The Medicine Program

I was diagnosed with Diabetes insipidus when I was only 12 years old. The condition came out of nowhere; I don’t even remember how it started only that I was drinking pitchers and pitchers of fruit juice in a day! Needless to say my parents wondered where this sudden thirst came from, but just thought that I was being a normal active kid.
It was when I went to see my family doctor that he noticed that something must be wrong. They looked at Addison’s disease, MRI’s, blood work and nothing showed any signs of abnormality. After realizing that my electrolyte levels were totally out of wack did they diagnose the diabetes insipidus based on reported symptoms. I began taking a medication called desmopressin, which came in a nasal spray. My family didn’t have a lot of money so I had to use the generic form, which needed to be refrigerated at all times. I carried a lunch box backed with ice for the rest of my school career and finally when I did get to college the unrefrigerated bottle was available to me. It has been a long struggle to understand what my body will react to and how to control my electrolytes. After being hospitalized for hyponatremia, I vowed to myself to keep myself healthy and NEVER go back to the hospital for anything that I could control. That was in April 1999 and I am happy to say that I haven’t been back since.

Carla A, Pennsylvania

I thought I could afford my prescriptions while I was looking for a new job. I was horrified to discover that the “cost” amount listed on the drugstore’s paperwork for a drug when you have insurance is not the same amount as the “cost” amount when you are not insured! That means that when you have no job, and so usually no health insurance, that you have to pay the most when you can least afford it. To make a bad thing even worse, there seems to be no way to know what the difference is between the “cost” as shown for the insurance companies and the real cost when you have to buy them yourself.

Melissa N.,Virginia

I was officially diagnosed with type II diabetes this year. I had it for several decades prior though and no one followed up on elevated sugar levels etc. So on top of asthma, severe allergies and now diabetes I am going broke taking medications and testing my blood sugar several times per day. Any help would be most appreciated. Thank you.

Judith, New York

I am a 73 year old female. Along with high blood pressure since 38 (inherited) of course high cholesterol (also inherited) and depression for 8 years, probably on account of all the inherited things - and - asthma at 62, plus wheat and gluten allergy at 65 - I guess you could say I am a mess. I do my best to keep smiling and my friends cannot believe I also suffered with headaches for 46 years until a sebaceous cyst burst open on my head and - whamoo - headaches gone! (I cannot tell you the tests I went through trying to get to the bottom of the headaches). Now on Social Security, it is very difficult to continue my prescription ritual. Your help would be very much appreciated. Oh yes, never could take anything stronger than “Tylenol” for pain all those years. (Allergic to codeine and sulphur, too.)

Lucille T., Phoenix, Arizona

I am recovering from breast cancer and my doctor prescribed that I take Folgard RX. I have had a mastectomy and Chemo. I have also had breast reconstruction. My hair is beginning to grow back and I am getting my strength back. I am doing great and looking forward to a full recovery.

Judith J., Alabama