You may remember my comic strip post from several months back lamenting the difficulties in managing a chronic illness. Whether you like it or not, getting a diagnosis of RA means you've also just gotten a brand new job, and even when your RA is under control, there is no getting around the fact that it takes time, work and organization to stay on top of everything.
One of the most aggravating (and endless-feeling) tasks for me is the renewal of prescriptions. Every time I turn around, it seems like it is time to renew another one, because of course none of my prescriptions are synced up with one another. I know it doesn't seem like this should be so difficult, but when you have a million things to fit into your day, remembering what needs to be dropped off when and then picked up is a major pain.
So imagine my surprise, befuddlement and delight when, a few weeks ago, my mobile phone rang out of the blue while at work. I picked it up even though I didn't recognize the number (something I rarely do, but I guess I had a feeling). There on the other end of the line was a cheery voice informing me that said cheery voice was from my pharmacy, CVS, and that it looked like it was time to renew my plaquenil prescription-did I want her to go ahead and fill it?
There was a pause. I felt sure this was some kind of joke or trick question. I mean, was CVS really calling and offering to take care of this annoying task for me? Were they really keeping track of when all my prescriptions were due? Turns out, they were. I said 'yes, that would be great' and the cheery voice let me know that it would be ready for me to pick up at my convenience.
Well, hot damn! There has been nothing convenient about having a chronic disease thus far, and even though their new service doesn't include making the prescription magically appear at my doorstep (yet?), it is one hell of a welcome favor!
And, just to prove that it wasn't a fluke or a hallucination, this past week, CVS called again because my enbrel prescription was almost up. This time, I pretty much fell all over myself thanking the pharmacist and telling her how much this new service ROCKS MY CHRONICALLY ILL WORLD!
I mean, really, they have no idea. Or actually, maybe they do, and that's what's behind this brilliant brainstorm of a service.
Normally, I wouldn't plug a big corporation, but this is almost too good to be true. If you have a CVS in your area, call them to see if this service is available to you, or go online, where you can sign in and manage all of your prescriptions, including setting refill reminders or refilling them online.
It's almost as good as having a personal assistant.
I believe most of the large pharmacy chains offer something. At Walgreens, it's automated... they simply fill it when it's time and call you to say it's ready. So people on the West Coast (where there are no CVS's) do not despair!
Posted by: catherine | February 16, 2009 at 12:17 PM
Thanks, Catherine! Even better! How come it took me so long to catch on?
Posted by: Sara | February 16, 2009 at 12:20 PM
Rite-Aid does this for us in VB, so maybe they're all doing it now. 'Bout time! It's the little things, isn't it--they mean so much!
Posted by: millicent | February 16, 2009 at 02:49 PM
When I was using meds, I did the three month fill through mail. This way I saved a month's worth of copays and I could refill online. I have never heard of them calling you. That is awesome!!! It's funny how these little things because the excitement of your day.
Posted by: Cathy | February 17, 2009 at 08:59 AM
Cathy, I know, right? it's a little pathetic...but it made me so happy! I need to switch to the mail system for some of them (note to self), but I don't think I can for enbrel because I don't live in a doorman building, so it wouldn't stay cold. arg.
Posted by: Sara | February 18, 2009 at 04:35 PM
Actually, my Humira is mailed to me through Caremark and they pack it on dry ice. It's glorious- they call and ask what day I want it delivered on and it magically appears.
Posted by: Amanda | February 18, 2009 at 07:37 PM
OK, clearly I have had my head stuck in the mud....I need to explore this as I would love to save some mulah! (and time). I need some magic pronto!
Posted by: Sara | February 18, 2009 at 09:06 PM
Hi Sara,
I am taking a poll over on my blog about RA and blood type. If you or any other RA readers out there wouldn't mind stopping by and leaving your vote, I would appreciate it. http://www.thelifeandadventuresofcatepoo.blogspot.com/
Cathy
Posted by: Cathy | February 19, 2009 at 10:47 AM
Wow! I think this is definitely a US thing - can't see it happening in the UK! ;o) Mind you, I do only have to do the whole annoying prescription thing once a month - well twice I suppose, once to drop the 'scrip' off at the docs, and a few days letter to pick it up at the chemist. I do have a friend whose chemist delivered it to his door once ... but only once!!! ;o)
Posted by: Penguin | February 19, 2009 at 03:21 PM
Cathy-thanks for letting me know...I'm embarrased to admit, but i still don't now my blood type! i'll try to find out and then head over to your blog to vote.
Penguin-maybe so. Oh, how I would love a personal chemist/pharmacist visit. Like in the old days, when milk was delivered to your day. that would be nice, too, come to think of it!
Posted by: Sara | February 20, 2009 at 11:51 AM