SO not fair!

[boooooocrohns!]

new to crohns, not to pain

I am not that new to crohn's. I've had issues for as long as I can remember, but the past few years it has become unbearable! I was diagnosed with crohn's 12/10. I have no insurance and find myself stuck in a spiral. It seems like I can't eat anything! I keep a log and it really appears that there is nothing I can eat..... I just don't know what to do. Just a little confused on how to handle a flare up with out medication. How do you eat and live? How do you maintain a job when you are running to the bathroom every hour? How do you get a full nights sleep? i just needed to get that out.... sometimes I feel alone in this situation. thank you

 

[Rebecca85]

I don't think you can handle a flare without medication, I'm afraid. Couldn't you try prednisone- the generic only costs a few pence per tablet here, so I wouldn't think it would cost that much your side of the pond. Also there are medical assistance programs out there for other drugs, and depending where you live there might be programs run by the state. I'm sorry I can't help you any more than that, maybe if you post in the treatment section someone with more experience of the American system will be able to help.

 

[moogie]

I'm sorry to hear you are suffering so.

No medication is just unthinkable..

Are you saying that in the states if you hjave no inssurance at all they let you suffer? There has to be a way?

 

[mikeyarmo]

Hi boooooocrohns!,

I am sorry to hear about the trouble you have been having. When you are in a flair or having trouble eating anything, it usually requires something more than just rest or watching what you eat to see some improvement.

You should see if a local CCFA or other Crohn's group can give you any advice on a good doctor you can see even if you do not have insurance. I believe this is the local chapter that would be closest to you : http://www.ccfa.org/chapters/carolinas/

 

[LOSTnut]

Hey b-crohns,
I'd have to agree that without meds there is no way to live with a flare. I was diagnosed in '05 with the symptoms that you are showing -- nothing would stay in my body be it water or food and I constantly had to run. ER visits tried to hydrate me, but without success. After 4 weeks and significant weight loss I was finally admitted with severe dehydration and several other problems. But, that on the side.
Here in AZ we have something called Ahccss, which is a rudimentary medical insurance that doesn't cost you anything but you can receive treatment. I am sure Carolina has something like that within the Dept. of Economic Security and you should apply for it. Even if you have work, here you can pay a minimal amount into this insurance and be covered.
Would you be able to buy insurance privately now that some points of the health care reform have taken? At least you don't have pre-existing conditions and hopefully no waiting period ...

Probably we should create a thread with information like that for people like b-crohns who don't have insurance and see what we can come up with for the individual states?

 

[Astra]

Hi b crohns
and welcome

I don't have any advice, best to speak to the Americans about that!
But hopefully you'll get the help and appropriate meds, it's the only way I'm afraid, I don't think diet alone will heal your inflammation.
Good Luck
Joan xxx

 

[boooooocrohns!]

thank you all for replying! I just live one day to the next hoping that something will fall out of the sky to ease my pain and stress....but things don't happen that way. With this new job I have, insurance will be available, but they have a pre-existing clause, so even then it seems like I have no luck. When I have a flare up, which seems to be every day, i just don't eat. When i have no food or drink in me, i am fine... and even then sometimes i manage to get sick.... I guess i need more education and less reliance on the doctors, whom seem to do nothing but milk me for every last dime. thank you once again for your time!

 

[CrohnsNYC]

I am so sorry you are going through this. I can not imagine going through a flare with no meds. I think Pred is a good idea for you. It is inexpensive. Some of the drug companies also have programs that perhaps you can look into. Do you know if there are any free or low cost clinics in your area? I would seriously research as much as you can. I am sure there are some resources for you. Sorry I can't offer more specifics, but hang in there.

Beth