I've been having troubles getting any medication for my Crohn's since getting diagnosed last December. I work and have insurance, but my prescription insurance only covers 50% of my medications. My GI wanted me on Cimzia but insurance denied coverage. So then he tried Humira and insurance approved. But since my prescription coverage stinks =I wocculd have to pat over $1000 a month for it. So that's a no go (especially since I've missed so much work from being sick). I called again today and my GI nurse said that the doctor doesn't know what else to do for me. I've tried Asacol and Lialda, both don't work. I've tried Imrun but had a reaction. I also have bipolar and I'm not absorbing those medications so that's getting worse too. They wanted to put me on Risperdal injection, but again, I can't afford it. Is there really nothing more they can do for me?? Is this it? Just deal with the D, pain, nausea/vomitting, GI bleeds and so on forever now?? I called my regular doctor this morning and asked him to speak with my GI himself. I'm to the point of almost asking for surgery or something because I'm 30 with 4 kids and I can't live like this forever! I think things are worse too because of all the problems with my bipolar (severe mood swings and depression/suicidal thoughts). Can someone here help me and tell me if I have more options? I'm considering going somewhere for a 2nd opinion but I'm scared that I'll have to wait for a long time to see someone else. Please help!
They say there's nothing else they can do!!!
- Thread starter jdpar
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Humira has a patient assistance program you might be eligible for. I know lots of people use it and pay very little/nothing for Humira. https://www.humira.com/myhumira/financial-assistance.aspx.That may be an option for you. Remicade has one, too, if Remicade is something your GI/GP are willing to try. http://www.remistart.com/ This is more of a short-term answer, but sometimes doctors give people samples of medications when they can't afford them.
In the past, when my insurance has turned down expensive medications, my doctor called the insurance and told them how desperately I needed the med. That has actually helped a lot.
That's all that comes to mind right now, but if I think of anything else I will tell you. I'm sure there are others that will be able to offer you some ideas as well.
In the past, when my insurance has turned down expensive medications, my doctor called the insurance and told them how desperately I needed the med. That has actually helped a lot.
That's all that comes to mind right now, but if I think of anything else I will tell you. I'm sure there are others that will be able to offer you some ideas as well.
Thank you for your response. When I was at the hospital last time the case workers there started helping me with trying to get my meds and everything. Humira has a patient assistance program, but they won't help me because I have insurance. I'm finding that most patient assistance programs won't help me because of that reason. Even though I still can't afford meds even with the insurance. I also talked with a pharmacist that I know well today and he said that he is seeing a lot of people having the same problems. He also said that pharmaceutical companies are jacking up their prices greatly with the Obamacare now. He gave an example of a tube of topical medication that he sells used to be $12 a tube and now it's over $200.
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I think people have given you the answer as far as patient assistance programs are concerned. What I can help with is the "alternative care" aspects - NOT to be confused with replacement care. Never replace medical care with alternative care, but over time as you live with this, you will discover many of the things that help keep you well and in remission anyway, so why not help you find them?
(Actually it would be dishonest to say that SCD is merely going to keep you in remission. It's a diet that was used before drugs existed for IBD and it did bring remission for many people, but it may not be possible for you or who knows if it will work for you.)
1. Look into some low-inflammation diets like maybe SCD diet, or the Zone. Since you're also saying you have some bipolar issues, consider Atkins since it has good effects neurologically. (But if you do Atkins, get hold of an old book, the new one directs you to some frakenfoods that aren't good for Crohn's.)
2. Research the effects of fish oil and DHEA as supplements. Maybe have one of those expensive micronutrient tests done to see if you're deficient in some things. About 50% of people are deficient in Vitamin E and that's bad for Crohn's. Unfortunately only Chiropractors or Naturopaths offer those tests in my experience, but I find them worth it once every 5-10 years. It's an investment in my health. Insurance wouldn't cover it.
3. Consider reading "Grain Brain" by David Perlmutter who is a neurologist and has a lot to say about why wheat is making us sick in the belly and in our minds. But he's just the tip of the iceberg. There's a book about exercise and the brain called "Spark" that I think is even better.
That's a start on how to cope with all this. I know it's a lot, you don't have to do it all today. It's just a guide. It's probably inaccurate in places. You fix it up so it works for you.
(Actually it would be dishonest to say that SCD is merely going to keep you in remission. It's a diet that was used before drugs existed for IBD and it did bring remission for many people, but it may not be possible for you or who knows if it will work for you.)
1. Look into some low-inflammation diets like maybe SCD diet, or the Zone. Since you're also saying you have some bipolar issues, consider Atkins since it has good effects neurologically. (But if you do Atkins, get hold of an old book, the new one directs you to some frakenfoods that aren't good for Crohn's.)
2. Research the effects of fish oil and DHEA as supplements. Maybe have one of those expensive micronutrient tests done to see if you're deficient in some things. About 50% of people are deficient in Vitamin E and that's bad for Crohn's. Unfortunately only Chiropractors or Naturopaths offer those tests in my experience, but I find them worth it once every 5-10 years. It's an investment in my health. Insurance wouldn't cover it.
3. Consider reading "Grain Brain" by David Perlmutter who is a neurologist and has a lot to say about why wheat is making us sick in the belly and in our minds. But he's just the tip of the iceberg. There's a book about exercise and the brain called "Spark" that I think is even better.
That's a start on how to cope with all this. I know it's a lot, you don't have to do it all today. It's just a guide. It's probably inaccurate in places. You fix it up so it works for you.
David
Co-Founder
I'm sorry to hear everything you're going through 
I suggest taking a look at the clinical trial in my signature.
I suggest taking a look at the clinical trial in my signature.
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