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Flare Up - no health insurance

Sat, December 07, 2019 12:36 AM

I’m 27 years old and I was diagnosed with Crohn’s when I was 16. I was on Humira for most of the time after my diagnosis, but when I turned 25 I stopped it cold turkey. I’m a university student in a doctoral degree, and my studies make it hard to find work outside of school. And being that my university’s health coverage plan doesn’t cover colonoscopies... I’m not on health insurance at all, and I can’t afford most plans. And I’m not eligible for any special or low-cost plans in my state, Missouri. I’ve been able to manage quite well for the most part, especially since I started going gluten free 1.5 years ago, but in the past week I’ve found myself in a flare-up, the first one in years. I’ve had very little energy and little appetite, but in the past day or so I’ve been gaining some of it back. However, I’m still quite constipated, and if I’m able to release my bowels at all, it’s mostly yellowish mucus. Any advice or support is greatly appreciated.

vvan4
Joined Dec 6, 2019

Thu, December 12, 2019 2:21 PM

Reply posted for vvan4.

hey bud, Im so sorry to hear about that. That is really really unfair for you. Presently im in canada so I all my care is covered, but I used to live with crohns in Japan and went through the same issue you are having now. Without medical care, there is still a lot you can do for yourself. My bowels completely changed when I went on the specific carbohydrate diet. Also if I get a flare up, "brasco Broth" is all I eat for three days, with some probiotics and drink only water and peppermint tea, and it clears it all up. With the kind of constipation you are having, when I get that, I take metamucil before each meal and it clears up in a day or two. Best of luck to you, I hope you find your health and healthcare

LeslieCanadian
Joined Dec 6, 2019

Sun, December 08, 2019 4:19 PM

Reply posted for vvan4.

Things like this are why I refuse to even try drugs/treatment that I can't afford if I were to lose my insurance. My doctors tried to get me on Humira but after seeing the cost I said no way. That's unfortunate you can't get any health coverage. I'm on Obamacare through my state and it goes by your income. I would try and speak to a local government social worker on medical coverage. You have a serious diagnosis and you should be considered a priority. Meanwhile if you have medical issues I would avoid hospital ER's. Most cost effective way to get help (at least where I live) are urgent care clinics. Be sure to tell them your situation and they might have some ideas for you.

Toni78
Joined Dec 8, 2019

Sat, December 07, 2019 4:59 PM

Reply posted for vvan4.

Get some over the counter laxatives. They are relatively cheap and they work

charbs
Joined Oct 31, 2016

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