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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 11/2/2010 2:27 AM (GMT 0)
My name is Ginger, I'm 24 and was diagnosed with crohn's disease when I was 22 after a long journey of suffering the consequences of being in denial. I started out on Asacol and prednisone, but after I was taken off the steroids I immediately had a flair up. So after more tests and getting my weight up and some iron infusions, I went on remicade once every 8 weeks. That's the only medication I've been on since February of '09 and it's amazing. I've been in remission this whole time. Unfortunately I lost my job last week and my insurance, so I have to figure out a way to continue my treatments before I get sick again. I've been trying not to stress, and watch what I eat. Hopefully I can get some good tips on here too.
Posted 11/2/2010 2:55 AM (GMT 0)
Ginger,
I'm so sorry to hear about your job loss. It can be quite stressful. I have been out of work for over a year, and am starting a new job (finally) in a couple weeks. Try not to get too stressed as this will only make your crohn's worse. (easy to say, hard to do, I know)

I'm glad to hear Remicade has been working so well for you! You should call the company that makes remicade and see about assistance with payment. I believe they have programs for patients who don't have insurance.

Are you in the US? If so, you should be able to pay for COBRA and extend your insurance.

Welcome to Healingwell, there are a lot of caring people here and it's wonderful to get answers to questions only another chronie would understand!
Posted 11/2/2010 3:05 AM (GMT 0)
Hi and welcome Ginger. Becky has some good points and also ask your doctor . There are some drug companies that provide drugs at reduced cost for people like you. The nurse can give you a list of them . Good luck .
Posted 11/2/2010 3:24 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you Becky! Yes I'm actually going to call this thing I found on the web for free meds. Remicade was one of the things covered. I just hope I qualify! COBRA will be way too expensive I'm afraid. But in January I can get put on my mom's insurance.
It is so hard not to stress! I've just been keeping busy and looking into schools and typed up a new resume, cleaned, and watched a lot of movies lol.
Posted 11/2/2010 4:24 AM (GMT 0)
I don't know if it's still going on, but there was a stimulus created to help with COBRA costs. The first 15 months I was on it, I only had to pay 30% of the cost of insurance, and the government paid the rest. You should check into that as well and see if it's still in effect. If so, it makes it a more reasonable price for coverage.

What kind of work do you do?
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