How long before symptoms disappear?

[sassychic]

A very open-ended question, I know!

Just curious. My teen started Remicade 2 weeks ago, has had 2 infusions, will have the next one March 1st. So long as we can see, she has had no side effects.

She is starting Mercaptopurine today. I am nervous for her for this, considering the talk of lymphoma and Remicade and all that. She will be taking one tablet a day.

My daughter is much much better, however, she still has mild cramps and diarrhea. It is normal for the symptoms to last for a while? I mean, she is still healing I suppose. I also know it will take a while for the 6mp drug to take hold also.

Can the positive effects of Remicade fade fast? I mean, in day wise?

Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks....:ybatty:

 

[Crohn's 35]

Hi Sassychic.. Remicade can take time to work, usually by the 3rd infusion and some are doing amazing. 6mp is the one I would keep a close eye on, a lot of people have reactions to that one. Have her liver functions and blood work done regularly will help to monitor her progress. Hang in there, just a bit longer. I know it is hard, being a mom is having prayers answered quicker.

All the best, keep us updated.

 

[sassychic]

Hey jettalady..thanks for the timely reply. So far, no side effects, (even though its been a few hours...) for the 6mp. No rashes though, so that's good.

I will ? this though. When my teen started get symptoms of Crohn's, I'd say in Dec..she started getting the bumps on her back, erythema nodosum bumps.
And also on her butt. They went away and now she has them on her back again.

Ill keep an eye on it. Im just afraid that maybe the Remicade is a band aid, albeit a good one, but it wont take care of things long term. What do you think?

Sorry for all the questions. Im so new at this.

 

[imisspopcorn]

I still have D, but it is from having a part of my ileum removed.....I'll always have it now....Physically I felt better once I got to the every 8 week schedule...I'm due for a dose on Monday, and I am feeling more achy and tired now. Make sure you read the Remicade club thread in the treatment sections...tons of personal experiences in it....I hope it works for her. I wish it was an 'instant feel better medication', but for some people it isn't.

 

[CrohnsHobo]

I was on Remicade for close to four years, I think for three of that I felt pretty good. Still got D from time to time, but generally had minimal cramping/D. I could usually pinpoint it to things I ate or drank.

I was on 6-MP for 10 years and Remi/6-MP for two years. When I was on the 8 week infusion schedule I usually felt good fairly quickly. Unfortunately, that changed over time. Never had any side effects from either drug.

 

[MINI Cooper]

Took about 6 infusions for me to start feeling better.
And it also took shortening the amount of weeks between infusions
from 8 to 7 for me to finally give me relief.
So don't give up too soon. Sometimes it takes some adjustment!

 

[fenway1971]

Hi Sassy,
I haven't been on Remicade, but am on 6-mp. Started in March last year. When I started, I had been on prednisone which got my flare under control. 6mp has maintained it so.

 

[CrohnieCarolyn]

It took almost three months for the Remicade to kick in for me and then it was bliss for 8 wonderful months - ALMOST felt normal - well, as normal as someone with 18 inches removed of the small intestine but no more pain, vomiting, sweating etc. Unfortunately the Remi stopped working for me and I developed terrible joint pain to the point where I couldn't walk or function BUT I am now on Cimzia and no side effects and feeling really good - so hang in there and stay on top of any side effects but you may have to wait a while for it to kick in ...Hope it kicks in sooner rather than later!

 

[sam]

After the first two treatments of Remicade, I began to notice improvements within 3 days after treatments. WATCH 6MP! I swear most of the problems are chasing the side effects of the meds! 6MP really affected my white blood cells...hardly have any and that takes years to rebuild. Living like a bubble child is no fun! Unfortunately, due to cancer and that treatment I had to be taken off Remicade, and you can't go back.