Need Advice *Please* Re: Humira, etc.

[Boloby]

Quick background: In 1999 I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease and an autoimmune disease called primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), which effects the bile ducts (and, consequently, the liver). My Crohn's didn't become active until 2008, and it was really bad for a few years. Lately, it's been better as in no D, just lots of bloating, pain and discomfort, and chronic constipation. My PSC started acting up a year ago, and I am now on the transplant list.

Anyway, I went to see my liver specialist yesterday, and because my new blood test showed improvements in my liver, he was actually more concerned with my Crohn's, which has caused me to lose a lot of weight. (I'm a 35-year-old male who is 5'10" and weighed in at 112 pounds yesterday. Not good.)

The doctor suggested I look into Humira or something similar. My first concern was money, not knowing what my insurance covers and worrying about the coming onslaught of bills once I have a transplant (and all the new meds I'll be on). But after thinking about it a while, I think I'm open to trying a biologic if it would help.

My question is, Would Humira (or something similar) help with my symptoms of constipation and bloating? Or is it mostly for people with diarrhea problems? I really have no idea, and I would like to hear from those with experience before discussing it with my gastroenterologist. I'm really at a low point here, so any advice is appreciated.

 

[Gianni]

Humira would help with bloating. Constipation could be because of many reasons so its hard to say. Make sure you drink lots of water as that is the most common reason why people are constipated. Humira will reduce inflammation in the gut so ulcers, and other complications can heal. Open sores in the bowels will have a better chance at healing so blood and pain will be reduced. The reduced inflammation will also help with gas related problems as well as bloating. It was actually the first thing i noticed, literally a day after my starter doses i noticed my bloating had almost completely gone away.

The only things that keeps me hesitant about your situation is that humira can further damage the liver. My liver numbers suffered while taking humira so in the end I decided to discontinue the drug. You can talk to your G.I. to further clarify.

Hope this helped

Gianni

 

[Boloby]

Thanks, Gianni. That definitely gives me a better understanding. I think at this point, it's mostly a matter of cost. I'm pretty sure my insurance company covers it, so I'll just have to give them a call and get the specifics, then talk to my gastroenterologist.

 

[Dukeis]

Abbott Laboratories on the Humira site has a financial assistance program. I'm not sure how it works, but I do know you can have insurance and still get help. You may want to check it out.

 

[Rachael P.]

The Humira protection plan is definitely worth checking out. In my situation, it lowers my prescription payment from 100 to 5. My brother has Crohn's and is on Humira as well; the protection plan pays his $1000 prescription deductible.

Since being on Humira, I am far more regular. I too suffer from constipation issues. With Humira and probiotics I am regular, finally (most of the time).

 

[Emily]

Humira has helped me with a good amount with pain, discomfort, and maintaining a normal weight. Overall it's been really effective for me. The protection plan makes the copay $5 whether you have no insurance or good insurance, so I wouldn't let the whopping $2000 cash price scare you. I hope you can get to a healthy weight soon and start feeling a lot better!

 

[Boloby]

I thank everyone for the advice and well wishes. I have scheduled an appointment to see my gastroenterologist next Monday, so hopefully I'll be getting some relief soon.

 

[Chelsey79]

definatly go on the humira website! my injections are only 5 $ each and they can approve you over the phone in like ten minutes they are really helpful!

 

[Netty]

Hi, do you know if you can get on that program in Australia

 

[Scaryman]

Hi, do you know if you can get on that program in Australia

Talk to your doctor, but the protection plan should work anywhere in the world were humira is available.

 

[Netty]

Thank you I will ask her about that

 

[Scaryman]

They also include nurses to help learn how to self inject.

 

[DougUte]

Actually it is $5.00 for 2 injections.Very nice plan.I understand that most people qualify.It makes me wonder exactly how Abbott is making money.

 

[Sparkle2012]

I thank everyone for the advice and well wishes. I have scheduled an appointment to see my gastroenterologist next Monday, so hopefully I'll be getting some relief soon.

Hi Bobby - stumbled over your text looking for Crohns with constipation. I am curious how are you doing? Did anyone ever recommend Myralax daily for your constipation issues? It's helped many.