hi gd, I am a female crohn’s pt. for 28 yrs. There are a few tests to correctly dx crohn’s- CT scan, MRI, Prometheus blood test(the most accurate), endoscopy, sigmoid or colonoscopy. A basic x-ray won’t really see what’s inside of you or the lining of the gut.
For more information, check out the crohn’s & colitis foundation’s site. (CCFA) They have stuff on symptoms, how it’s dxed, tests done to dx it, women’s issues, diet, surgery, coping, the latest meds to treat it–Remicade, Humira, Entocort, 6MP, or Imuran–these drug companies offer assistance to those who have no insurance. There is also a live chat & hotline run by healthcare experts as well as an open forum where you can post questions to others with IBD.
Definitely have a GI do further investigation. Call the billing office and explain your situation. They can usually set up a payment plan for you. As for the hospital, go to the business office and ask for an uncompensated care form, fill it out, and then based upon your income, you would either be responsible for 1/2, 1/4, or even none of the bills. They have $$$ set aside yrly for situations like this so definitely look into this. I use to do billing in a hospital and that is what I tell folks who don’t have insurance.
Feel better.