Patient assistance programs

With the recent economic times, money is short in many people's lives. With it being more and more difficult to afford medications, new additions to assistance programs for Crohn's disease warrant discussion.

Those of us with Crohn's disease have all quickly learned, it can be an expensive going through a flare or trying to maintain health during an off period.

I am confident that, if I had kept all the receipts that I have spent thousands of dollars (this is out of pocket not insurance) on medications, doctors visits, travel to and from clinics, as well as hospital stays and emergencies, not to mention the astronomical cost of surgery, which is the last (though sadly only) resort for those with severe cases of Crohn's.

With this in mind, it would be prudent to share with the general Crohn’s suffering public, programs that are out there to assist those with lower incomes that are dealing with this often debilitating disease.

In my own experience I have found these programs to be a life saver, in a very literal sense. I would encourage those who are eligible to put forth the time and effort necessary to apply, be approved and participate in these programs for the benefit of yourself and your family.

For some this might require a small amount of humility and willingness to be helped, as the process requires full disclosure of financial status that, to some, is of a personal sensitive nature. Remember, Crohn’s is a disease that can take all you have, and without help and support can be nearly impossible to manage.

Currently, I use Humira, a biological injection pen once every week as part of my Crohn’s regimen. This would not be possible without the Abbott Foundations (the makers of the drug) Patient Assistance Program, as the medicine cost approximately $5,000 per month, quite unaffordable without insurance or out of pocket.

For those who are currently on Humira and not participating in the program, I would strongly encourage you to do so. See http://www.myhumira.com/InsuranceHelp/Default.aspx for more information on HUMIRA

The pen and syringe form of Humira (left)

Additionally other commonly used medications for mild, moderate and severe Crohn’s have programs to make them more affordable to literally free.

Asacol, a mesalamine delayed release tablet, (which at one time I was taking 12 of a day) can be a great tool in the fight against flare ups. The patient assistance program of this medication is another excellent resource. See http://www.pgpharma.com/patient_assistance.shtml for more information on ASACOL

Asacol tablets (left)

Remicade, another biological therapy, made from mice antibodies, can be attained from an excellent patient assistance program, which not only helps with getting the medication, but in my opinion and experience, has the best follow up programs to check on your progress and needs while receiving treatment (which is administered through IV infusion) See http://www.remicade.com/remicade/global/getting_support/insurance_information.html for more information on REMICADE



While I have mentioned only a few medications that might be used to treat Crohn’s disease, there are many other avenues to receive different medications and treatments. I would again strongly encourage one to explore all these options before discounting oneself to having access to these benefits.

If there are any out there that have found more medications with assistance programs, please post them here for others to enjoy the benefits of. Additionally if anyone has heard small pieces of news, leave comments and I’ll do my best to look into it and give timely updates on what I can find from the most reputable sources.

Starting out

Crohn's disease. If you have it, then you are well aware of what accompanies it. Immunosuppressant, steroids, flares, and the randomness of it in general. Perhaps you have a family member that is living with it. Or maybe you've never heard of it. Crohn's disease is a member of the family of inflammatory bowel diseases and causes inflammation of the colon, and along with that a number of related symptoms.
One of the most "interesting" traits of this disease is how if effects everyone differently. With that in mind, I will do my best to keep general in my coverage, but truth withstanding; my only experience can be from my own life. The purpose of this blog is to act as an informer, supporter and friend to those who are "surviving" Crohn’s disease. Those who have Crohn’s, like myself, will tell you that at times, we can only hope to survive a flare.

However, life really is more than surviving and enduring a trial, it's about overcoming and making something of everyday.

While at times a very debilitating disease, there are many who go through each day having mastered their illness through medicines, procedures and treatment (medical or homeopathic in some cases). Optimism will be the tone of these posts, focusing on a life where Crohn’s does not hold one back but can act as a driving force.

The need for this blog as one who has Crohn’s, knowing that finding the latest information can be quite a challenge. There are no shortage of small websites or blogs that will tell you about one person’s experience however, as has been said before, the disease effects each person differently so having a broad smattering of news it what has been said to be the most helpful. A great deal of effort will be made to have each post and update accompanied by sources as well as links to more information about treatments, new clinics or things that would greatly improve the life of the Crohn’s patient.

This will be primarily information for people living in South Eastern Idaho, as that is where this author currently lives and the majority of my life with Crohn's has taken place. I will do my best to let everyone know about upcoming events related to Crohn’s, different centers to receive treatment and counsel, and what I have found in different resources about the latest medicines and treatments.

I would encourage those who read to add your own experiences, treatments that you have found effective, as well as anything that you’ve might see as beneficial to the general population with Crohn’s.

Special consideration will be given to those events close to southeast Idaho; however attention will be shown to all new advancements in Crohn’s disease.

I hope that this first post will be the beginning of a great resource for those who, like me, are striving to make their lives great in spite of their Crohn’s, not letting it make them prisoners.