Chronic illnesses and frugal living

**Sheilarenee** · 06-26-2008, 02:01 PM

Hi All,

I have Crohn's disease and the medical expenses are huge, but I try to live frugally otherwise and make the best of it. i would love to hear from others living well (or trying to live well) with a chronic illness. I need all the tips and support I can get! Thanks

Sheila

**suki** · 06-26-2008, 02:07 PM

Hey, Sheila. I, too, have Crohn's Disease. The meds are very expensive.

Welcome to the board. You'll have plenty of support here.

**voodidit** · 06-26-2008, 02:15 PM

I have Multiple sclerosis and complications from Thyroid cancer and yes it is hard to get by with all the additional medical expenses.

**Mtngrl25** · 06-26-2008, 06:15 PM

I don't have a chronic illness, but my DH has multiple sclerosis and our 3 y/o DD has Crohn's Disease.

MS brings its own frugality challenge in the summer because heat is really, really rough. We have to keep it cooler in our house in order for DH to be able to function. DH qualified to get a free "cooling kit" from the MSAA (they have income guidelines, but are *very* liberal), so that helps keep him functional at work. Also, we bought a small window unit AC for our bedroom to keep it cooler up here without wearing the central air out.

For Crohn's Disease, something that DD's GI has recommended is to take probiotics to help with the balance of bacteria in her gut. Instead of buying the probiotic pills or buying expensive yogurt and kefir, I make both yogurt and kefir. You get way more good bacteria in them than you do in the pills.

As far as meds, see if your insurance plan cuts you a break if you buy your meds in "bulk". Many plans will let you buy 3 months worth at the cost of 2 months if you do the mail order option, but I discovered by accident that we're able to do that through our regular pharmacy too! So look into that to help with the drug cost.

Also, check out needymeds .com (remove the space). It's a free site that lists drug companies, medications, and patient assistance programs. They also have information on programs for specific disorders and diseases to help with copays, etc.

If you're having to take any "extra" meds or supplements, be sure and ask your doctor for samples.

That's all I can think of off the top of my head.......welcome to the village!

**jvera** · 06-26-2008, 06:55 PM

I have a lot of medical problems and take about 8 medications which get expensive each month. I also can not work so I was approved for social security disability insurance. It can sure be a chore trying to live within our means.

**cheriede** · 06-26-2008, 07:13 PM

I have a chronic condition and I take about 5-6 different types of medication. I have some of my prescriptions on mail order and some are at CVS. I have them at the place that is cheapest for the medication. The only other thing that I do is put money into my flexible spending. The savings from the flexible spending isn't that great, but I suppose every little bit helps. I really wish I had some better answers for you with living frugally with a chronic condition.