Many of you have been so thoughtful with comments, emails, prayers, suggestions and more for my trip to Cedars Sinai. From the first phone call to Cedars Sinai, it was nothing short of a miracle that everything happened as it did and I can't be more thankful to the Lord for what came about. The trip could not have gone more smoothly. The drive to LA was absolutely uneventful, in fact, the only time we stepped on the brake was to have some lunch in Banning! Not even an extra stop to use the restroom!!! I found a super hotel room about a mile away from the medical center with 2 nights advance notice that was amazingly inexpensive. In fact, it was directly across from CBS studios and this wonderful outdoor mall called The Groove. (As a side note, I had been trying a diet to help my Crohn's and finally decided to give up. So, after 3 weeks of home-made yogurt, broiled carrot & chicken soup, cheese slices, eggs, and diluted grape juice, I had the most wonderful dinner at Cheesecake Factory with a slice of blueberry cheesecake for my birthday!)
The appointment with the specialist was amazing and I felt like they were there only for me that day. First great news of the day was that the team of doctors did not think I was a good candidate for a second surgery - yippee! They agreed that I had tried all the conventional drugs available that typically treat Crohn's Disease, but that my body is requiring something not so typical. He gave me a recommendation for a new drug to try, Thalidomide, and now I have to start the insurance approval to get started. It's a very serious drug with a lot of possible complications, so I have to be fully informed to start the therapy.
There are many hoops to jump through at this time, but there is no doubt in my mind that God will continue to open the necessary doors to move it along. I'm just so grateful to have some temporary relief and a great long-term plan of action! It's amazing to me that our family will never be rich on my hubby's firefighter salary, but we have amazing insurance that is more valuable to us than anything at this time in our lives! Thanks for your continued prayers regarding my health and I look forward to telling you when my new drug will start!
Enjoying every minute!
4 hours ago
2 comments:
Look into low does naltrexone rather then Thalidomide. It has few side effects and is cheap.
I do not know where you are located, but an MDH or good naturopath I understand has the best treatment for this disease without side effects. My homeopathic physician's son has this for years now and researched all the treatments and told me this regarding his son. Bad part is most insurance companies do not cover it or treat it as out of network.
Often, best treatment is a good deal for your body.........but NOT cheap on the pocket.
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