Several years ago, something was wrong with my right thumb joint because it collapsed inward. I had surgery in Asheville, but it failed. I made the decision to go to a hand surgeon in Charlotte recommended to me by an orthopedic surgeon at my church. This time the surgery was successful.

I went for several years without any problems. I could write, open jars and do just about anything with that hand. The surgeon did caution me to be careful with it which I was. Lo and behold several years later, I began having difficulties with it again. I went back to the doctor in Asheville, and he said something was wrong with my hand and I should see a Rheumatoid physician. I thought he was crazy, but I made the appointment.

She ran many tests and several months went by. I was getting frustrated with my hand especially when I tried to type. I had to use my index finger on my right hand while typing normally with my left one. It didn’t hurt, which I appreciated.

While inconclusive, it appeared I had Rheumatoid Arthritis. She recommended I take a drug by injection. After a few months of thinking about it, I decided to try. She said the drug would prevent it from getting worse, but it wouldn’t correct the damage already done. Since it was expensive, it had to be approved by my insurance company. I got some sort of coupon which meant I didn’t have to pay the $1600 a month cost.

I received a bill for $1600 so I called the drug company to figure out what was going on. I spent three hours – no joke – on the phone with the drug company until it was finally figured out. Now my insurance company told me it isn’t covered for next year. My doctor is trying to determine what drug she can prescribe.

The whole thing is ridiculous. With the extra hour I spent on the phone it was 4 hours of my life trying to figure this out. Our medical system is broken, and the drug companies are making out like bandits. I can only imagine what it is like having cancer or some other complicated illness. I only had to deal with one drug company – not several. Something must be done and soon. Will it? I highly doubt it.