Bentyl??

[Angelrotton23]

I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease a little over three years ago. I have suffered with the symptoms for well over 5 years. I am a single mom, struggling to make ends meet, working at a fast food restaurant to pay the bills week-to-week, and have no insurance. Therefore, in this great country of ours, I cannot seem to get the medical attention I need.
In the past month, the symptoms have gotten worse. And fast. Over the past two weeks I've lost ten pounds, I have zero energy, I am constantly in pain-especially when I eat- and I'm not even going into the details of how often I spend time in the bathroom...
I reached a boiling point and decided that rather progress until I am 97 lbs.- my lowest weight- I would take a trip to the ER and see if there was anything they could do for me- even though I am just a lowly fast food worker, and I don't have major medical.
As I expected, not a lot was done. But one thing that did come out of it was that the doctor prescribed me Bentyl. I looked up this medication to research the side effects, etc., and found that it is used for IBS?! I want to have an open mind, but I can't help but feel like maybe this doc just wasn't taking me seriously...
If anyone with Crohn's has been treated with this medicine and has any experience, strength or hope on the subject, please feel free to share.
Thanks

 

[Jennifer]

Hi and welcome to the forum!

I've heard it mentioned on the forum a few times for help with diarrhea but I don't think its given to help treat Crohn's. Its an anti spasm med for the intestines.

Did they do any tests at all on you? Also since you have no insurance the hospital should have given you information on what you can do to pay the bill (like local agencies that help out with low income families or even info on Medicaid). Do you qualify for Medicaid? You might. http://www.medicaid.gov/

At most I've been prescribed Prednisone for Crohn's at the ER but nothing else (they run tests and stuff but that's as far as the meds go besides pain killers). There has to be a low income clinic around where you could at least see a general practitioner and they might be able to point you in the right direction for getting a GI even though you're low income.

 

[Niklovely]

I have Crohn's disease and I'm currently taking Bentyl to prevent stomach cramps. I still get mild/dull stomach cramps every once in awhile but for the most part, it seems to be doing its job.

 

[Angelrotton23]

Thanks for the info. They did give me some info on a local free clinic. The only thing is, I had already made an appt. with that clinic; They said they wouldn't be able to even see me until Oct. 24 and that's only to decide whether or not I apply for their program. It won't be til at least Nov. for the actual appointment with a doc. I'm gonna try calling today and see if maybe this trip to the ER will bump me up on the list- wishful thinking probably lol. Anyway, thanks for the input!
Also, started the Bentyl a few minutes ago for the first time. Wish me luck!