Yesterday I realized that I had been taking something very precious for granted. While my father was living and working here in Alberta, I was covered under his company's health insurance, as I am a penniless student attending college. Since my father had to move to the United States for work, my family and I were left without health insurance. I didn't worry too awfully much, but I certainly put off going to the pharmacy. When I did go the other month to pick up my prescription of Tylenol 4, a small bottle only cost me $20. Not bad!
Since quitting my job at the end of December, I have been very nervous about my financial situation. After receiving my first ever speeding ticket the other day ($211.00....) I've been panicking a little bit. I've been budgeting my pain pills, only taking them when my pain tops a 7, and even in those cases not always taking one. Yesterday while attending my classes my pain nagged and nagged and nagged and finally I thought Oh fuck it and took my last two Tramadol pills. Unfortunately for me, the pain killers did absolutely nothing for me! Seriously, nothing. Nothing at all. I was sore and distracted so in my next class I swallowed down one of my few remaining T4's. Pain was muted, but persisted for the rest of the day. After classes I did what I had to do... I went to the pharmacy.
I requested my 150 count refill on my Tramadol prescription, and also picked up my Depot for February. My uninsured ass had to pay $200 for this prescription.
 |
| This was me following my card swipe. |
I did the math, and discovered that my Tramadol costs $1 per pill. A buck, per pill.Tramadol, my beloved Analgesic (pain relief without losing consciousness) is my go-to for pain management. Tramadol is an Opioid medication, which means it's a little bit "fun" (I get giggly and outgoing and a bit happy). I've been hooked on it before, just taking it out of habit, and let me tell you, the withdrawal wasn't fun at all. After that unfortunate incident, I've been super careful with my Tramadol, only taking it when my pain tops a 6 or 7 or is persistent enough to distract me from work/school. I much prefer taking Tramadol over Tylenol 4... T4's just knock me the fuck out. Of course those are the cheap ones.
 |
| Me, on Tramadol |
VS
 |
| Me, on Tylenol 4 |
Anyways, I was super choked over this whole paying $200 at the pharmacy thing. I was so upset, in fact, that I announced my angst to my classmate this morning. Well she just swooped in and rescued my broke ass. She told me all about our school's health insurance, and I learned that they cover 80% of our medical expenses. They also have this app for submitting receipts, and a card generator to create an insurance card. Shout out to Jaimee for being amazing and being my health insurance angel.
Literally taking a shitty situation and making it awesome. Oh, wonderful Friday Morning.
Also, shout out to my beloved for sticking by me through this cranky phase.
Peace out, ma-fuckas!!!
-Captain Lakie
Adventures on Tramadol
No comments:
Post a Comment