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Question for Canadians!

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 3/27/2013 10:18 PM (GMT 0)
Hi!
We plan to move to canada (alberta) but dnt have much knowledge abt the medical system in canada. Have heard people say you have to wait long even after we get the health card...I wouldn't be able to carry medicines from here. So will i have to wait for prescriptions for my medicines.
Your advise would be great help.
thanks!
Posted 3/28/2013 12:14 AM (GMT 0)
Hi pady!

I live in Alberta, born and raised so I can't give you much info in regards to "moving" to AB...I too have heard there are long waits for GI's (unless you've already established a GI to take care of your IBD) not sure how long it takes to get an Alberta Health Care card either, but currently there is no cost for us to have one.

Here's a link to Alberta Health Services and hopefully it will help you as a starting point if nothing else...

http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/

Best of luck to you with your move and settling in.

Posted 3/28/2013 5:11 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks pb4!
I will get the health card soon..so I am not worried abt that. Just wondering if i shud stock up medicine from here (dnt know if that would be alllowed to cross border plus also there is only limited i can get here) . Will I have to wait for a doctor to just prescribe medicine to me.... this is what is scaring me - i dnt want to run out of medicine :(
Posted 3/28/2013 5:24 AM (GMT 0)
What medicine do you need? There are differences country to country on what is available. You might want to check to see if what you take is available in Canada, and if not if there are similar alternatives.

Worst case scenario, if you flare while waiting to get in to see a GI doc, you can always go to the Emergency at a hospital as they usually have a GI doc on call who could get you what you need.
Posted 3/28/2013 12:38 PM (GMT 0)
Im in Alberta too. Getting a visit with a GI can take months. If there are cancellations you may get lucky and get in faster. As for meds there are minor differences. Which ones do you need? Do you already have work here and have insurance?
Posted 3/28/2013 8:52 PM (GMT 0)
Hi!
I am on mesalamine enema & Asacol right now. Was in remission but flaring right now.
I became a permanent resident of Canada recently but moved out of the country before getting the health card. Will reach there and get health card. Though still searching for a job.

Post Edited (pady) : 3/28/2013 2:55:07 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 3/28/2013 9:58 PM (GMT 0)
You should have no problems getting Asacol and Mesalamine enemas in Canada from the pharmacy (assuming you can get a prescription!). The enemas are called Solafalk I believe unless that's changed since I was there. Most employers offer prescription drug coverage.

In Canada you cannot go to a specialist directly, you have to get a referral from your family doc. This means you need to get a family doc first, and then get a referral to a GI doc from the GP. Might not be the quickest process depending on where you live.
Posted 3/29/2013 3:22 AM (GMT 0)
I live in Alberta, and have had a very different experience from some other posters. When I had my first flare, a doctor was able to get me a colonoscopy on 48 hours notice, and the gastroenterologist who performed it took me on immediately as an ongoing patient. I've never had any difficulty getting appointments or treatment. I live in central Edmonton, which I suppose might make things easier?
Posted 3/29/2013 3:29 AM (GMT 0)
Wells, how did you first make contact with the GI doc? Through a visit to the emergency room, or as a referral from your GP?
Posted 3/31/2013 12:39 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks C_K_G & wells!
Can the family doctor help with prescription or do I need to get GI for that.
Posted 3/31/2013 2:40 AM (GMT 0)
It depends on the family doctor...some don't have enough confidence even with simply doing a refill of your existing RX, while others are fine with doing refills.
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