Remicaid and Crohns

[Maestra70]

Good evening. I'm searching for information concerning Remicaid and its use with Crohns disease. My 10 year old daughter was diagnosed with Crohns Disease, Ulcerative Colitis and Duodenum (sp?) disease a year ago next month. Last February she developed an anal fistula and had a fistulotomy in April. Although the fistula was basically a surface one it is very slow to heal. The surgeon (who also works for Childrens Hospital of the Kings Daughter) wanted us to lower her Azathioprine dosage to allow for the fistula site to heal quicker. However her GI doctor is afraid that this will allow the Crohns to flare up again (she's not had any problems in a long while now from the Crohns itself) and wants to start her on Remicaid. He suggested I do a search on it as he knows that I am skeptical about it. I've heard that once started if stopped it may not be started again if the body has developed antibodies against it. Plus it is also extremely expensive and I do not wish my daughter to have to worry about, what $8000 every 2 months or whatever it is once she grows up and leaves the house if she can't get insured due to the pre-existing condition. Any thoughts or suggestions?? Thank you!

[runaway0202]

Hi there-

I have been doing the Remicade treatments since 1999. I was diagnosed with Crohn's when I was 26, and I am 39 now. The Remicade has kept me flare free since 99. I am not sure what the age requirements are for the treatment though. I have not felt any side effects at all, except for feeling a little tired for a couple hours after the infusion.

I am not aware of it costing so much. I believe my entire treatment, which is done at the hospital every 8 weeks, costs roughly $2000. I can not be exactly sure, for my insurance covers it 100% and I do not see a bil.

As far as your child having to pay for this out of pocket when she leaves home, that may not be the case. Most employers that offer health insurance to their employees don't normally have to disclose pre existing conditions. The only time that she may have to is if she joined the policy after her employment began and not at the hire date. This is how it is in the state I live in.

Hope this information is helpful, and you may to search online like the docotor suggested. There are some very informative info out there, and some scary stuff as always. I am always willing to discuss my Crohn's expierence with anyone who it may help.

God Bless!

[Maestra70]

Thank you very much for your information. The insurance information I had just heard as well from a co-worker. A co-worker of my husband's said that her daughter is a teacher and couldn't get insured. That's what was confusing and scaring us. It may depend on the state or system.

Thank you also for letting me know how it's been working for you.