So, Are You All Going To Send Balloons?
I spent the past few days sick as a dog and finally went in for some IV fluids and meds to stop the vomiting.
We get all through (after 6 hours) and the dr sends me to the pharmacy because he wants me to take a higher dose of Zofran to help me keep food down. I am already taking it twice a day- have been for two weeks.
I get to the pharmacy and THEY WON’T FILL THE PRESCRIPTION.
Apparently, sometime in the last 3 years they changed their policy to only allow 15 Zofran pills per month. This is a WEEKS worth of medication for me. Medication that stops me from having to be hooked up to a PIC line and admitted. Medication that is the single most effective treatment for Hyperemesis Gravidarum. Medication that people NEED.
I call the dr and they talk about it awhile- here is what they can do for me: ADMIT ME. So, in three days when I run out of Zofran, I’m going to be admitted to L&D because there they can give me the drugs I need, no questions asked. Now, since I only have enough meds per month to keep me out of the hospital for one week out of the month- I guess you’ll know where to find me the other 3 weeks.
Don’t know who’s going to watch the kids, or how I’m supposed to get any work done- but apparently, I’m going to be in the hospital. I don’t see how this is saving the government big bucks, considering that now they get to pay for my hospital bed, in addition to the necessary medication they refuse to allow me to have.
The entire POINT of the Zofran is to keep me OUT of the hospital.
I. AM. SO. PISSED.
Believe me, Chris’ commander, his first shirt, the head of patient advocacy, my drs and my worthless congress people will all be hearing from me.
Good Grief! Talk about doing things @#$ backwards! Good luck and I hope things get worked out in a much better way.
Comment by msdramateacherlady — July 30, 2008 @ 6:59 pm
HOLY HELL. Exactly what happened to me (I actually was allowed 21) PICC lines and Zofran shots cost twice as much! Hello? Insurance? Doi.
I had my hopes up that the generic Zofran that was just released would work well, I’m hearing that it doesn’t do crap however.
I’ll be saying pukeless prayers for you.
Comment by moosh in indy. — July 30, 2008 @ 7:23 pm
I am so sorry to read this. I hope you are able to talk some sense into those responsible for this ‘rule’. I will hope for things to work out soon for you.
Comment by Priya — July 30, 2008 @ 7:37 pm
How stupid! I’m so sorry you have to deal with this all the while trying to keep anything down. Maybe if you show up sans meds and bucket, on the doorstop of someone in charge they would help you out
) Really though, I’m sorry and it sucks…
Comment by Melissa — July 30, 2008 @ 7:39 pm
Hopefully they get it after paying for the first hospital stay. The Zofran they give you in the hospital is NOT cheap, as I’m sure you know. My last pregnancy after 5 days in the hospital, the bill was 17,000 dollars, mostly due to Zofran. Needless to say, after that stay, they quickly made allowances for me to get as much Zofran as I needed instead of the paltry 15 pills they previously allotted me.
My friend has been taking the generic, and says it’s been working for her. Maybe they’d let you try it? I don’t really know how well it works personally, though.
Good luck!
Comment by Lara — July 30, 2008 @ 9:47 pm
Oh man, that’s ridiculous. I’ve long thought that if Hell has an HMO, it HAS TO BE Tricare. Seriously. Here’s hoping someone in that organization gets a coherent thought through their head and approves your meds!
(when I was PG they didn’t want to approve me to have an ultrasound. They said it wasn’t medically necessary. I personally think it’s medically necessary to make sure my baby has all its limbs and its organs are in the correct place, but HEY–what do I know? GRRR. Still bitter about that one)
Comment by Heidi German — July 31, 2008 @ 5:15 am
Is it the pharmacy on base? Have Chris get the Shirt involved and the Commander if need be. The hospital Commander should be able to override the policy. Good luck!
Comment by JoNell — July 31, 2008 @ 7:17 am
That really sucks. I remember throwing up until the day I delivered my daughter. It was not constant but it occurred at least once a day. I can not imagine being as sick as you are. And then to be denied the meds that make it manageable? Ugh. One more reason that this country is in so much debt. Frivolous spending on a hospital stay when they could just bow down, give you the meds, and let you be at home with your babies. Good luck. It has been a while since I dropped in so I did not even realize you were pregnant. Congratulations.
Comment by shelly — July 31, 2008 @ 8:50 am
I remember you being PG with Jonas. Tri-care needs to just bite the bullet and give you the pills. I suggest you write a letter to the Tri-care people and tell them the actual numbers of the difference.
Comment by Ellie — July 31, 2008 @ 12:04 pm
That is absolutely ridiculous! I hope they realize what a bunch of idiots they are being soon so you don’t have to continue to suffer!!
Comment by Rachael — July 31, 2008 @ 1:48 pm
I’m sorry to hear that, Leah. Have you tried using those “Sea-Bands”? They’re elastic bands with a plastic piece that applies pressure to the pulse point that are in your wrists. People mainly use them for sea-sickness when they’re out on the water but they worked amazing during both of my pregnancies. I think you can pick them up at Wal-Mart.
I hope that you get better soon! *hugs*
Comment by Michele Brooks — July 31, 2008 @ 4:50 pm
Oh, Leah! I don’t know weather to laugh in joy for you or cry! I have been on vacation for the past while so I have not been looking at your blog…Congratulations on the baby! Especially when you were told you could not have one! God knew better…He always seems to. But I am SOO sorry to hear about your hard time so far. I truely hope that you find some way to fix this before it becomes a crisis. I remember your first pregnency, if you need a testimonial let me know.
My thoughts are with you!
Comment by Nina D — July 31, 2008 @ 6:06 pm
ARRRRGH! I’m ready to throw things over here, and I’m not even the one dealing with this! This is completely ridiculous, and exactly, precisely WHY we need to overthrow the freaking insurance and pharmaceutical companies, and go to universal healthcare, NOW. And you HAVE insurance! What in the world would happen if you didn’t? Oh, and let’s not forget that certain politicians with presidential aspirations want to require insurance companies to cover Viagra. Oh, but anything for women’s reproductive health?? I don’t think so! Don’t worry, sweetie, it’s all in your head, remember? Just close your eyes and think of England, dear.
Argh! I’m so furious! I’m so sorry this is happening to you, and I hope you can convince them of their folly. I’ll be gnashing my teeth on your behalf!
Comment by Mome-rath — August 1, 2008 @ 5:29 am
I’m so sorry! I know it can be frustrating to get what you need.
On a slightly different note, a member of my family needed an expensive surgery that the insurance would not approve. Dr. wrote letters and appealed, explaining the options as surgery or years of hospitalization and expensive medication. It took a while, but they finally approved it. Good luck on your battle!
Comment by Mom2Six — August 1, 2008 @ 9:33 am
This is just plain wrong.!!!!
Comment by Liz — August 1, 2008 @ 1:26 pm
that is completely rediculous.
Comment by amie — August 1, 2008 @ 9:41 pm
i have a friend in the same boat…the insurance will pay for her to be hospitalized during her pregnancy but not pay for a simple perscription of pills!good luck with everything.
Comment by heather — August 2, 2008 @ 5:03 am
Stupid question, but have you tried getting it at an off base pharmacy? They might authorize more that way, if you’re paying for some of it. Just an idea. :]
Comment by Margarite — August 2, 2008 @ 7:58 am