Frequency/duration of flare-ups

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robert.k

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How often do you get flare-ups, and how long do they tend to last?

I had my first 'attack' this past summer around July/August, it lasted about two months (if not even a little longer). BUt this was my first attack, and I didn't start medicating with prednisone until about 6 weeks or longer into it, and prednisone got me under control probably within a week. I was probably in remission (NO SYMPTOMS AT ALL, with many excellent bowel movements) for about 5 months.

I'm currently suffering from a flare-up AGAIN, it's been almost 2 weeks with little improvement, I'm using prednisone (however, I've been inconsistent with my dosage, often forgetting to take enough of it or on time, and I haven't watched my diet nearly as well as I should have been)...

I really hope I don't learn to expect two flare-ups a year...

Just wondering what some of you more 'tenured' Crohn's veterans have to say.
 
Hi Robert,

I was officially diagnosed with Crohn's 4 years ago, although had been having symptoms 2 years prior that were misdiagnose as female problems. It took a good 2-3 months to get the flare under control, but once I did I did great for almost four years. Was taking 6mp, Remicade and Pentasa. In fact, after the third year I was able to get off the Remicade and 6MP....Until December. Now I've been in a flare off and on for a good 3 months that I think is finally getting under control, thanks to a few days in the hospital, prednisone and Remicade. So, 4 years flare free is a really good record that I'm proud of and I know many people go much, much longer by watching stress, diets, meds, etc. It is important to take your meds regularly and not be inconsistent.

Try not to be discouraged. Once you figure out your tools to get this thing under control, I'm sure you'll be back to yourself in no time.

Warm wishes,

Ilysha
 
Hi Robert, I was diagnosed in March 2001 but I had had crohns for around 6 years when I was diagnosed. My first flare lasted for 18 months with severe pain and chronic diarreah, no appetite, nausea and exhaustion. I eventually got my flare under control with the help of Prednisolone (which I took for 18 months), Pentasa, Mebeverine and Imuran. My remission period lasted for about 3 years, then in Sept/Oct time 2005, I flared again and has serious problems with horseshoe fistulas. I again took Imuran, Prednisolone, Mebeverine and Pentasa but the fistulas grew quite rapidly and as a part of my small bowel had become stuck to my rectum, I had no other option but surgery. I had surgery in June 06 and after about 6 months my symptoms begen to decrease, probably due to the fact I have a temporary stoma. I am now waiting for a reversal as my fistulas have healed but envisage another flare before I move into total remission again.


Ruth
 
Did you find stress contributed to your flares? Both of my flare-ups have occured at stressful times in my life.
 

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