Provigil is go

[clevermanka]

My appointment with Dr. Burt was successful. Our conversation went something like this.

Me: So I've been reading about this medication developed for narcolepsy that's also being used to help people manage with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I'd like to try it.

Dr. Burt: You mean Provigil?

Me: Uh. Yeah!

Dr. Burt: Sure, sounds like a great idea.

Me: Uh. Wow! Thanks.

Dr. Burt: So, what's new with you?

I have an appointment at the end of this month to report on how I'm feeling on the stuff.

I knew Provigil wouldn't be on the State of Kansas Blue Cross formulary, and I was prepared to pay for it. My friend who recommended it said she pays (I think) $200 a month. So I wasn't horrified by my $75 co-pay when I picked it up at Walgreens (in fact, I was relieved it was under $100). But holy shit, people, look at the price without insurance.



Our healthcare system is fucked. No doubt about it. Uninsured or poor people don't need specialized drugs, I guess.

mckitterick was (surprisingly) awake when I left for the office this morning and offered me a ride. But how could I turn down an opportunity to walk to work in 72 degrees and slightly rainy weather? It was delightful.

Gold star time: I exercised every weekday morning this week.



And, finally, from adammaker: Brilliantly sarcastic responses to completely well-meaning signs.

I'm only in the office for twenty more minutes! Woot!

Comments

[normalcyispasse.livejournal.com]

You're right. Health care in America IS fucked.

And so when I need care or medicine, this is why I go to Mexico. Yay, America, winning!

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

I remember my dad annually flying down to Mexico to get medication for my grandma because it was cheaper to do that than to buy the stuff in the states. Crazy.

[tessagratton.livejournal.com]

POST NO BILLS!

Those signs made my morning.

[mckitterick.livejournal.com]

They made my night! Continued along to a few of the other signs. Aw, yeah.

[saffronhare.livejournal.com]

So glad you're going to get to try the new meds. I hope they're helpful!

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

I'm loving them so far!

[harmfulguy.livejournal.com]

I think US citizens are, at this point, paying for the entire world's pharmaceutical development. At least, R&D is always the reason cited why we can't legislate price controls (like everybody the hell else does). Then again, I'd love to see how Big Pharma's Research and Marketing budgets compare.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

The system of marketing of prescription drugs disgusts me. Bleh.

[miischelle.livejournal.com]

Uninsured or poor people don't need specialized drugs, I guess.

Well if they'd just die they wouldn't need health care. Or unemployment. Or help at all.....


That's the one thing that's been making me nutty about all of this free birth control jabber - yes, if you have insurance it might only be 5 dollars - but for everybody without insurance, it does not cost the same as a latte. Rich people are stupid. And out of touch with reality. And stupid.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Srsly. An unfortunately, it's not just the rich people being stupid. It's also the poor and (often) un- or under-insured who are listening to those douchebags. Un. Real.

[redheadfae.livejournal.com]

HOLY FUKKIN CHIT.
Yeh, best healthcare in the world, MY ASS.

If it weren't for a $1000 a week injection, my SIL would be bedridden with her MS. Tell me how to explain that one to the poor mo-fo's with it that can't afford those shots and have to suffer.

I hope it works for you, and that you always have insurance to cover it.. !

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Yeh, best healthcare in the world, MY ASS.

I mean, how can anyone (who doesn't make scads of money) possibly believe this? It's so demonstrably false!

[redheadfae.livejournal.com]

Wow, I read the Wiki on Modafinil, so many useful applications.
Is this the generic of Modafinil or Provigil you're getting?
I'm always interested in the differences, because my Adderall in generic makes me irritable, but staying with the brand and I'm just alert, and we both know the story on thyroid meds there, too.

ETA: see? I'm not on the Adderall today and forgot where I was going with this.
Interesting that the US considers it a controlled drug, but other countries don't do so. :more healthcare teeth-gnashing:

[renniemom.livejournal.com]

Excited for you to try the new drugs and report positive results!

I've given up even stating my opinion about the health system in this country. I'm thankful every single day that my family is healthy, and my heart breaks a little more every time I hear someone who can't afford health insurance needing some ridiculously expensive treatment/med. Kenzie's dad in unemployed and has no health insurance + stroke + emergency surgery + hospital, surgeon, therapists, et al = $275k. Even with hardship assistance he still owes $70k. I hope he got some lube in there somewhere...

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Thank you! I'm excited about it, too!

Like miischelle said above, the poor people should just die and get out of the way. I mean, what are they contributing to the greatness of this country? *rage*

[annamatic.livejournal.com]

My mother-in-law's meds are $1800 a month, and she's uninsured. Fun times.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I actually thought of you specifically when I saw the price on these. *hugs*

[e4q.livejournal.com]

i'm going to ask for it as well. my doc is a bit of a bugger, and it's not being used off label in the uk according to the wikipedia article on it, but you never know. and i am certainly sick and tired of being sick and tired.

i actually think that the fatigue, as well as being debilitating in itself, is partly triggering my migraines. he might buy that argument.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Oh, good luck! So far, I feel just great on them. Not only not exhausted, but more positive and alert. It's awesome.

[e4q.livejournal.com]

fingers crossed. i see him this week.

[bethan-b-bad.livejournal.com]

JESUS FUCK.

Thank God for the NHS; I've never paid for a prescription in my entire life, let alone ... Jesus. Those prices. I cannot even.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

But...but...how is that possible? I'm the one in America! I have the best health insurance in the wooooooorrrrrrllllld!!!!

Pffft

[http://users.livejournal.com/_luaineach/]

Oh! Please report on how you feel on the drug after the month because I've been eyeing it myself. My dopamine production took a huge hit when I quit smoking (and that is something that is slow to reverse itself naturally) and there are very few drugs that are directed to dopamine without also being directed to serotonin (and my levels of THAT are fine). So, I will be personally very interested to see how you feel when you are on it.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

So far I feel fucking awesome. I could tell a difference by the second day.

I'll be writing up a post with my one-week report this coming Friday.