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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 4/5/2008 2:25 AM (GMT 0)

I was diagnosed with Crohns back in September 2007 (though it seems like a lifetime ago). My biggest symptoms other than the diarrhea are arthritis, mouth sores and lethargy. I have been on Prednisone (60-40 mg) since July 07 and have been on Imuran, Ultracet and Celebrex since October 2007. The symptoms listed above are still a bit out of control and the diarrhea.....well I think I have just come to the conclusion that it will always be there waiting to jump out at the most inopportune time. My GI is putting me on Humira along with the Imuran, Prednisone, Celebrex and Ultracet (without this I would never get any sleep since the pain is pretty killer) but of course my insurance is being hesitant to approve paying for it until they deem it is a "total necessity"-right like I would like to inject that just for kicks. Anyway I just wanted to come here to connect with others who are dealing with this stuff and get information, advise from anyone having to deal with Crohns. Best of luck and warmest of wishes.

Posted 4/5/2008 2:41 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome,

I'm sure you will find this site very informative. The people are very friendly and always willing to help and share their experiences. I hope your insurance company approves your Humira. Maybe that will give you some relief. I am trying humira myself next week. I to am on prednisone, it has been my saviour many times over the last 27 years. Have you talked with your Dr. about imodium to help with the diarrhea? If I didn't take 2 imodium every morning, I wouldn't be able to leave the house. Keep us posted on your progress.
Posted 4/5/2008 2:42 AM (GMT 0)
Hi there elroque,

I just started a whole new thread to welcome you. I'll go and delete it :-)

It's great to meat you, and I hope you find a lot of support and friendship here.

Ivy.
Posted 4/5/2008 4:00 AM (GMT 0)

Welcome,

       You will find his site very helpful in many ways,dealing with Insurance companys can be so frustrating. I had a hard time a few years ago with them paying for remicade, I ended up having a resection instead. about a year and a half later my crohns came back and my GI went to bat agian and finally got it approved, but it took alot of work on his part. I havent had any problems with them since with any of my treatments including humria so good luck to you. I also agree about talking to your doc about lomotil it is worth asking for.

Posted 4/5/2008 4:07 AM (GMT 0)
Hello Elroque,

Glad you found this forum. It has been very helpful to me and the folks are very friendly. I suggest you search through past threads because there is tons of great stuff! Don't be ashamed of asking any type of question -- as you will see no one is bashful here!
Posted 4/5/2008 10:03 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Elroque,
Welcome to Healing Well.
Posted 4/5/2008 10:40 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Elroque, Welcome! I just took my first dose of Humira today. I called my insurance Thursday and didn't get a good answer and asked for a supervisor after being persistant to say the least it was delivered the next day. I am finding that I am my own advocate and being pushy isn't such a bad thing. Best of luck with everything and take care. Janice Oregon!
Posted 4/5/2008 10:45 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome Elroque to Healingwell. Hopefully the insurance will go thru and you will get some relief. I look forward to hearing more from you.

God Bless,
Gail *Nanners*
Posted 4/6/2008 12:49 AM (GMT 0)
Hi and welcome to Healing Well it is a good place foe all kinds of support and glad you are with us Sure helps me and it has loads of info and great variety . lol gail
Posted 4/6/2008 2:49 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome to HealingWell Rock, sorry you must be here.
You will find that with time, ( & a good GI) that the right combo of meds & dosing will put you into remission. In other words, you won't be worrying about the big D all the time.
Remember also, when you are diagnosed with a chronic & serious illness, your mind & body actually go into the grieving procees. Just like losing a loved one.

Sincerely,
Matthew.
Posted 4/8/2008 2:30 AM (GMT 0)
Wow! Thank you all so much for the kind words! You don't know how awesome it is to finally be able to correspond with others who actually know EXACTLY what I feel/am going through.

In regards to the Humira, the insurance does not want to pay up. Amazing, with what I pay them this should be pocket change for them...But do not fret I am NOT going to give up. There has to be some light at the end of this tunnel for me and I will be d*mned if I allow some insurance company to tell me what I can/cannot take because they refuse to pay. I found links to programs that may assist in getting the Humira paid for on this site. Again many thanks to all of you!!

Posted 4/8/2008 2:37 AM (GMT 0)
Fight it, When I first went on Remicade I had to fight tooth and nail. I literally threatened a lawyer. Now on Humira, it took less than 12 hours. I am very persistant in what I want and don't take no for an answer. You arer your best ally. Push, push push for what you need!!! Best wishes, Janice
Posted 4/8/2008 3:25 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, put up the fight for it! Maybe your GI can give them a ring?

My med regime is almost identical to yours: Pred, Imuran (Azasan), Celebrex, Ultracet, then I also take Pentasa, Humira, and Entocort. This little cocktail currently has me in almost complete remission.

Oh, and you may want to ask your Doc about taking a soluble fiber supplement. Three tablespoons of the sugar sweetened Metamucil is an amazing help for us Crohnnies. I took it for three years prior to any meds. I can honestly say that aside from Prednisone, Metamucil has helped more than anything else.
Posted 4/11/2008 12:40 AM (GMT 0)
Just an FYI my insurance is finally paying for my Humira and I only have to pay the $25 monthly co-pay. I am doing my first four injections tonight. Though I am a bit ansy about poking myself four times I am excited to hopefully feel/see some results. YAY!!!

Posted 4/11/2008 1:08 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Rock! Was your mom a member of this forum awhile back? There was a lady that posted on her often about her young daughter w/ crohns. Her name was Rock. I figure it is a unique name and there could be a connection! Either way, welcome!
Posted 4/11/2008 9:22 PM (GMT 0)
Whoa!! What a coincidence but no that is not my mom. I am the first in my family (immediate and extended) to be diagnosed with Crohns but that is pretty funny!

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