Anemia and healing also question about resection

[Ozboz]

So a few days ago I got diagnosed with pretty bad anemia, and I am now waiting for an iron infusion.

Could my anemia be preventing the humira from healing my bowel's because as far as I know anemia can affect the healing process.

I was wondering if anyone has had a somilar experience.
And also I'm going to ask my doc to do a colonoscopy because I feel like there's a part of my bowel where food just get's stuck and maybe there's an ulcer there. If I need a resection will I end up with short bowel syndrome or will the crohn's not get better cause MY GI is not a fan of treating crohn's with surgery's

 

[ronroush7]

Maybe you need your Humira level check.

 

[Ozboz]

How is that done and how will it affect my healing

 

[ronroush7]

I am wondering if with anemia if you are bleeding from somewhere inside. I think you should talk with your doctor about all of your concerns. There's the chance with surgery you could get better and the disease could go in remission for a while. Again, you should talk to your doctor

 

[shamrock15]

Anemia can certainly delay healing. I agree with Ron that you need to see if Humira is reaching effective levels for you. There are some other tests you may need - fecal occult blood being one of them if you are not seeing any visible signs of bleeding. You may need a pill cam to find signs of ulceration throughout your bowels that are not visible through regular scopes. I had severe anemia for a three year period and the sources were only found through pill cam. Good luck with your case. Hope it is found quickly.

 

[ronroush7]

Concerning having your Humira level checked, I am supposed to have a Prometheus test done which should determine the amount of Humira in my system.

 

[aypues]

Anemia is a result of the Humira NOT working. If it was working your intestines would be healing and the anemia would go away.

 

[Ozboz]

But doesn't it take time for humira to build up in your system anyway I've been on it for 6 month's now and the doc reckon's it takes time to build up.

 

[ronroush7]

I have heard of one person where it took five months for the Humira to take effect.

 

[aypues]

But doesn't it take time for humira to build up in your system anyway I've been on it for 6 month's now and the doc reckon's it takes time to build up.

Not if you do the 6 loading doses as indicated for Crohn's. The problem with Humira and Cimzia is that there is a standard dose regardless of weight. I.e., if you weigh 100lbs or 300lbs the dose is the same. They are finding that the levels need to be much higher to gain efficacy.

 

[eleanor_rigby]

Short bowel syndrome is usually only a problem after multiple resections. However, doctors will usually only operate in necessary circumstances such as to remove scar tissue that cannot be treated with medication, to relieve a life-threatening blockage, perforation or abscess etc. If your issue is inflammation (which could also be a cause of your anemia) then your doctor will try all medical options rather than cut you open (as this comes with a lot of risks).