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Financial aid

Since 2017 i have had abdominal pain, getting in n out of hospitals. At 1st they said too much acids, then ulcers. I got to a point where all medication wasn’t working nomore. 2022 January 15 was hospitalized, my stomach was swollen, hurting and all the perforation symptoms. It required an emergency surgery. And now i am on treatment for Crohn’s. I am on Prednisone since 29January and so far i dont have any issues. I experience flare ups here n there it’s alright. The wounds are healing slowly though. Still struggling with diet sometimes can’t get the right food because am still adjusting to this new life and i am financially strained right now. Which brings me to my worst nightmare at the moment, i have a huge debt from the surgery i had in January. Currently not working due to this sickness. I live with my mom who isn’t working as well. I am in Harare, Zimbabwe. May you please assist me in any way. I would really appreciate it.

  1. Hi , thank you so much for your post. I'm so sorry to hear how you're struggling not only with Crohn's but with the financial burden that can come with it. I'm not sure what resources are available to you in Zimbabwe, but do you have access to disability benefits? Again, I'm not sure if this is relevant for where you live, but I'm including an article here regarding disability benefits, in hopes that it can help guide you to some resources or financial aid: https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/resources-disability. Food is also a struggle for so many.. what helps? what doesn't? One day it's one thing, the next day it's another. As I'm sure you know by now, this condition comes with a lot of trial and error. Some members have resorted to keeping a diary of what they've eaten and how they feel after. This could be helpful to determine what triggers your symptoms and what does not.

    We have heard from many community members that sticking to a BRATS diet can be helpful (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, soup) during or after a flare, but again, this isn't the same for everyone.

    I'm including a Featured Collection of articles that we have on our site with many articles written by our advocates. Many of whom have discussed foods that have been either helpful or harmful.
    https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/helpful-hated-foods/


    I'm glad to hear Prednisone is working for you right now and I hope you continue to have success with it! Please keep us updated, if you can. We're all here for you! Sending you strength and hugs - Pam (team member)

    1. Hi, thank you for the response. At least i have this community to cry/venton. A couple of days ago i have been in pain, back pain, abdomen pain and discomforts. I guess its the stress n the new life of living with Crohn’s But i am glad the pain isnt as before the operation..

      1. I hope you get more relief in the days to come. Rooting for you and your improvement. Hugs, Elizabeth (team member)

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