Biologics vs. Surgery

[gottogo]

I have been doing a lot of reading since joining the boards. You guys are just so knowledgeable!!!

I keep wondering about something. I have taken a lot of meds and I eventually worked up to 300 mg of Azazan. I have a narrowing in my intestines and am planning on having surgery in June. However, I have never taken any biologics. My Crohns is just in this one area of my intestines. Do you think I should try Remi or Humira before doing the surgery?

Side note: I used to have Crohns in several areas of my intestines and my colon. Once I started Azasan these areas were put in remission.

 

[Zalanicht]

I'm glad you've found this forum gottogo!
It is always a good idea to take the med route all the way as far as you can until everyone fails. But if you think you need the surgery soon for certain reasons then go for it. Then again have this discussion with your doctor/G.I. they're more knowledgeable then me. I had the surgery without hitting the biologics and I wish I had the surgery earlier. Complete relief from everything before and feeling better then ever.

 

[Mark63]

Hi,

I plan on going all the way with Biologics. The next step for me is to go to weekly Humira once the current infection is cleared-up and that has been confirmed by another MRI. I don't relish the thought of having to live with a bag.

This is something that you need to discuss with your GI/Surgeon. The treatment plan needs to be developed around your personal circumstances and whilst we can offer help/advice/support we are in general not either medically qualified or sufficiently knowledgeable about your personal situation.

Regards,

Mark

 

[Misty-Eyed]

Well I was put on remicade when they found strictures in my inestine. When it didn't work brilliantly, they took me off it as remicade can actually cause scar tissue in the stricture.

Also, if your stricture is mainly scar tissue anyway, no amount of biologics will help. So maybe this is why they are going the surgery route.