Moving to Australia

[Garym85]

Good Evening All,

I rarely post here but browse the forums regularly, I was hoping someone could give me some words of advice....

I currently live in the UK, and was diagnosed with IBD a few years ago. My symptoms are not too severe- I am fortunate that I don't experience most other associated symptoms and usually a short course of Prednisolone sorts it out.

Anyway....I have accepted a really good job in Sydney with my current employer who are sponsoring both me and my girlfriend. I was looking for the advice of the good people on here and have a few questions.

- I am experiencing a flare up right now, Should I go to my doctor and ask to go on a course of steroids before I go in 8 weeks? I can usually get away with a low dosage - maybe 20mg for a few weeks.

-Is this advisable to go on steroids or could this have an adverse effect on the medical? I believe my medical would be ok with Crohns (advice appreciated here too)

- When I get to Sydney- I know little about the medicare stuff but I was wondering if there are any over the counter meds that could help in a flare up? I prefer not to self diagnose but I know my limits...


Thank you so much in advance...

 

[ronroush7]

How soon are you moving? What happens if you are in a flare still while you are moving? You probably need to find a good Gi soon after you get over there.

 

[my little penguin]

Tagging Catherine and Dusty
Both are in Australia

 

[Naomi1]

Hi! I live in Sydney. I'm not sure where you plan on living, but I can recommend gastroenterologists at St Vincent's hospital in Darlinghurst. Google Diagnostic Endoscopy Centre.

Australia is a bit different from the UK in that you have to pay to see your specialists generally. Medicare covers some but not all of the doctor's fee and it is at the doctor's discretion as to whether they 'bulk bill' you (in other words, don't charge you extra). You need to go to a GP first and get a referral to the gastro. Having said that, you can usually get an appointment very quickly (in a matter of days) with the gastro as long as you are not fussed about who you see.

I'm not sure about over the counter meds as I haven't had to take any. Which ones were you thinking of?

 

[Naomi1]

The Centre for Digestive Diseases is in Sydney, by the way. I think people travel here from all over the world to be treated by Tom Borody. He is a pioneer of FMT. His waiting list is a year though!

 

[Silke]

Hello from Australia Garym85, I speak on behalf of my husband who is the one with crohns. My husband has tried many meds over the years to no avail but only yesterday started Humira so we shall see how that goes but one thing that seems to work for him most of the time is that when he has a flare, he stops eating and goes to bed really early with 3(not 2) panandol and he always is much better in the morning.I think this gives the bowel a rest so it can heal itself and the panandol knocks him out. Simple trick but honestly it has worked better than anything else he has tried.

 

[Garym85]

How soon are you moving? What happens if you are in a flare still while you are moving? You probably need to find a good Gi soon after you get over there.

I'm moving in 8-10 weeks. I've been in a flare for the last 6-8 weeks with no meds, sometimes a flare comes and goes, I tend not to go onto meds if I can help it, Sometimes the side effects have been worse than the symptoms. (Azathioprine).

 

[Garym85]

Hi! I live in Sydney. I'm not sure where you plan on living, but I can recommend gastroenterologists at St Vincent's hospital in Darlinghurst. Google Diagnostic Endoscopy Centre.

Australia is a bit different from the UK in that you have to pay to see your specialists generally. Medicare covers some but not all of the doctor's fee and it is at the doctor's discretion as to whether they 'bulk bill' you (in other words, don't charge you extra). You need to go to a GP first and get a referral to the gastro. Having said that, you can usually get an appointment very quickly (in a matter of days) with the gastro as long as you are not fussed about who you see.

I'm not sure about over the counter meds as I haven't had to take any. Which ones were you thinking of?

Thanks Naomi, Good advice.

The only medication I take frequently is Pentasa, To be honest it doesn't help with symptoms- I only take it as it reportedly helps with some of the other associated risks of Crohns.

I know from experience pharmacies in some countries sell Predisolone over the counter, I'm not suggesting taking a high dose, or for any period longer than about 4 weeks.
Probably best chatting it through with my GP before I go and speaking to my GI here in Scotland.

Generally speaking, I only really flare up when I am stressed. I'll watch my diet over the next few weeks which will help too.

 

[Garym85]

Hello from Australia Garym85, I speak on behalf of my husband who is the one with crohns. My husband has tried many meds over the years to no avail but only yesterday started Humira so we shall see how that goes but one thing that seems to work for him most of the time is that when he has a flare, he stops eating and goes to bed really early with 3(not 2) panandol and he always is much better in the morning.I think this gives the bowel a rest so it can heal itself and the panandol knocks him out. Simple trick but honestly it has worked better than anything else he has tried.

Thank you, I have tried a few things, from Aloe to pro-biotics to buscopan but these make absolutely no difference to me (probably no surprise)

I tend to do similar to your husband by stop eating and going to bed early- I do notice I quickly lose energy and it becomes a vicious circle due to the lack of nutrition.

All the very best to your husband with Humira, hope it helps him

 

[Naomi1]

Thanks Naomi, Good advice.

The only medication I take frequently is Pentasa, To be honest it doesn't help with symptoms- I only take it as it reportedly helps with some of the other associated risks of Crohns.

I know from experience pharmacies in some countries sell Predisolone over the counter, I'm not suggesting taking a high dose, or for any period longer than about 4 weeks.
Probably best chatting it through with my GP before I go and speaking to my GI here in Scotland.

Generally speaking, I only really flare up when I am stressed. I'll watch my diet over the next few weeks which will help too.

I take pentasa too. I'm not sure it helps but I take it just in case. It is by script only as would be predisolone I imagine. Good luck with the move and keeping your stress levels down.

 

[Catherine]

Sorry I am on my phone. You are best to see your current GP/GI and obtain a letter stating dx and treatment. You would also best to purchase as much of your regular medication that can before leaving the UK.

My daughter took a six month supply of her regular medication to the UK. And complete course of pred including taper. Make sure all medication is regular packaging

It will take to get medical care set up in Australia.