Hi Wit's End,

I'm sorry about this, but it is the health care system we have in America - those who need it don't have it and can't get it. I'm self-employed and pay out the nose to keep my own health insurance because if I let it lapse I won't qualify for it with my UC diagnosis.

You can go to an ER if you are getting really sick and depleted and dehydrated. They can't refuse to treat you but I can't guarantee they won't bill you.

You say your symptoms are mostly after you eat. Have you done a rigorous Elimination diet? It's something you can do on your own and won't cost anymore than groceries. You can go back in my Shareposts on this site and read what I've written about my experience with the Elimination diet. It eliminates all gluten, wheat, dairy, etc. from your diet for a month, then you slowly add back foods that include these ingredients to see if it makes your symptoms worse. Many people report feeling much better and having fewer symptoms when not eating wheat products (bread, pasta, etc.) and/or dairy products. Considering where you are right now it seems worth a try. You can "google" Elimination diet and you'll find many sites that tell you how to get started. Or, go to the library and get the book, Breaking the Vicious Cycle by Elaine Gottschall and it tells you how to do it as well.

You should also try calling your doctor and telling them of your circumstances - symptoms, severe weight loss, no insurance, inability to pay, and see what sort of help they can give you or where they can point you for the help you need.

Sorry not to have a magic bullet answer for you. These problems can be hard to diagnose and even harder to figure out what treatments will help you.

Good luck,

Elizabeth