How do you afford all this without insurance...

WingZero, I was uninsured for a few years and it was extremely difficult. I got by with trials, sample medication, ordering drugs from Canada and getting into Patient Assistance programs. In the Resources thread on the top of the forum, there are some posts that have links to different programs you may be elligible for.

Not really. You do need a prescription but my problem was never the script, it was affording the medication. I've ordered from CanadaDrugs. Others have mentioned JansDrugs? and a few others.

If you do a search on here (in the upper right), you should find some good pharmacies and feedback. CanadaDrugs is great, legit pharmacy with money back guarantee but it's not that cheap. Way less expensive than paying retail in the US of course. There is a generic mesalamine there that is basically Asacol and costs much less, especially in bulk. Salofalk is Canasa but much cheaper.

I recall someone creatiing a thread with a ton of info on pharmacies, it was very useful but I can't remember the link. I will try to dig it up for you when I get back to the computer later on.

How are you feeling? You should make a sig with your meds so we know what you're taking.

Ah yes...singing my tune. I am finishing up my RN degree in December. I am presently without Insurance, but have a community health plan. Unfortunately they do not cover mesalamine (Asacol, Lialda etc) and the patient assistance prograsm that used to cover mesalamine does not cover it any longer. There is a Lialda card that your provider may have on hand that could help with meds. I have been with, without, community health plan, etc for 5 years now while I get my degree. It has not been easy. But alot can be done with doing alot of research, asking Dr for samples etc. Lialda is not supposed to be accepted under the patient assistance programs but my Gi doc just did something to make it happen. They can word things in such a way as to say that there is no alternative for you or whatever, and just maybe get something for you. Actually I don't even know what meds you are talking about here, but that has been my experience. dB

These are great suggestions everyone! I've started the process for applying with Shire for their Lialda assistance program (I'm currently on Lialda 3x a day in conjunction with prednisone). All of the rectal/alternative meds I will have to talk to my GI about when I go for my follow up visit in two weeks. Right now just seems so overwhelming with waiting on the results from the biopsies and trying to figure out how I'm going to pay for the colonoscopy and all future visits without assistance. I'm hoping one of the programs will accept me and give me some leeway so I can shop around for a good health insurance plan that won't deny me coverage because of my pre-existing condition (and that doesn't have a ridiculously high deductible).

Other than the residual stress, I am improving. Prednisone is starting to kick in so I'm going to the bathroom much less, but still having loose/runny stools which are waking me up in the middle of the night. But it's only day 4 today... I imagine it's going to take a bit longer for everything to really kick in.

Thank you for all the help and info. You guys are great :)

Best thing you can do to avoid big money costs with UC, is to put the cheapest and best things into you. This can help you get in remission so you can keep working to make money, and avoid expensive pharmaceuticals.

Vitamin D is mega cheap and goes along way with all aspects of health, especially UC. It's safe to take doses up to 10,000ui daily. If you live in a cold area or just are not a fan of going out in the sun for a few hours a day, its best to take 4000 ui to 6000ui daily (in my opinion). This turned around a ton of symptoms for me and got rid of depression.

Another thing is to reduce food intake. Doing things such as fasting can rest your bowel, and allow you immune system to clear out mucous and bacteria efficiently. This will save grocery bills and get you closer to being healed and in remission. To kill your appetite, dark dark green tea is wonderful to make you feel full. Its also a mega anti oxidant, anti microbial and makes your tummy feel relaxed and warm.

Melatonin is another major helper! Cheap, and lots of studies with UC, IBS and melatonin. That plus you get the best most refreshing sleep of your life! None addictive and works everynight.

Hope this advice helps. Meds arent cheap when ya dont got insurance.

I work in a medical billing office and we have several ways of helping patients. Depending on your medications sometimes the manufactuerer will offer assistance. Also some of the pharmacy's offer script programs (I know Walgreens for certain).

As far as the medical side some offices offer "sliding scale" programs or indigent adjustments if you qualify. Put EVERYTHING on those financial disclosures. Our offices factors in expenses like rent and car payments and if you qualify, you can get an indigent adjustment up to 90%. Most offer indigent adjustments to those who also have insurace as long as they qualify.

Most have an automatic self pay discount. Our offices give an 35% is paid in full on the date of service and 25% automatic for self pays, but you have to request it. Also talk to them about a monthly payment plan. When you do call, be as nice as possible. It may not seem like it, but most of us respond better to and try to help the nice ones.

Please do not believe the people that say "as long as you are paying something, they will not turn you over to collections". That is not true. If you are making an agreed upon payment for a specific balance, they will "hold" it, but if you miss payments or your balance grows and the payment plan is not re-agreed upon it can be turned over to a collection agency.

I hope some of this helps...Good luck!

what about sulfasalazine? I was on that originally and that kept me in remission. I think that is basically the same stuff as Asacol or Lialda, but with Asacol and Lialda I think it is better coated and you take less pills.