Question on Labwork

The reason for the initial frequent blood testing when one begins either 6MP or Imuran is to check liver function and the level of ones white blood cells. For instance, when I began Imuran, my WBCs fell to a dangerously low level. The doctor had to adjust my dosage. Some people have trouble metabolizing these meds and can have problems with the liver or pancreas.

Go get your blood drawn and make and keep your appointment with your doctor!

As Ides posted they check the white blood cell count while you take the Imuran and 6mp type meds cause these meds can lower them and if they get too low, well it's one of those things that can initialize (lack of better word) cancer and stuff--low blood cells are associated with Cancer symtoms---so while its completely rare they want to watch it and make sure nothing bad starts up. Liver functions too, last thing you want is your liver to stop and all.

Mine when I do this stuff as added also check my B12 levels which are always low--b12 helps in alot of the maintenance of keeping your body strong, I think bones and spine and all that, some generative stuff your body does. Energy levels too, some people get more energy when they've had thier b12 levels brought up. Vitamin D mine watch now too since its levels are supposed to be an '80' or above and mine tanked to a '14'...it can be alot of things.....if you don't get checked and your white blood count gets low it's dangerous as stated....alot of vitamin levels that can do different things to your body, it's quite a bit they check actually and all do alot of different things for your body.

My vote is to burst into tears  . . . docs hate that . . . .and it's not as if you don't have enough to send one over the edge. . . .

Good luck!

I'm going to make my appointment, and get my labs done. My parents are paying COBRA for me, but going to my GI every week to two weeks with a $40 co-pay on top of the meds etc.. and you know bills I need to pay to live... and I just have been getting tired of this, kind of the mentality of " maybe if I ignore it, it will go away" I've still been taking the 6MP every day, and I've been TRYING to keep up with my B12 injections, but I haven't been doing too good on those either. This just sucks! Chron's took away my Job, my independance, my health, and probably the ability to have another child since I will probably be on 6 MP forever...sorry, I just need to vent a bit, can't you tell LOL

Don't people with a chronic disease fall under the American with Disabilities act? Also, if you get fired b/c you are missing work, it seems like you could file for disability?? I am no expert on these things but thought I would throw that out there. It might be less expensive for your meds and all if you were on disability. I dunno.... But, cost is a huge factor in people not being able to keep up with their health care. Let your doctor know you are having problems. Maybe they can work things out with you on finances. Good luck.

Love_Art_Baby - The same thing happened to me. I was fired because I always ended up leaving work early or called in. I tried the FMLA and was told I already used it up. Later the HR lady got fired because I didn't use it and should have been approved. At that point it was too late. But I was told that they are legally not allowed to fire you if they are made aware of your condition they must work with you to figure out a plan. I did end up getting fired and the lady in the MA office was friends with my sister and said what they were doing is ilgeal and I should bring them to court. I felt it wasn't worth my time to bring them to court and sue, etc. But they did let me collect. I ended up not collecting because when someone is unemployed they are supposed to be looking for new work. I would not be looking for new work right away so felt I shouldn't collect. Cobra prices are insane my insurance through Cobra was going to cost almost $500 a month for Aetna. So I went on BCBS and found insurance for myself so I pay $248.63 a month for Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO. You should look into something like that it might be cheaper for you then Cobra. So everytime you get blood work at the GI office you have to pay $40 every 2 weeks? Are you also seeing the Dr at the time of the visit? When I go weekly to get blood work done i do not pay a co pay as I'm just having blood work done. They bill BCBS and what isn't covered I pay but it is never more then $20 in charges. It all adds up and get very expensive after awhile and while not working it sucks! I was told if I plan to become pregnant to let the doctor know so he could change the meds. I was told you cannot become pregnant while taking 6MP. Best of luck and hope you can find some type of insurance that is cheaper. Being as you have a child you might be able to get on state aid insurance. I know in MA you must have a child in order to qualify for welfare or you must have a child to get free insurance through the state as well.

Yeah, when they fired me, they knew the next day I was getting a colonoscopy to figure stuff out so I could work, and fired me the day before I had it, which was just mean on their part. I was also told I could take them to court on this..being I actually didn't have enough "occurences" of absence to get fired, or any tardies, and my job I was doing fine. So they had no place to legally fire me..but whatever, I didn't pursue that, I didn't have the money, or even wanting to deal with all that stuff... It just sucks..period.
He has me get blood work every two weeks, and every time I go in for an actual appointment, he always wants me to follow up in one or two weeks. so completely seperate. thank goodness I don't have a co-pay for labwork, lol.
I will go get my labwork early this week, and go back to my doctor..
and on better news...I just got offered a F/T permanant Job, so YAYY there...maybe things will start looking up from here.
I guess I was just hoping that ignoring all of this would make all this go away...
I'll obviously get my self in trouble that way :)

Always talk to your doc when you can't afford the co-pays. Some docs will work something out with you.

If the new job doesn't work out, you should be able to collect unemployment by having your doc write a letter that you are now medically able to work.

Good luck with the new job.