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Glockman Experiences Some Culture
On my well deserved vacations, I'm always looking for some culture. Even in the MOMA in Manhattan! The action in Times Square isn't bad either.
Definitely Worth Bringing Up Again!
Although I've been a member of this community for many years, I really do make a point to limit my postings to times when I believe I can really add something of value -- either share an experience, bring a little humor when I catch the time right, etc. As a result, I do a lot more reading than I do writing here, and I just want to thank all of you who are always willing to share your experiences to makes things better for the rest of us! I admire many of you a great deal (and have never met you) -- but I've enjoyed the unique perspective that "being out of the game" (although not by choice) has allowed me to gain. I just had to get that THANK YOU out there real quickly!
There was some discussion around October about a medication to help with Erectile Dysfunction that I recently jumped through the hoops of making an appointment, visiting my doctor, filling the prescription, same old story. Only, I've been so tight financially for the past two years, that I had to save up for the doctor's visit and the script fill. I couldn't afford to toss money away, so I did all of my research and it paid off. So I can't think of a better forum to share my experience. In need of medication to help out down there primarily as a side effect of my blood pressure medications, Viagra, Cialis, and the obvious "go-to's" were out of the question because of the cost. I did get one fill of Cialis with big discount, but that was a one-time thing. Finally, with the help of some old info on this board (thank you for that) and the help of a pharmacy buddy, I figured out the way to deal with it.
The key to getting this right is the name of the medication (avoid calling it generic Viagra or Revatio) it is all the same thing, but you specifically want Sildenafil (and it only comes in 20 mg tablets). Yes, it is indeed the exact same medication as Viagra and Revatio (it is actually what became of Revatio after it went generic). Long before Sildenafil Citrate became famous using the stage name "Viagra", that same medication, called Sildenafil for short, it was discovered to help with primary pulmonary hypertension, was patented by Pfizer as "Revatio", lived a full life and retired as good ol generic Sildenafil (stilll there to help those with primary pulmonary hypertension). So, when Pfizer later took THE SAME MEDICATION, this time keeping the longer name, Sildenafil Citrate (no chemical difference whatsoever), branded it Viagra, released it in 25,50, and 100 mg dosages, and even put effort into shaping into cute "little blue pills", most were completely unaware of the link to the little round 20 mg Sildenafil tablets back in corner (primarily because no manufacturer stood to make any money by doing so -- it was generic and only "officially" approved for primary pulmonary hypertension). I'm sure that Pfizer, the owners of both Viagra and Revatio (which is the non-generic Sildenafil), took steps to encourage use of V (esp by giving doctors tons of samples to give away -- a long time ago).
When I asked my doctor about prescribing Sildenafil 20 mg for my off-label use, even he didn't know what I was talking about. Thankfully, it only took a few minutes for him to look into it. So he did. And I got it. And man, it works (just like Viagra)! I read some mention back in the old discussion of getting this med from an overseas manufacturer -- possibly in India and then shipped over. I don't know the good or the bad of that, but I have always filled my script for 30 tabs / mo at Walgreen's for $22.33 (without insurance)! THIS IS IMPORTANT: I do have a discount card that was free to obtain and is the only one of those that I've found to cover Sildenafil -- just PM me and I'll be glad to give you a link. I don't know how this is the case, but that one med is cheaper for me using that free card than my regular (paid) prescription coverage. That's the only time I've ever found that to be the case, but it is.
Last thing, remember that you are just having to dance the silly dance of the industry by making sure your doctor does not write "Take XX as needed for E. D. " or ". Before sexual activity". This one was approved for one thing originally (and is fine to use off label), but simply request that he or she write "Take 1 Pill daily" (or however many your doc will prescribe you). My pharmacist buddy told me that the normal dosage (for the original intended use) is anywhere from 20-60 mg daily. But is absolutely HAS to be called Sildenafil and only 20 mg dosage is available in the cheap version.
That full understanding took me from being forced to watch from the sidelines to at least having full ability now to go to bat when I choose. Such a dramatic effect on me was something I wanted to share -- and most certainly made the topic worth (drum roll.) Bringing Up Again!! (crowd goes wild)!