Wow! and I though we had it tough
. My heart goes out to you tutyfrty. My wife came down with this disease last summer and she is only now coming to grips with it through medication and other remedies such as acupuncture and hydrotherapy.
Our family doctor recommended hydrotherapy as an excellent source of relief. We obtained a prescription so that we could claim it from our insurance (jury is still out on that one) and through income tax deduction. Next to medication, hydrotherapy is by far the best remedy according to my wife. It allows her to completely relax before going to bed so that she can sleep right through without waking up in the middle of the night in pain.
I agree with Steve, Mendocino and Gary that what you should focus on is a tub that fits your budget as you will benefit from the hydrotherapy immensely. We looked at two models believing that we should also go for a tub that would allow us to 'work out' in it, Shut Down Stranger mentioned the D1 and we also looked at the Maxxus by Sundance. In speaking with our doctor about this, she recommended that we not purchase such a tub for Rhumatoid Arthritis given the expense but more importantly that we obtain the excersise through a qualified therapist as you can hurt yourself more if you start working out in hot water. More often than not you will not be able to feel the pain that your body would be experiencing as a result of the hot water. If you are healthy that would be a different story. Finally, I would say that you should wet test all of those available to you in your price range prior to purchase. That is by far the best barometer to what will meet your need.
Contact your insurance company if applicable to inquire about financial support.
Thanks to ZzTop - I can also share with you the following information on the tax thing if you wish to pursue it. Although it is a bit complicated and you could be better off speaking with someone who knows taxation (I did mine this year and am still dizzy from the process).
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Re Income Tax write off in Canada
Information on personal income tax deductions is accessible from the "Taxes" section of the Canada Revenue Agency Web site at the following URL:
Line 330 – Medical Expenses
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tax/individuals/topics/income-tax/return/completing/deductions/lines300-350/330/menu-e.html Please contact the Agency for additional information. Contact information is accessible from the "Contact Us" section of the above-mentioned Web site at the following URL:
Toll-free Telephone Numbers
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/contact/1-800-e.html Information about Government of Canada programs and services can be obtained through the Government of Canada's information services:
Internet:
www.canada.gc.ca E-mail: sitecanadasite@canada.gc.ca
Telephone: 1 800 O-Canada (1 800 622-6232)
TTY: 1 800 465-7735
Facsimile: (613) 941-1827
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