Bad Medicine

Mom is no longer using the memory patch. We tried repeatedly, but it made her sick to her stomach. The nausea didn't start right away. She had four or five days before she started feeling bad. Uncertain if the reaction was a coincidence or a true reaction to the medication, we tried four times before we gave up completely. Each time I agonized about the possibility of making her sick.

My experience with the patch was an exercise in self doubt. All I wanted was what was best for Mom. She relies on me to tell her what to do, so she had no opinion on whether she should use it or not. My brothers all live far away. Their connection with Mom is a phone call every few weeks. They will listen when I discuss Mom's issues, but they rely on me to use my best judgment as well.

Since Mom tolerated the test dosage just fine, we didn't expect her to react adversely to the normal dose. Since I thought she would be needing this $200 a month medication, I enrolled her in Medicare Part D to help with the expense. After enrollment we received a letter informing us that in addition to the monthly insurance, she would also pay a penalty for not signing up for Part D as soon as she was eligible. I find it ludicrous that she will be penalized for heretofore paying for all of her prescriptions out of her own pocket. Now that she won't be using the patch, she doesn't really need the prescription drug coverage. But she will pay for it anyway. Plus the penalty.

My husband tried to tell me that sooner or later she will require more medications that will make the prescription drug coverage worthwhile. I suppose he was trying to make me feel better, but that would be a bitter pill to swallow.