Emperor1956
Posts: 2370
Joined: 11/7/2005
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I'm not going to echo previous posts, but I do want people reading this thread to note the serious differences between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis when comparing treatments.
That said: We all have differing expertise on this Board along side of our interest in WIIWD, and one area I have a lot of knowledge in is health insurance and the health payment system in the USA (if you are Canadian, just shake your head and marvel at the stupidity of the health care system of your southern neighbor). Here is a brief primer on getting health care if you are uninsured, or underinsured, and have a serious condition.
If you are fortunate enough to live near a major medical center, you should know that in the case of arthritis (both types) there are hundreds of clinical trials of new drugs and similar studies being done around the country. You should see if you qualify to enter one of these programs. Unfortunately, people with multiple conditions rarely qualify for these studies (the OP mentioned she had diabetes as well as the recent osteo. diagnosis). Drugs like Embrel (which as JWarren has noted has tremendous potential) are available for free in these programs. You also get comprehensive health care.
If you cannot get in a clinical trial, consider exploring your state's "safety net" program. All states have some sort of "last resort" insurance for persons with chronic conditions who are uninsured and meet certain minimum financial conditions. Often this program will be called "CHIP" (for comprehensive health insurance program). Your state and milage will vary. And these programs often cover ONLY catastrophic medical illness, not wellness or prevention (don't get me started on the foolishness of where we put our health care dollars...at least not here in this post!) CHIP programs also cover some meds.
In response to the clear inequities in our system that allow the drug manufacturers to make 100s of millions of dollars on American sales of their products with near monopoly power, the drug companies have started programs to pay for meds for people on long term medication. Are they trying to buy off Congress and an angry population? SURE...but use it to your advantage. See if you qualify. "PPA is the best known of these programs. A simple web search of "assistance with prescription medication" will turn up more. https://www.pparx.org/Intro.php
Finally, while our payment system for people without insurance sucks, in fact our medicine is probably the best in the world. If you have serious illnesses and no insurance (and no money), consider checking out the free clinics provided by charity care institutions and public hospitals. Yes, the care is slow, the system is overburdened and sometimes you run into rude and/or stupid people who are supposed to assist you but don't. But in my experience the experise of the physicians is unsurpassed. Bite that bullet and swallow your pride and head for a public/charity hospital if you must.
Good luck.
E.
_____________________________
"When you wake up, Pooh," said Piglet, "what's the first thing you say?"
"What's for breakfast? What do you say, Piglet?"
"I say, I wonder what's going to happen exciting today?"
Pooh nodded thoughtfully.
"It's the same thing," he said.
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RE: Osteoarthritis - 
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I am usually on top or we lie on our sides ("spooning"). Doggy works if I kneel on the bed and He stands on the floor. It's just a matter of finding out what works with the least amount of pain for you (not necessarily for the sub 
)
I'm a mess. But I'll fix me as best I can. 
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