Skip to main content

Update

Since my last post regarding Crohn's disease I've had a few changes. I'm now seeing a different doctor. This one has doubled my immunosuppressants. Apparently everything we were doing before just wasn't enough to lower my inflammation markers.

The past few weeks have been difficult. I hate complaining when I feel bad because I know how bad it can get and how quickly it can get there. However, I've been suffering from headaches and nausea for some time now. Maybe it's time to change my migraine meds? I don't really know.

I also have a rash that the doctor attributed to an allergic reaction. It's itchy and seems to just keep getting worse. I know that some day soon things will start getting back to normal. When they do I'll be sure to let you know. But right now I just feel really out of sorts.

I have to say I'm lucky. I'm now on Social Security/ Disability. If I get sick I can go to the doctor and receive treatment. I can get help. Not everyone is that fortunate. The brief period of time I lived without insurance was difficult at best and my inability to afford my prescription medications made every day a little more excruciating and anxiety ridden. I was lucky to receive help when I did. I may not be on the best meds available, but my disease is being treated.

Sometimes I feel embarrassed telling people I'm on disability at the age of 24, but I know I couldn't live without it. Even if I had private insurance I couldn't make enough money to afford premiums, copays, deductibles, and anything the insurance companies refuse to cover. Medicare and Medicaid might not be the best things out there, but they allow me to live.

I do think it's sad, however, that for someone to receive comprehensive medical care in the United States they pretty much have to give up on living a normal life. I can't get a job. If I did I would make too much money to receive government assistance. If I did get a job I wouldn't even be able to make enough to cover my medical expenses, much less living expenses.

If the U.S. had Universal Healthcare I could go to grad school, get a job, live my life and be happy without having to worry about how to pay for the pills that keep me alive. It's sad that I'm in this position. It's sad that there are hundreds, even thousands more like me out there who haven't even had the luck I've had.

The Declaration of Independence lists "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness" as the sovereign rights of man. But there's a problem: It's hard to pursue happiness when you're fighting for your life and no one wants to help. Maybe one day we'll have Universal Healthcare, and we can all pursue happiness without worrying that we'll have to choose between paying the rent or paying for prescriptions...

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

There was an incident...

Yesterday was shot day. Three pens, as expected, no big deal. Except one of my pens misfired. The needle didn't even touch the skin. I pressed down, counted to ten, pulled it away, and the Humira started spraying. I put my hand over the end to catch to fluid so that it didn't spray all over the carpet. According to the Humira rep with AbbVie this is a normal mechanical failure. I explained the incident, gave them some info from the package, and as soon as they confirm with my doctor a new pen will be on the way. I have extras in the fridge, so no lapse in dosing. Still, injecting is anxiety inducing enough without equipment failure. The other problem: I noticed two lumps in my right arm pit on Thursday morning. Around 9 AM it was the size of a ping pong ball. I sat in Sus' house all day while she cleaned, unable to help her because the building pain was just too much and movement would only make it worse. By dinner time it was roughly the size of a tennis ball, and more...

Clairol Hair Food and ELF Skincare

I pocked these up at Target because I had some Cartwheel coupons. After a few weeks of use I can say the shampoo is fantastic. It leaves your hair clean without weighing it down. Unfortunately the conditioner isn't heavy enough for damaged or color treated hair so I usually have to use a leave in conditioner spray after. The shampoo and conditioner together do work well to clarify if used intermittently between other shampoos. They also smell fantastic and I do use them whenever my hair feels heavy from product buildup.  The ELF skincare is great for the price point. I'm not sure if it's scented but if it is the smell isn't strong. I loved the serum and used it up quickly. The eye cream and face cream work well but it wasn't hydrating enough for me. It might work better for someone with combination or oily skin.  The ELF beauty blender is excellent. I've used it many times and I love it. It works incredibly well and is much cheaper than the n...