Why Should IBD be added to the LTI Scheme?
We believe that both Crohn's disease and Ulcerative colitis should be included in this scheme for a number of reasons:
Simply because how many times have you, as a sufferer of IBD being told by your Doctor/Consultant that what you have is a lifelong condition that will more than likely need maintenance therapy for the rest of your life? This is one of the primary reasons we believe it should be added to the scheme because IBD is LONG-TERM.
Crohn's disease, Arthritis and Multiple Sclerosis are all categorised as "Auto-Immune Illnesses". Yet, MS is the only one of these that is included in the scheme. We believe that both crohn's and particularly, Arthritis can be just as debilitating during a flare-up and are therefore, deserving of long-term illness status.
The costs incurred from suffering from an IBD can have a huge effect on Family Finances. For example, with crohn's disease and colitis, patients are often treated with immunosuppressent drugs resulting in infections being contracted on a regular basis and as a result, expensive visits to the GP are a requirement. Furthermore, one of the common side effects of crohn's is to suffer with joint pain which means a trip to the Physiotherapist is also a necessity. Not to mention the cost of health insurance and the drugs which are not available on prescription but are also necessary for treatment (Paracetamol, meds for heartburn, anti-inflammatory gels, vitamins etc). Not having to pay €100 a month for our prescribed meds would make a considerable impact. (See below for the costs on a family of four per month where one member suffers from crohn's and the disease is currently active)
Many patients suffering with an IBD are prescribed steroids in times of a flare-up. These drugs are extremely harmful to bone density and often lead to the onset of another long-term illness, Osteoporosis. But guess what? This illness is not on the scheme either.
It has been well publicised in the last 15 years that chronic illnesses such as crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, coronary heart disease and alzheimer's have significantly increased yet the sheme has not been updated since 1970. We believe it is time for the LTI scheme to reflect this and we are asking you to call on your local TDs and Minister for Health, Mary Harney to do something about it.
Many patients of crohn's disease suffer the ongoing cost of Vitamin B12 injections. Not only, do they have to pay for the injection itself, but they also have to pay the GP fees for the doctor to administer the injection. Also, whilst many people would argue that ulcerative colitis can be cured by the removal of the colon (How would you like to have your colon removed???!!!) there is still the ongoing cost of buying ileostomy bags regularly for the rest of their lives.
Simply because how many times have you, as a sufferer of IBD being told by your Doctor/Consultant that what you have is a lifelong condition that will more than likely need maintenance therapy for the rest of your life? This is one of the primary reasons we believe it should be added to the scheme because IBD is LONG-TERM.
Crohn's disease, Arthritis and Multiple Sclerosis are all categorised as "Auto-Immune Illnesses". Yet, MS is the only one of these that is included in the scheme. We believe that both crohn's and particularly, Arthritis can be just as debilitating during a flare-up and are therefore, deserving of long-term illness status.
The costs incurred from suffering from an IBD can have a huge effect on Family Finances. For example, with crohn's disease and colitis, patients are often treated with immunosuppressent drugs resulting in infections being contracted on a regular basis and as a result, expensive visits to the GP are a requirement. Furthermore, one of the common side effects of crohn's is to suffer with joint pain which means a trip to the Physiotherapist is also a necessity. Not to mention the cost of health insurance and the drugs which are not available on prescription but are also necessary for treatment (Paracetamol, meds for heartburn, anti-inflammatory gels, vitamins etc). Not having to pay €100 a month for our prescribed meds would make a considerable impact. (See below for the costs on a family of four per month where one member suffers from crohn's and the disease is currently active)
Many patients suffering with an IBD are prescribed steroids in times of a flare-up. These drugs are extremely harmful to bone density and often lead to the onset of another long-term illness, Osteoporosis. But guess what? This illness is not on the scheme either.
It has been well publicised in the last 15 years that chronic illnesses such as crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, coronary heart disease and alzheimer's have significantly increased yet the sheme has not been updated since 1970. We believe it is time for the LTI scheme to reflect this and we are asking you to call on your local TDs and Minister for Health, Mary Harney to do something about it.
Many patients of crohn's disease suffer the ongoing cost of Vitamin B12 injections. Not only, do they have to pay for the injection itself, but they also have to pay the GP fees for the doctor to administer the injection. Also, whilst many people would argue that ulcerative colitis can be cured by the removal of the colon (How would you like to have your colon removed???!!!) there is still the ongoing cost of buying ileostomy bags regularly for the rest of their lives.
Costs per Month
- Two visits to the GP @ €55 each
- 1 routine blood test @ €20
- Maximum payment of €100 for medications
- 1 session of physiotherapy due to joint pain which is a side effect of crohn's @ €50
- Health Insurance for a family of 4 @ €40 per person
- Two miscellaneous medications not available on prescription (paracetamol, mouth wash for ulcers, vitamin supplements etc) @ an average price of €9 each.
- Which comes to a total of €458 per month.
