All this talk of
is encouraging since I am getting an ileostomy this april 20th. My previous girlfriend was understanding, but I am not so sure about
a future lady. The thought of explaining it to a new person at theat romantic mooment is, well, not so romantic. At least I have worked hard to be able to explain what I am going to have done to my "normal" friends. I am glad I found this site, since it seems that people actually post to it, instead of once every few months like most other message boards I have found. Talk to you all soon.
oh, I guess here is where I am supposed to list all my ailments (sorry, just one):
Crohn's disease, limited to the colon rectal/anal area, with too many fistulas to count. Perianal, entero-vesicular (to the bladder) fistulas that will not quit! Within a few weeks I will take my last real BM. They have sucked for the last 15 years (since I was 14) so it's not like I am missing out on anything anyway, right?
As for meds, I was on Humira. It's for Arthritis, but ask your doc about
it, it is much more accepted by your immune system than Remicade. With Remicade, you eventually create antibodies for the antibody (Remicade is actually a anti-TNF (Tumor Necrosis Factor) antibody. With Humira, it is 99.8% human antibody, not 50% chimerical (that's mouse antibodies) like Remicade is made from.
The problem is that Humira is about
$5000 a month (4 self-injections twice a month). Most insurance plans play 70% and leave you with a 30% copay. which amounts to between $1000 - $1500.
So I had to stop taking it, and hence, the upcoming surgery....
However, don't give up, I applied for and was granted an exception for Abbott's Laboratories Patient Assistance Program and they are sending me a free, that's right FREE! 3 month supply! Yeehah......A good three page letter to the Board of Directors along with your application can still get you something these days!
Talk to all you folks soon!
Nathanael in California