I think it would depend on how bad off you are. I have been in a flare for almost 2 years now (off and on because other meds barely worked or not at all, insurance changes leaving space between doses etc). I am a real mess right now, so messed up I can't really eat.
I think I have something like 30 mouth sores, my tongue is so sensitive, even air hurts. My throat is sore, and I now have dsyphagia (can't swallow much of anything) all thanks to my Crohns. I also am losing blood and going to the restroom 10-12 times per day. My skin is breaking out (Crohn's affects my skin often), I have no energy, etc etc
I had my first infusion Monday (2 days ago) and I've already seen a positive effect. I went to the bathroom 3 times today (granted I haven't been eating). My mouth is a little bit better, but I feel better and have more energy.
I start Imuran today as well to help. I just hope the improvements last :/
I'll also say that I just started (two weeks before the infusions) following the book "controlling crohn's disease the natural way" and it has worked wonders for my sister who followed it religiously for a year, now is med free with the okay for her GI. SHe was diagnosed with severe crohn's. I however, have been following it and its f*ing hard to be honest, you have to be disciplined, but it does seem to be working. I would say you still need meds to get you healthy enough to tolerate the food in the diet - some of the food is tough to digest so cooking and prep is important. I am aiming to use the remicade and imuran as a stepping stone! I hate side effects and my luck with drugs "working" is bad. I don't know if that is why my remicade took effect so quickly b/c all I eat is brown rice at the moment, but I don't care as long as I feel better.
What you describe with bleeding in-between sounds like its not strong enough to make it to the next dosing cycle. You may ask about adding the imuran (aza) to your treatment in the mean time to help carry you through.
Good luck to you!
