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I'm so tired of everybody claiming that they know how to keep my Crohn's at bay. "Eat this not that." There's only a couple of foods that I have found really bother me, so I don't eat them. What really causes me to flare up more than anything else I've noticed is stress. Not that the billing people from the hospital seem to care that stress causes my Crohn's to flare up... I guess they figure the worse a flare I have the more money they can collect from me, and then the more flares I'll have so I can owe them even more money! Well maybe not really, but this is how it feels sometimes. They offered me a financial hardship application, but I wouldn't be eligable anyway, because I've been saving money for a downpayment to buy my first house for years now, and have finally met my goal and can look at houses (I'm not even looking at anything that anyone would consider expensive, just something I can call my own). Anyway, since I have money set aside they would of course want me to spend it on my bills, because what do they care if I have to start saving for a downpayment for 2 years for. Anyway, I have a lot more to bug about, but then I've used too many characters, so if anyone just wants someone to vent to, and doesn't mind being vented at let me know.

 Reply posted for NeverEnding.

Dear Never Ending -

Try applying for Social Security Disability.

I've had depression & anxiety my whole life. Now in my later years, because it has gone untreated for so long, it's gotten worse. I operate a small business out of my condo, and had a little money in the bank, but needed to work part-time to make ends meet.

In Sept. 2008, I developed Atrial Fibrillation and an Atrial Flutter in Jan. 2009--both of which I had operations for, which have left me weak and not able to do much physical work--not that I'm a laborer or anything--just hard to bend, stoop, lift or exert myself too much.

I found a good disability lawyer who took my anxiety issues with conflict in the workplace along with my heart condition and after two years of denials (which is common), I got on SS Disability. Then, I got Crohn's, which if added to the list, would have been a no-brainer since it can be so debilitating. SS Disability is a miracle for me since I had only enough money in the bank for one more month's worth of expenses & then I'd be penniless & out on the street.

It may take time, frustration, and a lot of phone calls & research, but I think it's worth a try, with a good lawyer.

Good luck.

 Reply posted for Mom2One.

lol =) Thanks Simone!  I don't think your daughter is gonna have any problems dealing with people with a good mama like you on her side anyway!

 Reply posted for Mom2One.

oops....I guess my words are not acceptable! LOL

 Reply posted for breezy.

yes, please..vent!  i do not have crohn's or uc but my 13 yr old daughter does. thankfully we have not had anyone question the things she eats but i can totally understand why that would *** you off!  i'm sure there are people out there who think she is "just sensitive" and being over dramatic...but those people don't live with her and i do...so *** them.

as far as the application for financial help, i would give it a try.  we did this 2 yrs ago after my daughter's first round of tests and were left with a $4,000 bill.  yes, would could pay the bill but not all at one time...so i asked what could be done and after many months of follow-up they ended up giving us a large discount. i said the same thing that our income and assests were too high...but surprisingly they were willing to work with us.  don't give up on your dream of saving for a house!  i think these days hospitals are just happy to have people who pay something and you sound like a responsible person.i used to be in real estate so let me know if you have any questions :)

simone

 Reply posted for NeverEnding.

(this continues from my last post... didn't know how much room I had)

Anyway, I think that my Crohn's has been managed pretty well, and it drives me nuts when everyone thinks they have all the answers... especially since I know what my limitations are for the most part... I hate that feeling of being scrutinized every time I eat.  So far, spicy foods have not bothered me a bit... in fact, I've noticed that hot wings are one of the few foods that I tolerate well in a bad flare up... maybe its weird... but whatever... but you can bet that any time I sit down with something spicy there's some comment about my Crohn's and should I really be eating that. But then I don't think a lot of people who don't have Crohn's understand that not everybody responds the same way to the same diet.

I had somebody that I work with argue with me for 15 minutes about eating fruits, because she knew somebody with Crohn's who could not eat any fresh fruit... some of it I tolerate better than others... and when I'm not flaring up I can usually tolerate any kinds of fruits or vegetables.

I've even tried to avoid letting anybody know that I have Crohn's, but I'm surprised in how much it just seems to come up in conversation... and I kind of feel just as uncomfortable "hiding" it as I do being scrutinized for it.

Anyway, thanks for your reply =) It really does make a difference knowing that there's someone out there who doesn't mind the venting =)

 Reply posted for NeverEnding.

(this continues from my last post... didn't know how much room I had)

Anyway, I think that my Crohn's has been managed pretty well, and it drives me nuts when everyone thinks they have all the answers... especially since I know what my limitations are for the most part... I hate that feeling of being scrutinized every time I eat.  So far, spicy foods have not bothered me a bit... in fact, I've noticed that hot wings are one of the few foods that I tolerate well in a bad flare up... maybe its weird... but whatever... but you can bet that any time I sit down with something spicy there's some comment about my Crohn's and should I really be eating that. But then I don't think a lot of people who don't have Crohn's understand that not everybody responds the same way to the same diet.

I had somebody that I work with argue with me for 15 minutes about eating fruits, because she knew somebody with Crohn's who could not eat any fresh fruit... some of it I tolerate better than others... and when I'm not flaring up I can usually tolerate any kinds of fruits or vegetables.

I've even tried to avoid letting anybody know that I have Crohn's, but I'm surprised in how much it just seems to come up in conversation... and I kind of feel just as uncomfortable "hiding" it as I do being scrutinized for it.

Anyway, thanks for your reply =) It really does make a difference knowing that there's someone out there who doesn't mind the venting =)

 Reply posted for breezy.

Thanks Breezy =)

I've mostly been looking at townhouses, because otherwise in my price range all I can seem to find are fixer-uppers... while a lot of the townhomes and condos are gorgeous around here! I can't wait until I buy my perfect house. That will definitely  knock out some stress. I love to look too, but I'm ready to buy and I'm getting a little worried waiting for my pre-approval to come back (it expired, and I had to apply today) because I'm afraid of missing out on the one I've found that I just can't quit thinking about while I'm waiting. 

Plus I'm living with my boyfriend's family right now, and his mom is ALWAYS on me about my Crohn's... "Should you really eat this?" and "I heard Crohn's is caused by fast food." And she has this really weird doctor who she swears by. I'm not even sure he's actually a doctor... he doesn't use medicine or anything... and when my boyfriend's sister was having "anger issues" he literally pulled air (like mime's do an invisible rope) and said he'd pulled her anger out.

 Reply posted for NeverEnding.

Vent away NE.  If we don't vent then the stress starts and the cycle begins.  I have vented many a day.

What type of house are you looking for?  My hubby and I are looking.  Our current location is perfect but the house is a little small when my trio comes home.  I bought the house just for me and then my mr. wonderful came into my life and now, well, we are squashed at times.  I love viewing houses.  We looked at an historic home.  It was wonderful except the current owners really cheaped out and messed up the kitchen.  There was too much garden for us.  Ray and I love the outdoors but we don't want to spend our time weeding and cutting.

Hang in there. I totally agree about the hospital.  I used to collect past due hospital bills.  The hospitals would send accounts that they knew they could not legally collect.  I used to scream at the administrators.  Glad I am out of that business!

Hugs,

Breezy