Hello all, I'm new here. I live in Anchorage, Alaska. It's been tough dealing with Crohn's disease here as our options are pretty limited when it comes to doctors, food, insurance, pretty much anything. I'm wondering if there is anyone else on here from Alaska. It'd be nice to talk to someone else from here dealing with this.
Crohn's in Alaska
- Thread starter Katelyn.S
- Start date
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Hi Katelyn, I'm sure I've seen one or two people around from Alaska. There are also other people who have to travel a long distance to see their GIs as well who might be able to give you some good ideas and tips for making the most out of your treatments/GI visits, etc.
Hi Katelyn - I live in Kenai, see a GI in Anchorage! I was diagnosed with Crohn's in May 2012.
I have been gluten free since September 2013, belong to an organic veggie co op here in Kenai, and eat as organically as I can- not real easy up here, but as time goes by I am finding more and more options.
I am happy to answer any questions you have, if I can!
I have been gluten free since September 2013, belong to an organic veggie co op here in Kenai, and eat as organically as I can- not real easy up here, but as time goes by I am finding more and more options.
I am happy to answer any questions you have, if I can!
I was diagnosed in April of 2009, I was under my dads military insurance at the time, after about a year and a half I managed to gain remission. I don't remember much before I was in remission (I was on more morphine than was safe for almost two years), so I might as well be newly diagnosed. I had to find a civilian doctor for the first time in 2012, he was ok when he was just writing prescriptions for me, but once I needed a doctor, once I started flaring again, he was no help. I recently found a new one and am going through a ton of testing. It's crazy expensive here, fighting with insurance is a nightmare, and it seems like there is no one here with crohns. I have checked CCFA and there are no support groups, I'm on a few other sites, and can never find anyone here. It'd just be nice to have someone who actually understands the difficulty of care here. It's just frustrating feeling alone in this huge state.
Katelyn - I'm sorry you are having problems with so many things related to having this disease. I know how expensive it is, even with insurance - there are so many things they won't pay for. I had to have a colonoscopy a few days ago, and because I have to do the cleanse, I had to stay the night before in Anchorage... had to get a hotel, and they raise their prices so much in the summer, and of course that is out of pocket...
I actually do know a couple of people in the Kenai area who have Crohn's, and know of several more. I'm not aware of any support groups in this area either. Have you asked at your GI's office, or at either of the hospitals in Anchorage about support groups? Maybe they could help you start one?
What insurance do you have? I have Premera, and they assign a caseworker to people with chronic diseases. Mine is very helpful whenever I need help with something, and she calls occasionally to see how I am doing.
Another person that is on this forum, and was in Anchorage and might still be is chickadee. I haven't seen her on for a while, but she was having a tough time finding a doctor.
I hope your tests go well, and your new dr. helps you get back in remission.
I actually do know a couple of people in the Kenai area who have Crohn's, and know of several more. I'm not aware of any support groups in this area either. Have you asked at your GI's office, or at either of the hospitals in Anchorage about support groups? Maybe they could help you start one?
What insurance do you have? I have Premera, and they assign a caseworker to people with chronic diseases. Mine is very helpful whenever I need help with something, and she calls occasionally to see how I am doing.
Another person that is on this forum, and was in Anchorage and might still be is chickadee. I haven't seen her on for a while, but she was having a tough time finding a doctor.
I hope your tests go well, and your new dr. helps you get back in remission.
