When I first showed symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis, I had no idea what was going on. All of a sudden, foods that I had enjoyed my entire life were causing me intense pain and abdominal cramps. As the symptoms intensified over time, it came to feel almost like my body was betraying me.
The symptoms of my Ulcerative Colitis have since become so severe that I have started rounds of a low-grade chemotherapy treatment to try to eradicate the inflammation and ulcers in my digestive track. While this is an aggressive treatment, I am willing to do whatever it takes to get back to health.
Ulcerative Colitis currently does not have a cure. While the medications I take and the treatments I receive certainly help, I would love to be able to go out to lunch with my family and friends without triple checking the menu beforehand.
I long for the day that I am able to beat my Ulcerative Colitis, and I know that this is only possible through the hard work of our nation’s biopharmaceutical companies.
I am confused as to why some in Congress then are pushing price fixing policies like Medicare negotiation that could stifle the development of new treatments patients like me are yearning for. One estimate from the Congressional Budget Office has suggested that this legislation could mean that 60 fewer cures are developed.
I need lawmakers to support the industry that is working to find cures for patients like me. I hope our leaders stand firm in their opposition to changes to Medicare.
We need to all oppose government price fixing.
Camille Babineaux
New Iberia, LA
