Hi, my name is Herim and I am 24 years old. I am Korean and I currently reside in Seoul, South Korea.
I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2008 when I was a senior in high school. My parents and I thought I wouldn't be able to go to college with my conditions. However, I graduated undergrad in 4 years and I am now in graduate school studying English Education.
I've been living with UC for almost 6 years now. At first, I went to the ER a lot and I've been hospitalized about 3 times within 2 years. I was really depressed at first because I felt like my life was taken away. While my friends were out having fun I was at the hospital or at home. I didn't even feel motivated to try to get healthier. I felt like there was no hope for me. As time passed by I learned to live with UC. But from time to time, I still get really depressed when I think of the limitations I face because of UC.
At times, I feel like nobody understand me and I feel like I'm on a deserted island all by myself. My family is very supportive but sometimes even they don't understand me. I recently found this forum and I've read some of the experiences other people have had. I'm really glad I found this forum. Now I don't really feel like I'm alone anymore.
I tried a lot of medication like immunosuppressant( I think that's what they are called) and steroids. Most of the medication didn't work and my doctor suggested I get remicade infusion. I started using remicade in early 2013. It has been working great for me. I also take 3 pills of asacol per meal. So far, my health is at its best.
I am currently trying to get ready to apply for a PhD program in the states, but my medications is preventing me from it. I need to get remicade infusion every 2 months and the insurance and the bills are not looking good for me. I'm still researching for insurance that will cover for my medication but still no good sign. If any of you know of how non-US citizens can receive remicade infusion in the states or even just insurance in the states, I would really appreciate some advice.
I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2008 when I was a senior in high school. My parents and I thought I wouldn't be able to go to college with my conditions. However, I graduated undergrad in 4 years and I am now in graduate school studying English Education.
I've been living with UC for almost 6 years now. At first, I went to the ER a lot and I've been hospitalized about 3 times within 2 years. I was really depressed at first because I felt like my life was taken away. While my friends were out having fun I was at the hospital or at home. I didn't even feel motivated to try to get healthier. I felt like there was no hope for me. As time passed by I learned to live with UC. But from time to time, I still get really depressed when I think of the limitations I face because of UC.
At times, I feel like nobody understand me and I feel like I'm on a deserted island all by myself. My family is very supportive but sometimes even they don't understand me. I recently found this forum and I've read some of the experiences other people have had. I'm really glad I found this forum. Now I don't really feel like I'm alone anymore.
I tried a lot of medication like immunosuppressant( I think that's what they are called) and steroids. Most of the medication didn't work and my doctor suggested I get remicade infusion. I started using remicade in early 2013. It has been working great for me. I also take 3 pills of asacol per meal. So far, my health is at its best.
I am currently trying to get ready to apply for a PhD program in the states, but my medications is preventing me from it. I need to get remicade infusion every 2 months and the insurance and the bills are not looking good for me. I'm still researching for insurance that will cover for my medication but still no good sign. If any of you know of how non-US citizens can receive remicade infusion in the states or even just insurance in the states, I would really appreciate some advice.