How Long Before You Saw Improvement

[Reflection]

I was just diagnosed Thursday, with Crohn's, and immediately started Entocort (generic version). I know I shouldn't expect immediate results but my pain is getting worse. Pain med, hydrocodone, isn't touching it. Used to at least make things tolerable. Doc wants me to get all my vaccines and blood work before I start either Aza or Remicade. She hasn't decided which. I haven't ever had to go to the hospital for pain but feel like if I don't get some relief soon I won't have a choice.

 

[Jennifer]

Entocort takes a little longer than Prednisone to start working. With Prednisone it takes around 5 days to notice improvement but with Entocort it's been known to take up to three weeks to notice improvement. Hopefully you'll be able to start on a maintenance therapy drug soon as those can also take time (possibly months, everyone is different) to start working.

If your pain becomes too much to handle then definitely go to the hospital and get treatment. They can run tests to see what's going on exactly and give you IV steroids if needed. Keep us posted on how you're doing.

 

[Reflection]

Thanks Jennifer. I go to my GP Tuesday to get my TB test and recommended vaccines. However, unfortunately I have some extensive dental work to be completed too. It has taken years to get a diagnosis and unfortunately due to my extreme fear of dentists (I had my jaw broken by one...long story) I failed to keep up with my dental care. I used to be very fastidious about it but also spent thousands of dollars trying to keep them fixed and they always got worse. Even with cleanings every three months. I felt like I was throwing money down the drain. So after my jaw episode I gave up. Well over the last year my teeth started breaking. Rotting from the inside out. Long story short I think I may end up having many pulled and getting partial dentures. So embarrassing. I have always brushed, flossed and even use a sonicare tooth brush. You wouldn't know by seeing me that I have horrible teeth. Guess I got to suck it up and get them fixed since I can't risk the infections.

To complicate everything we are moving to another state so I have to find a new GP and GI. Thankfully my current GI is wonderful and is willing to ensure my new one gets all my records and will consult with him to get him up to date on my condition and treatment.

 

[Jennifer]

That's horrible! I'd be afraid of going to the dentist as well. I already am but that would make it a thousand times worse. I have lost some of my teeth as well and am continuing to lose them. It's not uncommon to have damage to your teeth with Crohn's as we don't absorb nutrients well to keep them strong and many people also have issues with acid reflux. I'll be getting another tooth pulled soon myself.

However it's not impossible to have dental work done while on either of the medications listed above. If you're on Remicade then inform your doctor and they can work your next infusion around your dental procedure. As for Aza, I don't think it will be much of an issue. I take Purinethol which is very similar and have never had any problems with dental work or even surgeries for that matter.

Good luck with the move! That's something I'm not looking forward to myself (will do it some time next year). Hopefully you won't have any problems with your insurance. For me I'll have to cancel mine and reapply for the same thing just for moving to another state (I have Medi-Cal and will have to apply for Medicaid when I move).

 

[Reflection]

Thanks Jennifer. I will be changing insurance coverage. I only pray my next one is good as the one I have now.