Inflammation while taking Humira

[bandbmom]

My son had a cat scan done Friday because his stomach had been growling and "feeling funny" in the same spot where he had a resection last March. The scan showed some inflammation. He started on Humira in September. The doctor is supposed to call me back to let me know where we go from here. Should he be having inflammation at this point? Has anyone else had this same problem? If so, what did your doctor recommend?

 

[mrjohns2]

I guess it depends on inflammation vs. ulceration and other signs of active. Are other symptoms under control?

 

[bandbmom]

No other symptoms that I know of, other than diarrhea, which he's had since he had the surgery.

 

[Geriatric Jukebox]

Hi Bandbmom,
I hope Blake is not in too much discomfort. I had a resection and went back on Pentasa. I switched GI's and my new Dr. ordered a series of tests that showed that the inflammation had begun about 7 months after the surgery. He put me on Humira and tests me yearly to see if the disease is progressing. My stomach grumbles a lot,especially at night. I get stomach pains in the area of the surgery every 2 to 3 months that last for about 3 days. I take Budesonide when the pain begins and stay on it for 3 weeks(it is a steroid that specifically targets the intestine). I asked the Dr. if the pain is from inflammation or stricturing and he says that he is not sure. I have a lot of faith in this Dr.At present my he wants me to take the Prometheus Anser blood test to see if my body is building antibodies against the Humira. It's not covered by my insurance and it's pretty expensive. I've started making inquiries into getting this test. Crohn's is a serious disease and we must do all we can to keep it in check. Good luck to you and your son!

Regards,
Alan

 

[SupportiveMom]

Geriatric Jukebox - My kid was just given the paperwork for the Prometheus ® Anser™ ADA test. You are right, it is expensive ($295 here). Did you do the test? If so how did it go for you?

 

[Geriatric Jukebox]

Hi SupportiveMom ,

Thanks for getting in touch.I'm sorry that your kid has to suffer with Crohn's. I have a niece who was diagnosed at 13.I was lucky and didn't find out until I was 60. After I spoke with the people at Prometheus I told my Dr. that I didn't want to pay that much so he said he'd see what he could do. A few weeks later I got an email added to my medical chart saying that my Pro Predict Enzact showed normal activity and that my TPMT Enzyme Activity was 33.6. I assume that he sent a sample of my blood to them. I let them have samples to use for studies.I'll find out more about what this means when I have a follow up visit with him later this month. Good luck with the test.

All the best,
Alan