How to tell if it is working...

[scl]

I was just diagnosed with Crohn's after suffering with diarrhea for 30 years. Last week I experienced severe abdominal pain and went to the hospital with an obstruction caused by stricture, and a fistula.

I've never had fatigue, weight loss, skin or joint issues, etc. I know for others, they determine Remicade is working when they feel better. But other than the blockage episode, I always feel great.

How will I know? When the diarrhea is completely gone?

 

[LOSTnut]

Not quite clear what you are looking for. When will you know what?

Are they planning to put you on Remicade but didn't tell when the right time is?

Are you on any medications right now?

What are the plans to treat the stricture and the fistula?

 

[scl]

I just started Remicade to treat the inflammation and hopefully heal the fistula. I've heard many people say they can tell the Remicade is working because they feel better. But I always feel good, so how will I tell if it is working? By tests?

I haven't seen my doc since being released from the hospital and forgot to ask him. At what time do you generally have followup tests?

 

[LOSTnut]

Ooppps -- I am sorry, I have never been on Remicade and have no answer for that.

Hopefully, somebody else will know and respond.

 

[Jessi]

That's a really great question, scl. I was feeling fine and already in remission BEFORE I had my first remi infusion. I went from Asacol HD and prednisone for 6 weeks to Asacol HD and Remicade currently. My remission started just a few days into the prednisone.

I wish I knew the answer, as well. Maybe the answer lies in the fact that we either stay well or we get sick again. Time will certainly tell, right?