Article
I never thought about how much it would cost to be sick. Living with Crohn's disease is like walking through a maze—you never know what twists and turns await you around the corner. Add in the current cost of living crisis, and suddenly, the maze becomes even more frightening.
Living with Crohn's, my life is a delicate balance of managing symptoms, doctor's appointments, and medications. But with the rising cost of essentials like healthcare, groceries, and housing, I have an extra layer of financial stress.
Doctor's visits, lab tests, and medications are not just occasional expenses; they're a recurring necessity. When I am in a flare, these appointments and tests get more and more frequent. Accessing the care I need has become increasingly challenging. I can’t walk into any clinic near me and simply hope they bulk bill, as more and more GPs are moving away from this system. When I do finally find a doctor that I can trust, they are one hour away from me and I need to save up weeks of pay to afford a visit.
Then there's the grocery bill—a constant reminder of the dietary restrictions caused by my condition. As someone with Crohn's, I’ve got to be mindful of what I eat to avoid triggering flare-ups. But with food prices skyrocketing, maintaining a Crohn's-friendly diet can be more a luxury rather than a necessity. Fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains—things that are meant to help my symptoms and make sure I am getting enough nutrients, often feel outside of my budget.
Finally, housing prices and rent costs are only going up, and recently I found myself without stable housing. Myself, my partner, and our two cats were facing the reality that moving into my parents' home two hours away may be our only option, especially after having to leave my full-time job because I was too sick to work during a year-long flare.
In the face of the cost of living crisis, I feel privileged—privileged to have access to the unwavering support of my family and financial assistance in emergencies when so many others are left completely alone. But even with this privilege, managing the financial strain of a chronic illness on top of the rising costs of living is not easy.
Despite it all, some things make it easier. Like the community of sick friends I've found online. Connecting with them is like having a support group right in my pocket—a place to vent, share tips, and remind each other that we're not alone in this mess.
So, as I ride out this storm of chronic Illness, medical bills and trying to afford my weekly grocery shop I remind myself that there is still hope. Hope for a future where housing is affordable, healthcare is accessible, and no one has to choose between their health and their bank account.