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Im a 26 year old male living in florida and i was diagnosed last year with a severe case of crohn's disease afrter being mis diagnosed. ive already had one intestinal resectioning done last september and lost over 2 feet of my intestines and my terminal illeum. I was fine for 2 months then my abdominal pain returned in full force. now because im in so much pain i lost my job and have no medical insurance. ive been going to a walk in clinic to recieve care cause there are no g.i. doctors that i can afford in my area without insurance. im currently 6 weeks into remicade treatment with a doctor that knows nothing about the medicine. I recieved it from johnson and johnson and this clinic is administering it to me every few weeks. it isnt working and ive tried so many different medicines and im afraid that if i get surgery again im guna have to wear a colostamy bag. Im 26 and i dont know if i can deal with that. im in so much pain everyday. everything i eat hurts and the flare ups i get drop me to the floor. i take oxycodone for the pain but that even just masks it for a few hours and the pain is still always there. i dont know what 2 do so i thought id try this...its my last hope...if anyone has any advice for me please please respond to this...

 Reply posted for ChrisVan26.

Also, I just realized you live in Florida. I live in the Tampa area so I can give you some tips if you're in the same area. Try dialing 211 from your phone, I know here in my area, that's a crisis assist line that can direct you to medical and financial help. There has to be a free clinic in your area that would help you.

 Reply posted for ChrisVan26.

I can certainly understand what you're going through. I was diagnosed with UC 16 months ago. Due to a bad flare up, that caused me to miss a lot of work, I too lost my job (and insurance). Thankfully my GI doctor understands my situation and sees me at a discounted rate. If I were you, I'd Google "patient advocate foundation". They will assist you in getting help with prescriptions at a discounted or free cost. I take Canasa, which with insurance cost me $84 a month, and now I pay $15.

I'm not sure if you were fired or quit your job, but despite what people believe you can get Unemployment if you quit due to medical reasons. I would also apply (and re-apply) for disability like the others have said.

Also, take a look around this website, there has to be assistance. Also talk to your local hospital. Mine has a charity fund for people with illnesses that can't pay for their treatment. That way, if you need to see someone, go to the ER, they will treat you there.

Just don't give up. It broke my heart reading your situation. Thankfully, I have a very supportive family, that tried to put a positive spin on me possibly needing a colostamy bag as well. I know it's a frightening prospect of being so young with a bag, but people (and children) do it every day. My dad has lived the last 2 years with one, and thankfully last week had his reversed and removed.

Stay positive and good luck!

 Reply posted for AndreaS.

thanks for replying...im going to definately look into speaking with an attorney. being in pain alday long is ruining my life and ive already lost everything. Ive lost my car cause of it, my house, my girlfriend... i have nothing left and nobody in my family understands what im going through. we just fight all the time and that makes it worse..i dont know how to deal with this and i dont have many options left..i dont know if i can keep starting over especially when i have nothing to start with...all i have to look forward to everyday is pain...

 Reply posted for ChrisVan26.

I too have severe Crohns as well as Diverticulitis. I am on Remicade therapy and after one visit I feel a bit better. I was told by doctor that it takes a few visits before it really kicks in so give it some more time. I did not have surgery so not sure how that affects taking Remicade. They could not get a real diagnosis on me until just finally a few months ago. And of course it was what we all suspected Crohns/Diverticulitis. I would advise that you get an attorney who does cases where you pay him after you win your disability case. Disablility is your best bet as you will get insurance and help and get you to a good doctor. The best scenario is find an attorney and have a deposition done between attorney and doctor saying that you must be on disability. Depending on what state you are in a deposition by a doctor works over a judge immediately and you will win your case to get disability. That is what I did ...but I am sure it depends on what state you live in. Hope this info helps you a little!

 Reply posted for ChrisVan26.

I just want to say that I am so sorry you are going through such a hard time with all of this. I don't have any medical or insurance advice except maybe look into disability? I just wanted to say that it will all be okay and don't give up hope. There are some days that will be worse then others but just keep your head up it will be okay.