Hello. New to the forum.

[DustinK]

Hello all. My name is Dustin and I'm a 22 years old. I was diagnosed with Crohns when I was 13. After being diagnosed, I went through a trial and error period with a bunch of different medications until I found what worked for me. I was pretty much symptom free for a few years but when I was 21, I developed a staff infection as a result of my Crohns and had to have about half of my large intestine removed and a colostomy. Its been very difficult learning to live with a colostomy but thankfully I should be able to get it reversed very soon. I've also had problems with arthritis in my knees and bad back and neck pain. Thankfully, my knees hasn't acted up in about a year but my back and neck seem to be getting worse and worse. My GI doctor doesn't really know how to deal with this (he just prescribes pain medication) and I can't see another doctor about it right now since I can't afford insurance and am still waiting for my social security benefits to go through. Anyone who has experienced similar pain have any suggestions on what I can do to help a bit?

Glad to see that there's a forum to discuss things like this!

 

[CandyP]

Hi Dustin, my name is Candy. I was diagnosed with crohns last november, after suffering unknowingly for almost 4 yrs. I have tried alot of the current meds with no luck. I started a IV treatment called remicade in april after being hospitalized for a flare. I haven't felt this good in years! I just thought that maybe since arthritis is an auto-immune disease just like crohns disease, you might ask your doctor about this treatment. It is a chemotherapy treatment that suppresses the immune system to stop attacking your intestines and your joints. I am sorry i don't have any other suggestions for you. Hope you do well and good luck.

 

[DustinK]

Actually, my GI doctor wants me to start remicade but I'm going to have to wait until my social security benefits go through. From what I've heard it will help me a lot so I'm looking forward to it.

 

[Jeff D.]

Welcome to the forum Dustin and Candy.

Good luck on the Remicade. I'm supposed to be starting back on treatments within the next week or so. I hope it works for you. Best of luck

 

[Nancy Lee]

Welcome Candy & Dustin!!

I hope both of you will find a lot of useful information
here in the forums and also meet and make some new friends
along the way.

Dustin I have the Crohn's arthritis in my hips and wrists.
The doctor gave me an anti-inflammatory,
but it really doesn't work all that well.

I think you have to stay on it continuously for it to work
and I just don't want to take one if I am not in too much pain.

Hang in there...we're all in the same boat..
and we're all friends!

Welcoming hugs to you both, Nancy

 

[Guest]

hi Dustin, welcome to the forum

i think you'll really feel the benefit once you get onto a proper treatment like Remicade. painkillers have their place, but don't help totally with arthritic aches. warmth does help me when my joints are really bad, soaking in a warm bath or applying a heated pad to the affected area is really soothing.

i take a headache remedy called Syndol, which seems to help joint pain more than some others. if that doesn't take it away enough, i take ibruprofen as well.

 

[jed]

soaking in a warm bath

firsty, gurgle and drool at the mention of baths, best non-medical treatment i've ever had for crohns and arthritus

hi dustin, welcome to the forums!

i've got pretty much the same symptons as you at the moment.

the chemo drug mentioned is methotrexate. its also used for crohns and arthritus. you can read about it here

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methotrexate

i also use fish oil tablets, and gluacostamen tablets that seem to help quite well.

 

[CandyP]

I am so glad to hear that the remicade has helped others feel better. I was skeptical at first after reading the side effects and not knowing anyone else that had tried it. I have since been able to concentrate on my 2 little boys! Good luck to you Dustin, and everyone else too!