How long do your flares last?

[TeacherMama]

HI again,

So I was diagnosed with Crohn's in 2003- extremely mild case and didn't take drugs or anything. Went into remission and only had the occasional upset stomach. (Those were the good ol' days!) But now I've had flare after flare since October. I've been on antibiotics, Pentasa, and now on 6 MP. I feel like I'm getting worse. My body aches all the time, headaches, backaches, even the arches of my feet ache, extreme fatigue, etc.... No D...I've never had an issue with that. Actually constipation is more of my issue.

So, I'm just wondering how long some of you have lived with flares? What treatments did you use? How did you get into remission?

Thanks!

 

[Jessi]

I flare once a year. It lasts for 5 to 7 months, and it peaks for a week to a month. I use prednisone and mesalazine for a couple months. Remicade is what put me in remission.

 

[akpatti]

I usually have a some pain periodically, but until this year have been able to manage it with Pentesa, Prevacid, Imodium, prednisone. There are other meds that can help such as the Humira and Remicade...the important thing is to find a GI doctor that you like and trust.
My last/latest flare has been 7 months with only a 3 month remission prior to that...that being said managing your stress does seem to play a role...which is sometimes easier said then done.
I hope that you are able to find some relief, but do not get discouraged if it takes a little while to find the right balance.

 

[Cross-stitch gal]

Like you, I'd be in remission with my UC off and on periodically. But, mostly would be feeling pretty good. This latest one though, when I was diagnosed with Crohn's has lasted over a year. It sometimes seems like it's finally getting better and then turns for the worst. I too have been on prednisone, enemas and such this time. It's isn't fun. But, hang in there. We understand

 

[shazz]

This is my first 'official' flare. Looking back I had flares before but didnt know what they were. I also suffer from constipation mostly.
This one started in November 2010. Dx UC later this year. Been on pred, pentasa, aza, 6mp, remicade/infliximab. Allergic to most, intollerant of the pred - flared even worse when I came off it, back on Pentasa again now till they decide what to do with me!!

I ache like I have been hit by a truck, mouth ulcers, acid reflux, sore eyes. I am gonna stop there cause I am depressing myself.

Sharon xxxx

 

[Jessi]

Oh, Sharon.... lots of hugs to you sweetie. :hug: :hang:

 

[Terriernut]

Lots of hugs to all of us!

How long do flares last? Some are over in a couple of weeks, mine seem to go on for months on end, as in 10.

We will find a proper regimen that will keep us on track...someday! Never give up looking for that combo that works!

 

[Artificial]

i was only diagnosed in July this year but this 'flare' has been going since December 2010...am looking forward to something putting me into remission!

Rachel x

 

[TeacherMama]

Ok...lots of different experiences. THis is my first major flare up to last for this long. I thought I was going out of my mind! Thanks to all for sharing your experiences. I appreciate it.

I hope we all go into remission this year. I hope 2012 will be the year! Let us know what works to finally put you all in remission. I've heard so much about Remacaide putting people into remission, I"m wondering what my doc is still doing with me on 6 mp? She up'd the dosage the other week to absolutely terrifying results. I couldn't walk! Back down to 50 mg and wondering if that is doing anything? Hmmm.....

Anyway, thanks again everyone.

 

[Terriernut]

May this be your year! Obviously, it's time for you to try something different. Me, I'm going on some seriously strong probiotics, and the GAPS diets. I'll try anything...once. (and I already have)

Wishing you, and all of us, well!!

 

[TeacherMama]

@Terriernut: Which probiotics will you take? I'm on Saccharomyces Boulardii + MOS and HLC High Potency capsules. Best of luck!

 

[Terriernut]

I've ordered Protexin BioKult probiotics. As recommended by the GAP diet. They are supposed to be kick ass. As in start low because of the die off in the bowel. I'm going to start low, then introduce the GAP diet to my world of intenstinal flora.

The GAP diet is a take on the SCD diet. I am not stopping my meds by any means though! The reason I'm in the shape I'm in is because I couldnt get a GI appt or a refill on asacol, or any meds for crohns. Hence...meet STAN the stoma. A proper sod he is, but he's the reason I'm alive.