Is this the beginning of a flare?

[kjcatty]

Hi,
I don't know what's going on and have no one to speak with. I was on remicade for almost a year and then I developed drug induced lupus. So that was end of that. I was doing great with my crohns during that time, no issues what so ever, even with the Lupus. So now the Lupus/reactions symptoms of gone away thanks to prednisone. However, I'm only on 50 mg of Azathioprine. My doc is thinking about Humira. So my first question is if anyone has had the same reactions to remade and then successfully went on Humira?

I've been doing really well with my crohns, a scope in October and a MRI in December showed no active disease. However, for the last week or so I've been having mucus in my stool. No blood, no diarrhea, no real pains other than what feels like gas and what can be described as a nervous stomach. I can't remember how it feels when everything starts. I think it's something I've blocked, just like I can't really remember what the pain of giving birth felt like, I just know it hurt. Is this the start of something bad?

I'm scared about starting Humira because of all I went through with Remicade and the drug induced Lupus. MY doc wants me to up my Aza to 100mg to make sure that I stay in remission that was determined in early december. . I'm afraid that I'll catch this nasty flu virus that everyone seems to have. I hate always looking at my poop. I wish I could just go and never feel like I have to inspect.

I've had crowns for over 20 some years with only 4 flares. Up until 2010 I didn't take any meds regularly. Since 2012 I've had three flares, each landing me in the hospital. I hate everything about this disease and I hate that I don't know what is normal because it's not really a question you can ask someone, at least I can't. If I ask my husband, he'll try to normalize it so I won't get worried. So frustrated!

 

[SarahBear]

Hi, kjcatty!

The mucous could be a sign of a flare beginning, yes. However, it's good that you're having no other symptoms. It may just be a mild set back due to going off the Remicade. How long ago did you stop it?

Have you brought it up with your doctor yet? I suspect they'll just more strongly encourage the medications - and I would feel the same way. Either starting the Humira or upping the Aza is likely to be beneficial. To clarify, it will be either one or the other, correct? If so, it comes down to which you would feel more comfortable with.

Personally, I have no experience with Remicade, Humira or drug induced Lupus so I don't have much advice for you there. You might want to consider posting your question in the Humira section of the forum as well, which you can find here.

:hug: I really hope things get better for you soon.

 

[kjcatty]

Thank-you for writing back! My last remicade infusion was in August. I began to get horrible joint pain, everywhere...including pain on my face! My doctor did my remade levels in October and I had no levels present. The entire time on Remicade I was metabolizing it too quickly. For that reason my DR kept upping my prescription. I began at 4 and went up to 10 and then I had the reaction.

I never think mild, I just jump right to hospital and prednisone bound. Thank-you for reminding me that it doesn't always have to go that route. Thank-you!

 

[Lady Organic]

I have left sided recto-colitis. When I have a flare, it starts with :

1.loose stool
2.increased number of bowel mvts each day
3.D
4.increased gaz moving stools around in my left colon
5.mucus
6.blood

Ive already noticed the order can mix and some step not be present. Each episode is somehow a bit different.

i woulnt hesitate to increase imuran as your GI suggests. remember that increasing the dose may take about 6 weeks before coming into effect. In the past, I've been on highest dose of 6-mp alone, remission for 7 years and never caught a flu.

best wishes