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Had surgery in Feb. have Crohn's, use CIMZIA

Been having problems most of my life, went to specialists with severe constipation and bad stomach aches for years, had colonoscopy and Gastro Dr. Didn't due correct test for crohns and sent me to a specialist who had me swallow the camera and barium enema, still no Crohns, just gave me amitizia, symptoms got worse over the years and no laxatives worked anymore, I lost around 50 lbs. and went to ER and they found diverticulitis. Finally saw Colon and Rectal surgeon, waiting for him to get the reports from ER I was so sick and throwing up nasty stuff and then they finally admitted me to hospital. My intestines were so swollen they put me on massive doses of steroids and put a tube down my nose into my stomach to try and pump everything out, which wasn't much for all that pain for 2 days. Finally able to do a colonoscopy and they found blockage and Crohns. Had surgery and they removed 36 inches of my intestines and a bowel resection. Spent 17 days in the hospital, the only thing that was good when I got out was that I finally had a diagnosis, pain free and a flat stomach. I started Cimzia about 6 weeks later, I do my own biologics into my stomach, have noticed my hair is falling out bad. My stomach is swollen again and I take a prescription probiotic to keep me using the restroom. I pretty much have constant diarrhea but I have also put on a lot of weight, don't really understand why when I go to the bathroom constantly. I've had to retire do to all the complications of using the restroom constantly. Just had an upper endoscopy yesterday and there was some stricture in the lower part and things compatible to gastritis, maybe that's why the stomach is so big, coz I don't eat much. That's my story and I'm almost 57, should have been diagnosed years ago. First time I'm here and sharing so I'm going to look around this site and if anyone has any advice I certainly would love to hear it. Thank you:eek::(:sign0085::smile::eek:
 

nogutsnoglory

Moderator
Welcome to the forum so glad that you could join us. I am on Cimzia as well and I'm sorry hear that it doesn't appear to be as effective for you. Have you considered or have you tried another form of biological therapy? I think it's important to be on a good maintenance medication and it sounds like this one might not be working so well for you.

Please check out our Cimzia sub-forum http://www.crohnsforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=87 and disability support group http://www.crohnsforum.com/showthread.php?t=51690
 
Thx for replying, I learned a lot more after seeing the nurse practicioner, will see the dr. Next Wed. I will ask him if the Cimzia is working.
 
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