This may seem like a silly question but how do you know if the meds are working? My symptoms have lessened but are definitely still there. I've been on Entocort for a month. I guess I assumed I'd be totally better. What's your experience with meds and symptom improvement?
Are the meds working?
- Thread starter mamabeck
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The fact that your symptoms are improving is a good sign that the meds are having at least some effect. It often takes a combination of medications before someone goes into remission so your symptoms might not disappear altogether with just entocort. Steroids are generally only a short term treatment option and shouldnt be used as a long term medication. Has your doctor talked to you about more long term options such as Asacol?
nogutsnoglory
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Your improvement is a sign that its working. Doctors can rarely medicate to completely eliminate a problem, they just try to do their best. To treat to zero would often be an unbearable dose and unrealistic expectation in my opinion. You may still improve since its only been a month.
As said steroids are a temporary quick fix. Has your doctor discussed maintenance therapy?
As said steroids are a temporary quick fix. Has your doctor discussed maintenance therapy?
Good to know. The first time this happened, I was on Entocort and Flagyl and responded well. I had very few symptoms other than pain and fever the first time though (with inflammation). This time is very different. The doc did talk about something 'long term'. I can't remember the name but I know I have to get some bloodwork done to be sure I can tolerate it. He described it as something that knocks my immune system back down....which is a little intimidating to me...both being on long term meds AND being on something that messes with my immune system. I don't fully understand how it works but I'm afraid I'm going to catch every cold and flu I come into contact with if my immune system is being suppressed....I hope I'm just not understanding it well. Being fairly new to this, I don't even know the right questions to ask!
CrohnsChicago
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hello mamabeck!
First start by figuring out the names of the medications that your doctor is recommending you take for long term. Based on your description I am guessing he is leaning towards immunosuppressants before the biologics.
It's important that you keep an open dialog with your doctors. Ask what the severity of your disease is (what things look like on the inside), the risk of future complications, his/her suggestions for short term and long term treatment (ALL of your options) and what signs and symptoms you need to be on the lookout for currently to avoid any further complications.
Immunosuppressors do weaken your system. But the effects vary depending on the medication you are on and the dosage and the fact that everyone reacts to these medications in your own way. While it is possible you may get sick more frequently, it is also possible that you may not.
So to start, simply let your doctor know that you are uncertain about what is going on and what your options are and ask them to explain things a bit more clearly and detailed for you. You should then be able to take information from what they say that you can go home and research yourself to ask additional questions of your doctor and gather enough info to make the right decision based on your specific condition and your specific symptoms. Information about treating this disease can be a bit overwhelming and at the end of the day the decision on how to treat your crohn's is your decision. So make sure you understand what your options are starting with what your doctors are telling you.
Wishing you the best and hope you start to feel even better very soon!
First start by figuring out the names of the medications that your doctor is recommending you take for long term. Based on your description I am guessing he is leaning towards immunosuppressants before the biologics.
It's important that you keep an open dialog with your doctors. Ask what the severity of your disease is (what things look like on the inside), the risk of future complications, his/her suggestions for short term and long term treatment (ALL of your options) and what signs and symptoms you need to be on the lookout for currently to avoid any further complications.
Immunosuppressors do weaken your system. But the effects vary depending on the medication you are on and the dosage and the fact that everyone reacts to these medications in your own way. While it is possible you may get sick more frequently, it is also possible that you may not.
So to start, simply let your doctor know that you are uncertain about what is going on and what your options are and ask them to explain things a bit more clearly and detailed for you. You should then be able to take information from what they say that you can go home and research yourself to ask additional questions of your doctor and gather enough info to make the right decision based on your specific condition and your specific symptoms. Information about treating this disease can be a bit overwhelming and at the end of the day the decision on how to treat your crohn's is your decision. So make sure you understand what your options are starting with what your doctors are telling you.
Wishing you the best and hope you start to feel even better very soon!
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If its 6-mp - it knocks the immune system down in terms of big infections that you would normally take antibiotics for any way not the every day cold.
My son was on 6-mp for 8 months .
He was 8 at the time. He did not get any more colds than any other kid and definitely not anything else . Considering the germ fest of the 2nd grade - I call it good.
You do need regular blood tests to make sure things are ok
For your liver ( ast/alt) and white blood cell count.
Overall it was a very day med for DS no real side effects for him.
He just was t enough and when it got to therapeutic levels ( which takes 3 months or longer )his body sent the drug to his liver so we had to stop it.
Good luck
My son was on 6-mp for 8 months .
He was 8 at the time. He did not get any more colds than any other kid and definitely not anything else . Considering the germ fest of the 2nd grade - I call it good.
You do need regular blood tests to make sure things are ok
For your liver ( ast/alt) and white blood cell count.
Overall it was a very day med for DS no real side effects for him.
He just was t enough and when it got to therapeutic levels ( which takes 3 months or longer )his body sent the drug to his liver so we had to stop it.
Good luck
