always extra hard watching your child suffer. And thank goodness that the medicine cost will be covered!! Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteHave a beautiful weekend Deb!
xo Catherine
Hi Deb,
ReplyDeleteSo Very Glad to hear that your Prayers have been answered.Praying that this Drug will give relief to your Son ~ He is Blessed to have such a Good Dr. who truely cares for the well being of his Patients.
Prayers & Well Wishes for All ~
Angel