Posted 8/24/2010 8:38 AM (GMT 0)
Hi all. I was unemployed last year due to my company going out of business. I was without insurance and had an ER visit after having severe pains in my lower gut. I thought it was a hernia. Days later, The hospital social worker understated my unemployment income to qualify me for medicaid. I did not know of income understatement. I scheduled a follow up appointment with a GI doc at a GI clinic (Rockford Gastroenterology). He did an endoscopy and colonoscopy. I was 33 the time. I lost 40 lbs. I was "Unofficially" diagnosed with crohn's and/or the worst IBS he ever saw. After all this, Medicaid broke the news that I wasn't covered after all. I was left with a clinic and dr. that couldn't help me because they understandably dont work for free. I have $8,000 in debt I cant pay them. I can't get help from them.
I have been very sick with loose stools in the AM and pain all day along with a level of weakness that I cannot describe. I used to hike, sail, play hockey and just get out a lot. I lost my unemployment so I now have zero income but have medicaid. My wife left me. I have no job after being used to a six digit income. I had my gas turned off. I am losing my home. I get so sick that I can hardly move due to lack of energy. I tried meds and nothing works. Dicyclomine kind of helps. The only way I can minimize symptoms is to fiercely watch what I eat. I am applying for disability which I doubt I'll get. I have lost it all due to this disease which runs in my family. I want to go back to life and work hard to make a good income. But I can't. I can hardly make needed Dr.'s appointments. The pain is horrible and keeps me up all night and then I sleep all day whenever I finally pass out. It's a brutal cycle.
I need an understanding doc that will recognize my crohns and, knowing that I need help, help with getting me disability and medical treatment so I can rebuild my life. Part of my problem is I am a fit, healthy, good looking outgoing guy. I don't go anywhere when flared up. When I am well enough to get out, people look at me and have no idea of the pain that I have under my skin. Not to mention my pride gets in the way when asking a doc to help. I am too optimistic that things will improve and then... a flare up. I struggle accepting what is bringing me down. I have a kid and need to get well enough to provide for her. This has to start with a good doc. I have medicaid and will travel to Madison, WI or Chicago, IL area.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks