History, I've had proctitis for 8 years treated as needed with canasa suppositories, I bring this up as a reference I've had some history of digestive issues, I didn't think much of it during this time and just used the suppositories, didn't go back to the doc or have further diagnosis.
May 2014 I started using Chantix to stop chewing tobacco, I did quit for about 4 months. while on Chantix I had worsening digestive problems frequent BM, when I saw blood, I went in for a colonoscopy, by the time I had the colonoscopy scheduled etc I was in full stomach cramp mode, losing weight, BM at least once an hour.
July 2014 I was diagnosed with ulcerative collitis, prescribed prednisone and lialda, also began probiotics and eat activia. The bleeding stopped, and the BM frequency went down but it was still just water, nothing solid.
I'm allergic to prednisone so that was removed from treatment.
Dec 2014, I developed a fistula, Feb 2014 procedure, I currently have a plastic string looped thru it to drain, heal. This is not pleasent.
Jan 2015, Diagnosed with crohns based on second lower gi scan, the lialda is not treating the swelling in my colon. I noticed an immediate change to semi solid BM and less frequent within 2 days of having the fistula drain put in, almost like the fistula was causing the watery BM.
Feb 2015, My doctor has recomended I start on remicade.
Here for advice on remicade from others users.
Will the fistula heal without remicade? Can I bring the colon swelling under control with lialda and significant diet modification? I am reluctant to go on remicade, all of reading I've done on it says once I start I'll be on it for years until it stops working then have to look for other options. Any advice is appreciated, this is a big decision.
May 2014 I started using Chantix to stop chewing tobacco, I did quit for about 4 months. while on Chantix I had worsening digestive problems frequent BM, when I saw blood, I went in for a colonoscopy, by the time I had the colonoscopy scheduled etc I was in full stomach cramp mode, losing weight, BM at least once an hour.
July 2014 I was diagnosed with ulcerative collitis, prescribed prednisone and lialda, also began probiotics and eat activia. The bleeding stopped, and the BM frequency went down but it was still just water, nothing solid.
I'm allergic to prednisone so that was removed from treatment.
Dec 2014, I developed a fistula, Feb 2014 procedure, I currently have a plastic string looped thru it to drain, heal. This is not pleasent.
Jan 2015, Diagnosed with crohns based on second lower gi scan, the lialda is not treating the swelling in my colon. I noticed an immediate change to semi solid BM and less frequent within 2 days of having the fistula drain put in, almost like the fistula was causing the watery BM.
Feb 2015, My doctor has recomended I start on remicade.
Here for advice on remicade from others users.
Will the fistula heal without remicade? Can I bring the colon swelling under control with lialda and significant diet modification? I am reluctant to go on remicade, all of reading I've done on it says once I start I'll be on it for years until it stops working then have to look for other options. Any advice is appreciated, this is a big decision.