I have had RA since my late 20's. I received prednisone but had to many side effects so they took me off the drug. My RA sort of went into remission for awhile and I was lucky with that. Then back about 10 years ago, it decided to rear it's ugly head again and with a vengence. Now, I had no medical insurance and I was stuck. Some people from our church got together and got me some medical help with some pain killers and they paid a hospital bill when I had to go because the pain was just to bad to deal with. Now, I am again stuck with no way out. No pain killers, no drugs of any sort except what I can find OTC. Does anyone else have this problem? I don't qualify for any assistance of any sort. My dh is retired and on Medicare himself. The RA is really taking it's tole on my. It's getting harder and harder to do much. They want to do some surgery on my neck because it's so bad but I can't afford that. The RA is affecting my kidneys and heart. I keep going on though. I do what I can and surprisingly, I manage to get alot done myself as my husband isn't much help to me. Life is difficult but you've got to keep going. All I can do now is pray that something good will happen and happen soon before it's to late for me. The pain is unbearable most days and I rarely have a "good" day anymore. I have almost constant flareups now. When will it end. I've tried alternatives as I really believe in them but they just don't help. God give me strength.


My heart goes out to you as I cannot imagine what I would be like at this moment without my medication. Have you tried www.FreeMedicineFoundation.com, the program that Montell Williams was a spokesperson for? I've also seen notations on other RA medication flyers saying to call a certain number if you can't afford your medications. From what I've learned about RA this is a progressive disabling disease and you need to get medications now to stop it before it gets worse. I hope you can find some help so that you can control your RA or that God hears you and grants you a miracle. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
I was just reading the post from Lea which included an entire list of companies which provide assistance. Perhaps you can contact some of these organizations and explain your situation (not being able to afford the doctor's visit to get the scrips). I believe in never saying never. It can't hurt! I'm cheering for you to find a solution!
http://www.rheumatology.org/public/acrast.asp
We've tried! No help available. No insurance-no doctor-no meds.