The start of 2013

I know it's been already a month since the new year started but in my defense we haven't had a computer since two days after Christmas so I haven't had a chance to update my blog. So here goes......I'll start with January since nothing major happened after my post in December.

 We are smack dab in the middle of  RSV season which means synagis shots for my little man. I've mentioned synagis MANY times and how costly they are, but I may have never explained how much of a pain in the butt they are to get. I'll quickly remind you these shots are now $4,400 for 1 single dose and Eli is supposed to get 5 a year. Well as we all know Jan 1st starts new insurance deductibles and copays (boo!). We have BCBS who has been great to us through everything albeit sometimes slow but still never denied a single thing. Eli was scheduled for his monthly synagis shot on Jan. 16th, so a few days before that Walgreens specialty pharmacy called to set up delivery and talk copay. In order for Eli's next dose to be delivered we would need to pay $1,486 SAY WHAT!!!!

Side note: Last year since Eli had a cardiac cath and two stents placed within the first few days of the new year we had met our max out of pocket within 6 days of the year starting.  We never had to pay for these shots last year so I was in complete shock when they told us this.

After a few seconds of silence on the phone the Walgreens rep asked what I had wanted to do as far as setting up payment goes. I told her there was no way we could come up with that money before the dose needed to be shipped the following day. She sympathised with me and said herself she wouldn't be able to either. I was choking back the tears when she told me about this assistance foundation that might be able to help us. She was such a sweetheart to offer this to me and gave me the phone number so I could call to see if we're eligible. Before I called the foundation I called Rafe and cried my eyes out to him, stressed out beyond belief because our baby needed these shots and we don't have the money for them. I then called my mom panic stricken, she told me to calm down and don't get all worked up before I've called this foundation and figured things out.

I called up PAN foundation and explained my problems to them. A few simple questions later and we were qualified for assistance! Thank God I was so happy to hear that. We just had to wait for the doctors office to fax information back to them (why Eli really needs these shots, etc) and we would be on our way to synagis.

 Now I know his February does is coming up in less than 2 weeks and I know Walgreens will be calling me again for payment. This months shot will cost $994 so I'm not really sure if I have to call PAN again and ask for assistance or if Walgreens knows what to do with it. We did receive a plastic prescription card for Eli so I'm not really sure. I guess we will cross that bridge in a week or two.

While we were at the doctors office for the shots the pediatrician wanted to check his ears. Eli has developed a complete and utter fear of this doctor and flips out when she walks into the room. It takes two of us to restrain Eli just so she can look into his ears. The doctor keeps saying they look red and irritated inside but never gets a good solid look at them. She has requested we see an Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) doctor so he can get a better look. Guess who she asked us to see!?! The same doctor who wanted to give Eli a tracheotomy at a month old. He is the only ENT doctor that Hope works with and in case Eli needs to be admitted we have to see this doctor. Mind you Dr. Marra has been good to us since but I may never forgive him for the trach drama. Grandma, Eli, and I will be headed to see our good friend Dr. Marra on the 7th and hopefully get some good news from him. The following week is synagis shots, woohoo.

On another note, Eli is still not walking. He has been stuck in this stage for months now, aggravating. He has taken a few steps for us in physical therapy and at home but we just think he is scared. He will get there when he gets there.

Sorry no pictures for this blog. I'm not on my own computer so I don't know how to upload them lol