From the article: The Cost Of Having Seropositive Rheumatoid Arthritis
When we talk about arthritis, we usually discuss physical aspects. But arthritis can have a broader impact than that -- including a financial impact. There are medical bills and the cost of prescription drugs to consider. There may be the need to change jobs and take a lower-paying position. There are missed days at work, and medical leaves of absence. Indirect costs too, like eating out more, or the need for a housekeeper.
When you consider how arthritis has impacted your life -- ask yourself how much has been a financial impact. Then, share your experience. In what way has arthritis had a financial impact? Share Your Experience
Arthritis
- YES!I to am on disability due to my Osteo&Rheu Arthritis. Meds ALL are overated & overpriced. NONE work or HELP. Morphine doesn't work as well. Wasted $$ Only. Arthritis Has affected my relationship past! AS WELL. No BIG Deal though If anyone CANNOT understand what PAIN does and FAILS to HELP understand is WORTHLESS. Medical community is OVER RATED & OVER PRICED. As well the medical community's EXECRISE! HELPS! Thats 100% BS if you have Arthritis. Just moving period is a Killer 24/7. Medical community is FULL of EXCUSES But NO Results HELP. Life style changes again 100% BS per Medical community Excuses.The Disability is a living HELL.Financially & Emotionally as well.The medical community is 100% All about $$$$ ONLY. NO results just money, And excuses ONLY. Just like WALL St & Corp USA the Colleges, Medical community are 100% BS excuses and $$$ GREED driven ONLY.Note: I am NOT Lazy or over weight, Just in PAIN 24/7 and out BIG $ for nothing.Thats Arthritis.U.S.A.
- —Guest Cliff
Arthritis - Financial Impact
- The cost for the meds I take now has more than tripled. I take biologics and OTC meds to help with the pain, plus the days off from work. On a job with no overtime pay available and regular medical - I live from check to check, with no overlap and always trying to 'cheat Peter to pay Paul'. With no help in site, not only are you in pain, but depressed as well - and I refuse to take more costly meds for depression.
- —Guest lchillersm
Definite disadvantage
- Unfortunately with my diagnosis of both RA and osteo plus spondylosis I am unable to work. I have lost well over 2/3rds of my income. Before the arthritis was diagnosed I was off work with depression which I have had for the past ten years and it is still no better. I have had to take early retirement with very few benefits and life is very mundane and difficult. Just for you info I live in the U.K.
- —Guest Steven Griffin
Financial burden of RA
- After living with RA for over two decades, I can state without reservation, that this diease has cost my family hundreds of thousands of dollars. For six years, I was unable to work at all. Co-pay for my meds and doctor visits, even with insurance is in the $8,000-$12,000 range pr year. Now that I am gainfully employed, I have to hire someone to clean my house, because I am simply too exhausted. We purchase pre-made dinners or eat out because I am not up to cooking most nights. Even my comfortable shoes are super expensive. All financial decisions are based on my inability to contribute income because this disease is so unpredictable. No McMansion for us; no fancy cars and no summer bungalow down at the shore. RA is the financial monkey on our back!
- —PeggyNL
A slippery slope indeed...
- There is no doubt in my mind that anyone with ra or any chronic illness for that matter takes a major hit financially. We slipped greatly right after my diagnoses but have stayed the course since. And given our country's current economic crunch, I consider us lucky. My heart breaks for the thousands without health insurance, a job, and now even the loss of their homes while having to deal with ra. And given the tough job market, so many with chronic illness are afraid to disclose their illnesses for fear of a job loss. Truly a sad state of affairs. I can only hope that at some point the economy will pick back up and avail those with disabilities to once again not fear a job loss due to illness.
- —Guest deb aka abcsofra
Has arthritis effected you financially?
- Yes. I am on disability and divorced after 23 years of marriage. My ability to earn a good living was taken away. Arthritis changed me and so my marriage.
- —Guest Linda Miles
