Hi everyone, I stumbled across this forum during a google search. I could seriously use some advice... but first, let me give you a quick history on me:
I'm a 29 year old male. I've suffered stomach cramps (lower left), diarrhea, alternating food allergies (actually tested positive, then they go away after avoiding for years), struggled with weight loss basically since I was 11 years old. When I was 11-15 I had severe, SEVERE cramping before diarrhea to the point I was almost paralyzed in pain. I was diagnosed with IBS at the Mayo Clinic when I was 13. The one test I never did was a colonoscopy, however. When I was younger I got about one glass into the gallon prep and was so sick to my stomach I couldn't finish.
Every doctor since then has told me I just have IBS. Tried anti-depressants, anxiety meds, changing my diet, etc. My diet is extremely limited now. All I eat every day for years now is lean Chicken and plain white rice.
I recently started seeing a new GI, he did a new test no one ever performed: Fecal Calprotectin. The range is 50-120 for "normal" - I tested at 128.8. He says this indicates inflammation and I need a colonoscopy because he suspects Crohns or UC. My problem now, is that my insurance is refusing to cover anything "diagnostic", and the procedure is nearly $7,000 out of pocket. The Dr. office says that's just how much it costs if my insurance doesn't cover it.
I've asked about alternative tests that might be cheaper, and explained the pricing, my doctor just says "We need to get the test done" - to which I tell him, I know, but I can't afford it.
Does anyone have any ideas on affordable colonoscopies, other possibly cheaper tests to diagnose, or what my FC test number might indicate? He refuses to treat me without a colonoscopy.
I have cramping and pain about 1-2 times per week followed by loose stool or diarrhea. My non-painful stools are still loose. I have also gone through periods of constipation, it swings back and forth sometimes.
I'm a 29 year old male. I've suffered stomach cramps (lower left), diarrhea, alternating food allergies (actually tested positive, then they go away after avoiding for years), struggled with weight loss basically since I was 11 years old. When I was 11-15 I had severe, SEVERE cramping before diarrhea to the point I was almost paralyzed in pain. I was diagnosed with IBS at the Mayo Clinic when I was 13. The one test I never did was a colonoscopy, however. When I was younger I got about one glass into the gallon prep and was so sick to my stomach I couldn't finish.
Every doctor since then has told me I just have IBS. Tried anti-depressants, anxiety meds, changing my diet, etc. My diet is extremely limited now. All I eat every day for years now is lean Chicken and plain white rice.
I recently started seeing a new GI, he did a new test no one ever performed: Fecal Calprotectin. The range is 50-120 for "normal" - I tested at 128.8. He says this indicates inflammation and I need a colonoscopy because he suspects Crohns or UC. My problem now, is that my insurance is refusing to cover anything "diagnostic", and the procedure is nearly $7,000 out of pocket. The Dr. office says that's just how much it costs if my insurance doesn't cover it.
I've asked about alternative tests that might be cheaper, and explained the pricing, my doctor just says "We need to get the test done" - to which I tell him, I know, but I can't afford it.
Does anyone have any ideas on affordable colonoscopies, other possibly cheaper tests to diagnose, or what my FC test number might indicate? He refuses to treat me without a colonoscopy.
I have cramping and pain about 1-2 times per week followed by loose stool or diarrhea. My non-painful stools are still loose. I have also gone through periods of constipation, it swings back and forth sometimes.