Hello

[patrick]

I'm new to this forum and thought I would introduce myself instead of lurking around in the back ground and just reading posts as they come up. I was told by doctor about 8 years ago that I had mild to moderate COPD and that I could regain some lung function if I used the meds he was prescribing. I prescribed Advair 250 and Sprivia. At that time I had medical insurance so they were fairly inexpensive at that time. Since then I have lost my insurance coverage so those meds are out of the question. Here where I live the Advair is about $350 USD for 30 day supply and the Sprivia is about the same. I have tried getting on Medicaid but was turned out after waiting for 3 months. Now I'm trying to get Social Security Disability but that can take upwards to 6 months to learn anything, and unfortunately I'll most likely still have to sue the government to get it.

I try to stay active but the chilly weather keeps me indoors most of the time. I walk pretty much every chance I get when my lumbar isn't acting up. I have been looking for a tread mill or stationary bicycle for use indoors. The Pulmo doctor said either one would be good for me. I am married and we live in Georgia up in the north east corner of the state. My spouse is a smoker and has been for years, I would like to say she smokes outside but she doesn't. I can hardly wait till the weather gets better so I can go outside for fresh air. That's about all I have to 'say' at this time. I am glad to have stumbled across this site, from what I have read in the posts everyone seems friendly, fun and helpful. I look forward to meeting everyone and interacting with them. Sincerely, Patrick

[John]

welcome8 Patrick You have come to the right place . I am also on Advair 250/50 and sprivia . I am also on pro air rescue inhaler . I get mine thought express script .They send me 3 mo.s @ a time. You can apply thought your pharmacy for a hardship and get meds from the drug co.s at low cost . Any way glad to have you on board . thumbsupde1

[David]

Patrick, glad to meet you. I live near Destin, Fl. I am on disability. I was diagnosed with Emphysema in 1983 and went on disability in 2003. By then they couldn't turn me down. All they had to do was look at the x-ray.
This is a good place to ask questions if you have any.

[peter]

Welcome Patrick, My name is Peter and on behave of COPD in Canada & The World I want to extend to you a warm welcome . You will find a lot of information here. So look around and when your ready please join us @ the fence.

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[sandy07]

thepr131yo9Welcome Patrick. Please feel free to ask questions. We're here to help.

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

Hi Patrick and Welcome! Thank you for sharing a bit about yourself.

A great bunch of people here; all at various stages of the disease and learned/living experience and many with comorbidities. Most important; all are willing to help and support.

I also read you're from Georgia; a lovely state; I'm quite familiar with it. Sounds like you're up near the Appalachians.

It sounds like you "were" taking Advair and Spiriva but you aren't any longer due to cost. What is it you take now may I ask and do you know what your "current" lung function is?

One other question is you don't mind...... have you ever heard of ADC (All Day Chemist) by any chance? They're a very, very reputable prescription meds (mail order) company out of India that many, many people have and do, use; particularly in the US. (Use to also be availiable here in Canada but no longer) A heck of a lot cheaper I'll tell ya...

[Deborah]

Welcome, Patrick! Like you I have mild COPD and have been on both Advair and Spiriva. THe situation is different in Canada but it is still not cheap. The insurance company was changed and I was astonished at how much more I have to pay, although nothing like your costs. I hope you find a solution quickly; this is a great forum for getting ideas and for getting support.

Welcome!

Deborah

[susanny]

welcome8 Patrick!

Do you mind answering the question "how did you feel taking the Advair and Spiriva"? Did they do you any good and help? Are you still seeing the same dr you were seeing before when you had insurance?

I see on tv commercials that Advair will help you out financially for the prescription. I called them myself back when it was too expensive for me, and I don't remember how much they helped but it was substantial. I think that most prescription co.'s will offer some help these days, so just contact both of them and see what happens. Don't be afraid to lay on a sob story because they certainly make enough money off of the insurance cos. If you can't do it on what is offered by them, ask your physician for a different prescription to try. He's probably got samples in his cupboard for you to try to see if they work. I switched to a new 'script, called Tudorsza Pressair, which takes the place of Spiriva, and it helps so much better for me. You also take it twice a day, which is better than the once a day with Spiriva.

there are other scripts that will take the place of Advair as well, so don't be afraid to ask your dr about them and then try and see which ones offer financial assistance. The address and phone number is on the box and you can get it off an old box or ask the pharmacist for it.

Do you have a rescue inhaler to use inbetween your uses of Advair and Spiriva? I use Proventil, and other folks have different inhalers. Maybe some will share the names of their's with you?

Good luck, Patrick.

[sandy07]

I've heard of Allday Chemist as well. I was told the prices are sometimes less than half. Also, a little tip I heard, if you place an order they'll ask for your prescription....don't worry about it. But if you have one from the doctor then use it but you won't have to apparently. I tried to order and get cheaper drugs but it won't let Canadians order.

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

I've used ADC in the past for quite awhile for D and myself before we had 2ndary insurance for scripts and before it got toooo bad that they can't/won't ship anymore to Canada; even after they set up a different storefront. They're still getting through in the US and yes; the prices are substantially less.

[jim]

Hi Patrick, it's nice to meet you.

[patrick]

Dec 29, 2013 20:58:24 GMT -5 David said:

Patrick, glad to meet you. I live near Destin, Fl. I am on disability. I was diagnosed with Emphysema in 1983 and went on disability in 2003. By then they couldn't turn me down. All they had to do was look at the x-ray.
This is a good place to ask questions if you have any.

I applied for Social Security Disability about 5 months ago and they apparently are working on my case. About three (3 days) ago I received a 12 page letter/form to fill out about my condition. Social Sec had those pages loaded down with questions concerning how I do depend on others to help me get things done. I do pray for God's guidance when I fill out the latest form. Soc.Sec now have the last three lung function test results, my x-rays, and doctor statements. I have 3 doctors, 2 of which are Pulmonary doctors saying I need to retire and apply for disability. I'll be 61 years old this on February 8Th of this year. I hope this will be in my favor. The fellow at Soc. Sec that did the initial interview seemed to think I should, of course that was off the record. I've been praying this will happen, and so has my Dad and his friends as well as the folks at church.

[David]

Sounds like you will approved. I was working up to the time I went to their Doctor. I did not have a Doctor.
The day I went to their Doctor I had to quit work for 6 months then I was approved for an SSI check.
Then I had to wait 2 years to get on Medicare. Then I found me a Doctor.

Maybe since you are 61 yr old you may not have to wait 2 years for Medicare.

[patrick]

TO: Susanny I have seen those ad's on the television (USA) so many times I became convinced I might get help. I sent off the paper work they sent to me and received a one month's script of Advair at no cost after that it was full price. So that lead me to dead end. The best discounting is done by a group named Together Access RX unfortunately after February 14th they will cease to operate, because according to the letter I got from Together Access was that Obama-Care will take care of my medicines. Well long story short I don't qualify for that Obama-Care, and I was turned down by Medicaid because my spouse had an income of $652.00 per month from her disability.