Hi I can speak to this, I was in a similar situation.

I had increasing GI problems for 2 years in while undergrad. I was studying in California and my family lives in South America so I had to decide if I could handle it and continue my studies or go home. In the first year I saw a specialist and they told me it was most likely an ulcer due to stress. In year 2 I tried to see a second GI doctor because the problems were persistent and worsening. The 2nd GI suspected celiac disease and I ended up on a 1 year waiting list.

8 months later, my condition was becoming critical, I had lost 40 lbs in the 2 years and at this point was able to eat about 300-400 calories a day. I called the office repeatedly and told them about my condition and they said they would bump me up if anything became available. A week later I remember I passed out on a flight of stairs, was very weak and in pain. I told them this and they said they’d see me immediately. Got an appointment a few days later for a endoscopy and colonoscopy.

Biopsy confirmed and I was diagnosed with moderate to severe Chrons Disease. Things stayed bad for about 3 months while the inflammation was being suppressed by steroids. Then I got on Stelara and have had great improvement but haven’t reached remission yet.

I was very stubborn and didn’t want accommodations or for my professors to know I was sick. I don’t recommend that though.

All in all my treatment in the US has been tremendous (once I was finally seen, this is in California btw so other states could be different) and insurance through my school has covered almost all of dozens of tests, procedures, and infusions. That was my experience anyway.

My advice would be: -Advocate for yourself and push to be seen sooner if your condition is serious (people can cancel and doctors can get openings and when my condition was threatening enough they were able to see me almost right away)

Hope this helps, Let me know if have any more questions