I'm Kirsten and I'm new

[Khutchins]

Hey there,

my brief story is basically after having what was thought to be food poisoning in December of 2014 I ended up having abdominal pain a couple weeks later. That couple weeks turned into 4 months of doctors running tests and searching for an answer that turned out to be Crohn's to be diagnosed last April of 2015. Unfortunately, mine had structured and I had a couple fistulas as well, in June I had a ileocolic resection with a small bowel resection before being able to start medications. In July I started on both Imuran and Humira and have been in remission since then. Unfortunately, there is a thought I might be gaining antibodies to the Humira, I've had the lab work done to have the tests run but I've been told it will take some time to come back.

It's only been a short time for me with this and it's been difficult on my family and myself adjusting to some changes. I thought I'd come here since it seemed like a great place for advice and just general information on Crohn's, and possible friendships within the community and people who actually understand.

 

[ronroush7]

Welcome to the forum. I don't know about building up antibodies in this case. I believe thrre is such a fest of antibodies if you go off a biologic and then try to do the same medicine again. I hope you stay in remission for a long time

 

[Clash]

Ronroush7, you can build up antibodies anytime you are on a biologic the risk is just higher in stopping and starting back.

Khutchins welcome to the forum. I'm so sorry to hear of your struggles. I hope that it's just a blip and you aren't forming antibodies to humira.

If the results are that you have formed antibodies what is your next step? Many patients find remission with remicade. My son has been on remicade (formed antibodies after having to stop for surgery) and now he is on Humira. So far he still has active disease but a scope in June will hopefully bring better news.

Good luck with the test results.

 

[Kevin_61]

Hi Kirsten! I'm new too! Just two days ago I was told I have Crohn's.
I wish you the very best! I've been battling bowel issues now for over 5 yrs.Crohn's,IBS,Rectal Prolapse,Ulcer,and a year ago for several months-Collagen Colitis. (I'll post more about me today later)
You are in my prayers!

 

[David]

Hi Kirsten and welcome to the community.

Why do they think you're developing antibodies to the Humira. Are you experiencing symptoms that suggest as much?

 

[Khutchins]

Hi again All. Sorry for my slow response. Things around here get busy with the full time job and the full time parenting(lol) The doctor got my results back yesterday and said there are no anti bodies but can't figure out why my Calprotectin counts are going up so they have increased my Imuran from 50 to 100 a day while continuing my Humira every 2 weeks as normal for now to see if that helps at all. My last counts were at 180 which aren't as bad as some i've seen but last year right before my surgery I was only in the 300s. We're just hoping to get back ahead of it before anything major starts in. I've also looked into getting in to a lower volume store than the Pizza Hut I currently work at since it seems the current level of business is too stressful for me compared to what i used to be able to handle. I'm hopeful all the changes will help.

 

[ronroush7]

I hope it all helps.

 

[David]

Was your calprotectin going down for awhile on the Humira?

 

[Christi]

Hi and welcome to the forum , hope everything settles down soon