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Shots

I'm not squeamish about shots, but getting two, often painful, blood thinner shots every day is not fun, nor is the bruising that follows. Now that I've been stable (out of the hospital) for over a year, my hematologist and I discussed switching to a different blood thinner. A pill, Eliquis, failed last year and sent me back to the hospital with more blood clots, so that's obviously not an option. Fondaparinux sodium (aka Arixtra - who comes up with these names?) requires one shot per day and costs $50 per month. My current blood thinner costs $180. Ironically, I will pay less for Arixtra because it's so expensive that it qualifies for a special program that caps the co-pay at $50.

Plus, I can pick up the meds at CVS instead of relying on the mail. One time the blood thinner package was marked as delivered even though it wasn't. I looked at the delivery photo and realized UPS delivered it to the wrong house, but I didn't know where. I don't remember how it got resolved, but when the UPS guy finally showed up at our house, I sternly told him this could never happen again because it's a lifesaving medication and I cannot miss a dose. Other times the package has been inexplicably delayed a day or two in the mail. If I'm running low on doses, these delays cause a lot of anxiety. 

Over the course of one year, I'll get 365 fewer shots, save $1560, and keep 12 cardboard boxes and accompanying packaging material out of the landfill. I will try my first dose within the next two weeks. 

daily doses of Arixtra (left) and Lovenox (right)




Comments

  1. Matt McAllisterNovember 2, 2023 at 9:31 AM

    Sounds like a win-win-win! Will keep my fingers crossed for you that the new drug works!

    ReplyDelete
  2. DoloresNovember 2, 2023 at 10:32 AM

    Yay! Less shots are a good thing :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnnyceNovember 2, 2023 at 11:36 AM

    Is this shot DIY, into a vein? Oh, my, Esther! I'm glad you have another option to try.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Esther PrinsNovember 2, 2023 at 12:31 PM

      Oh goodness no! It's sub-cutaneous. Leland does it if he's around; if not, I do it.

      Delete
  4. AnonymousNovember 2, 2023 at 1:20 PM

    Esther, sending you so much love, and super positive vibes for the new treatment!!
    Praying that it will work! I'd love to bring over dinner for your family, sometime.
    The MealTrain got filled up quickly and I never got a chance to bring over dinner.
    You're AMAZING and so very BRAVE. FUERZA, GARRA CHARRUA!
    Un abrazote! BIG HUG! -Carmen

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Esther PrinsNovember 3, 2023 at 8:23 AM

      Gracias! I will text you. Thanks for the offer.

      Delete
  5. LaraNovember 3, 2023 at 6:07 AM

    Sounds like a serious improvement! Good luck with the shift.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Esther PrinsNovember 3, 2023 at 8:24 AM

      Thanks, Lara!

      Delete
    2. KristenNovember 3, 2023 at 11:34 AM

      So glad you have another option. I hope it will be yet another way to celebrate a year of no hospital stays!

      Delete
    3. Esther PrinsNovember 3, 2023 at 2:13 PM

      Yes, amen!

      Delete
  6. AnonymousNovember 4, 2023 at 2:46 AM

    As someone who is currently in the hospital from a car accident on Oct 23rd, I 100% feel your pain, and the unfortunate ugly bruising that goes with the Lovenox shots. They even give you choices. Your already bruised and sore right arm? Your bruised and sore left arm or your stomach? I'm so glad you found one that only requires 1 shot a day, Here's too much success with the Arixtra! ~ Janell S

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Esther PrinsNovember 4, 2023 at 10:51 AM

      Wow, that sounds awful. I'm so sorry you're in the hospital. Yes, we alternate between left and ride stomach and arms. But I always have hard lumps and bruises in at least 2 locations at any given time, sometimes all of them!

      Delete
  7. AnonymousNovember 4, 2023 at 7:50 AM

    Awesome Esther! Praying it works well. What a system! Fewer shots sounds amazing. Hope to get to see you soon!

    ReplyDelete

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