Crohn's Treatmeant

[Ian_H]

Hey everyone,
I am new to the forum and have been having some bad flare ups the past couple years. I have been on and off prednisone for 2 years now, a tapering dose from 60 mg down to 10. Its time to stop with the prednisone! I also take 4000mg Pentasa. I recently switch GI docs and found one that I get along with. We are about to start alternative treatments other than prednisone. Anyone have any preferences? Were looking at Humira, Imuran, Methotrexate (last resort). Whats worked best for you guys? Thanks for any input.

Sincerely

Ian

 

[Angrybird]

Hello Ian and welcome to the forum

It does sound like the Pentesa is not strong enough to keep things calm and being on the Pred so much is certainly not ideal for you, out of interest has the docs had you on a calcium supplement whilst you are on this?

I have been on the I Imuran and Methotrexate but not the Humira. I have been on the Imuran twice and both times it did a really good job at keeping the tum settled but I had problems with side effects with this - we are all different so this does not mean it will happen to you. With the MTX I found that I always felt like I had a slight cold with this and I didn't want to be on it for a long term treatment because you definetly cannot have children whilst on this. For both you do have to have regular blood tests so the docs can keep an eye on whether they are having any effects on your system. We do have a treatment forum that is dedicated to the various options for crohns so do have a good look here to get more info on these and on the Humira.

When are you due to see the doc again to confirm a plan going forward?

AB
xx

 

[Ian_H]

Thanks for the response,
I have been reading up on the Methotrexate and we decided last doctors visit to stay away from that if possible. I am due to go back on the 10th of september and by then i will almost be done with my tapering dose of prednisone. So the plan is either imuran or Humira. I think i am leaning towards Humira. I like that i only have to do an injection once every 2 weeks at my house and my insurance covers it. I am tiered of taking pills all day long everyday. Im sure you understand that! also i am starting a calcium supplement like you suggested. Thanks for that. I have problems with iron deficiencies and potassium deficiencies, but thats also being supplemented.

How are your treatments doing?

 

[Angrybird]

I am currently doing well on 75mg of 6-mp - it's like the 'sister' drug to the Imuran and I only have to take one and a half tablets a day! At one point a few years back I was on 26 tablets a day so I feel I have come a long way

Glad to hear about the calcium, steroids can effect the bones so you need to take something to help protect them.

 

[Ian_H]

Good, glad its going well for ya. I thought 18 pills a day was bad!

 

[lola99]

I am on imuran/entocort/asacol and it hasn't been working 100% for me. Its calmed things down with the cramping but i haven't gotten to complete remission in the year that i've been on it. I'm now going on to humira once my blood tests come back. Hoping that goes better. I too am looking forward to not taking my 12 pills a day.

 

[Ian_H]

I feel ya. I was up to 18 pills a day (Pentasa, Prednisione, Apriso) Im about to start the Humira treatment. Iv heard good things about Humira. Keep in touch