Beyond confused and a little bit frustrated

[dccrash23]

So I was diasgnosed a year ago at age 21 and after taking predisone for a while, my doctor has put me on 175mg of Imuran. Imuran was a little rough at first but over the past couple months I am starting to feel really good. My symptoms have for the most part disappeared, and with a proper diet and regular gym schedule I am feeling much much better for the first time in a long time.

But I met with my GI today to discuss the results of my recent ultrasound. She said that some parts of intestinal track look better, while others look about the same from the last tests I did, but there was no sign of them getting worse. After that she immediately suggested that I start Humira and I just have no idea what to do. I thought I was starting to feel a lot better and feeling like I had control over this. Plus even with the coverage I have Humira would "break the bank." Is the Humira necessary even if I'm not getting worse or since my symptoms have been under control. I really just don't know what to think anymore about this whole thing.

 

[Cross-stitch gal]

Sorry to hear about this. Is there a way you can get a second opinion? Sometimes a second pair of ears/eyes will help even if there's not a whole lot of a change. I can totally understand about the expense with Humira. Have you checked out anything for coupons and such for that? Sometimes you can get some sort of discount or something to help with the cost if you look online. I hope things go well no matter what for you. Xxxx

 

[Catherine]

Have you had faecal calprotectin test done? Also have you had your aza levels tested? Maybe a higher dose of aza would help.

My daughter developed a small fistula while appearing to be in clinical remission about 8 months after dx. After testing aza levels her doses was increased. She is a high dose for for weight of 150mg, she 55kgs.

 

[theOcean]

Azathioprine/Imuran usually takes about three months to reach therapeutic levels, which is probably why it's starting to really be noticeable now. I would ask to be put on a short course of steroids before Humira, especially if you don't think you can afford it. That may help with the pre-existing inflammation and may help kick you into remission, and then Azathioprine is great at keeping you there once you finally achieve it.

If that doesn't work, then I think biologics would have to be the next option.

 

[FrozenGirl]

I was in a similar situation except my doc wanted to put me on remicade since after doing a flex sig after 3 months of Imuran there wasnt as much healing as he would have liked. It is a hard decision to make. Good luck! If you feel it really is helping maybe ask to stay on it for a bit longer and reassess.