Clinical drug trials...those of you who have participated

[ThanksP]

Since I've failed just about everything, I'm debating participating in a Clinical drug trial. http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT01287897?term=crohn's&rank=41&show_locs=Y#locn I'm certainly not excited about it, but I'm afraid I don't have any other options left.

I have read and re-read the 23 page consent form and can't help but feel like I should have a ton of questions. But I don't. The possible side effects are no scarier than being on an Anti-TNF, Pred, or 6MP and I'm on all of them at the moment. So I don't have questions about that either.

For those of you who participated in a drug study, how was your experience? Are there any very important questions I should ask ahead of time? Did you end up feeling like a guinea pig? Was it worth your time and extra efforts?

 

[smalls]

Hi there. I'm currently on a trial and have been on several clinical trials in the past few years and found that it really isn't such a scary thing. In fact, I've even found some success with these medications even if it wasn't long lasting. Any relief is good relief right? My doctors and nurses have made me feel comfortable and well taken care of, they've also been exceedingly patient with my questions and reports. The questionnaires, constant blood work and long term follow up can be a little grating but I never my trial nurses are quick to act whenever I have a concern, which makes up for any inconvenience. As for questions to ask, I've always found it better to ask the questions as they come up. Keep in mind that there's no such thing as a stupid question.
Overall I've had mostly positive experiences with trials and if you're at the point where you aren't responsive to any other medications (like I am), then really you have nothing to lose by trying.