New to CD

Hi:

Just recently diagnosed (June 21, 2013) and it has been quite an overwhelming ride. Had my first stay in the hospital and was good as it got me into see the specialist right away. At that point it was suspected crohns but confirmed 2nd day in hospital. My GP had put me on Pentasa as a precaution but my GI said it wasn't doing anything so he has decided to go right with Humira (I am also an insulin dependant type II diabetic). I have had my first dose of Humira just over a week ago and will do my 2nd dose this Friday. The drug company has donated the first two rounds of the drug while we wait too see if BC Pharmacare will pay for the drug. Keeping fingers crossed but I will fight this one. Hoping this all helps as I'm tired of feeling poopy.

When I first heard possibly of crohns after my colonoscopy I read a book called crohns and colitis for dummies. I really found it informative. After reading about the symptoms for crohns I figure I may have had it for about 20 years. Guess it just kept on getting worst.

I found this forum and have found it so informative and helpful. Right now I'm a bit overwhelmed. Trying to manage two diseases is very very hard. I've been struggling with my diabetes for over a year now and now know it is due to the inflammation. My body just is not a happy camper these days. At least this forum is giving me questions to ask the GI Dr. On Tuesday when I see him.

Thanks for listening

Welcome to the forum. I hope Humira begins to kick and make you feel better. We have a very active Humira sub-forum that I recommend you check out.

http://www.crohnsforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=59

Http://www.CCFA.org has a lot of great information and webinars to help you learn more about the disease.

Hi Careyearl,

I'm even more of a newbie to the disease, but I seem have a more mild case so far. I also wonder if I've had the disease for a long time but didn't know it. I thought I had 'weak' bowels so I avoided some foods. I didn't go to the doctor until I started getting cramping.

So far, I'm just on Asacol which I believe is very similar to Pentasa.

I'm also in BC, so I'd be interested to know what Pharmacare has to say about Humira. Good luck with that.

Hi MikeH:

One thing I have learnt is to make sure you are registered for BCFair Pharmacare. It isn't automatic. I will post once I know what Pharmacare has to say. Just curious as to how many Canadians have gotten the disability tax credit from Revenue Canada. I'm going to apply based on the crohns and the diabetes as I do multiple injections (6 a day). It should be interesting to see if they approve. Curious as to how many have gotten it and who was rejected.

I just found out about the CRA Disabilty Tax Credit and will be applying this year. I also wonder if anyone with CD has been granted this tax credit.

Hi Dave:

I worked in a CA firm and I do remember doing a tax return for someone that had crohns and had the disability tax credit. Just curious how easy it is. Personally I would fight to get it. In case you do not know if you have the disability tax credit you should qualify for the disability tax savings plan. It is a great deal. The government matches your contribution by 300%. So if you put $1000 in they put in $3000 a year. There are maximums but well worth it. Try to get your disability tax credit application to show when you were diagnosed as you may get the certificate back dated and then you can get reassessed as far back as 10 years. Do not get sucked into by one of the companies that says they can get it for you. It is pretty easy to do the application. If need be go to your MP for help on the application.

Carey

Thank you very much Carey. I have documentation showing I was diagnosed in 1978. I've got severe crohns. That credit would go along way in helping me get supplies. I'm going to look into it this week. I'll keep everyone posted. Thanks again.

So just talked with the Humira people and the BC Government has turned down my Special authority application. Really stressed as my case manager is away until Thursday so don't know what is going to happen. Can't afford the drug and the diabetes costs are really expensive. I have private insurance but looking at cancelling as I pay just under $4,800 a year and the only two things that we are using it for is my drugs and covered is capped at $1,800 a year and my husband for massage therapy at $500 a year. Based on this not really worth it and now they won't cover my testing strips which cost $80 a month if I test the amount of times that I should which is at least 5 times a day. Just really really frustrated. Diabetes is expensive and I find I can't work full time. I am self employed so don't have disability insurance and couldn't get it anyhow. Dr. already said the other drugs wouldn't work so don't know where I am going to go from here. If I have to go on the steroids then my blood sugars will be really crappy and I will get fatter. Just feeling sorry for myself and not too sure what is going to happen.