Hello.
I am new to this forum.
I was diagnosed with Crohn's in 2005.
However, upon historical reflections, I have probably been dealing with the symptoms since I was in my mid 20's. I am currently 54.
My first course of treatment was 6mp and Pentasa. I was on that course for almost two years. I have 2-3 flares that put me in the hospital.
My doctors decided that course was not effective and moved me to Remicade infusions. I continued to have flares for the next 2-4 years.
They then decided to move me to Humira.
I continued to have flares which resulted in hospital stays every 8 to 12 months.
I then had some extremely major pain issues that prompted surgery. They removed the most distal portion of my terminal ileum and a portion of my right ascending colon.
After surgery they placed me back on Humira.
13 months after my surgery I had another flare.
They did a colonoscopy and examined the surgical site and noted three moderate indications of inflammatory involvement. As a results they felt the Humira was ineffective.
They consulted a new doctor who specializes in Crohn's exclusively and she suggested Entyvio. I have been on Entyvio along with Imuran and Folic acid since July of 2015. From a Crohn's perspective I feel great.
However in February of this year I began having a variety of join pains and effusion. My right ankle, my left knee, my left index finger, a left intercostal-sternal join, and most recently my lower back and neck.
I have been seeing a rheumatologist since then. Because there is nothing that even remotely suggests combining biologics, he has been treating me conservatively. Sulfasalazine, higher dose of Imuran. Both have been ineffective. He suggested today that I might want to consider doing something no one will even consider. Combining biologics.
He is suggesting that I consider returning to Humira in a lower dosage initially every two weeks. But, he cautioned that he is not aware of anyone that would even remotely consider this.
I am not afraid to blaze a new trail, but is there anyone that knows anyone that is living on the edge and trying things that no one thinks should be tried?
My ankle and my knee problems are affecting me daily and I am running out of options.
I am welcome to anyone's opinions and cautions.
Thank you!
I am new to this forum.
I was diagnosed with Crohn's in 2005.
However, upon historical reflections, I have probably been dealing with the symptoms since I was in my mid 20's. I am currently 54.
My first course of treatment was 6mp and Pentasa. I was on that course for almost two years. I have 2-3 flares that put me in the hospital.
My doctors decided that course was not effective and moved me to Remicade infusions. I continued to have flares for the next 2-4 years.
They then decided to move me to Humira.
I continued to have flares which resulted in hospital stays every 8 to 12 months.
I then had some extremely major pain issues that prompted surgery. They removed the most distal portion of my terminal ileum and a portion of my right ascending colon.
After surgery they placed me back on Humira.
13 months after my surgery I had another flare.
They did a colonoscopy and examined the surgical site and noted three moderate indications of inflammatory involvement. As a results they felt the Humira was ineffective.
They consulted a new doctor who specializes in Crohn's exclusively and she suggested Entyvio. I have been on Entyvio along with Imuran and Folic acid since July of 2015. From a Crohn's perspective I feel great.
However in February of this year I began having a variety of join pains and effusion. My right ankle, my left knee, my left index finger, a left intercostal-sternal join, and most recently my lower back and neck.
I have been seeing a rheumatologist since then. Because there is nothing that even remotely suggests combining biologics, he has been treating me conservatively. Sulfasalazine, higher dose of Imuran. Both have been ineffective. He suggested today that I might want to consider doing something no one will even consider. Combining biologics.
He is suggesting that I consider returning to Humira in a lower dosage initially every two weeks. But, he cautioned that he is not aware of anyone that would even remotely consider this.
I am not afraid to blaze a new trail, but is there anyone that knows anyone that is living on the edge and trying things that no one thinks should be tried?
My ankle and my knee problems are affecting me daily and I am running out of options.
I am welcome to anyone's opinions and cautions.
Thank you!