My Dilema

[butt-eze]

I am in remission. Everything is as normal as it can be. So, please tell me what you would do...
Should I start maintenance therapy that would be new to my system or wait until I have another flare? My next options are Humira or Methotrexate. I have already decided that I would like to try Humira but am open to hearing other opinions. The Dilema is when should I start it???

Please share your opinions!

Amy

 

[Wiles]

If it were me I'd avoid taking heavy drugs if I was in remission. I don't know anything about methotrexate, but I know humira increases risk of infection and things like that.

but that's just my 2 cents.

 

[butt-eze]

The infection issue is a valid concern. It's nice being able to fight a cold now that I'm not on any immunosuppresors.
Do you think that it will be more difficult to initiate remission with Humira? I would hate to do the high dose steroid route again.

 

[drew_wymore]

I HATE taking the damn drugs at all so I'd stay away from them if you can manage to. I can understand wanting to try and use a maintenance drug to keep flares to a minimum though. I've read that methoextrate is really nasty stuff though so I'd err on the side of Humira first.

 

[D Bergy]

You could add some natural antiinflammatories to try head off a future flare. They do not have side effects and may help out.

Dan

 

[Sojourn]

Tough call. I don't know what to say.

 

[crohnsmom]

remission and meds

This is indeed a big decision-one you should really talk at length with your doctor or health care provider about. There are many studies comparing rates of the length of remissions between those on no medication and maintenance drugs-you probably want to google remission and medication therapy in Crohns disease and read some of the studies prior to talking with your physician.
I know that in my son's case he had been in remission since surgery in late May and his doctor is opting for no meds since the colonoscopy was clear, but every case is different.
Good luck with your treatment decision.
Sincerely,
Ramona

 

[saidinstouch]

Trust me on this...go with Humira when the time comes. Methotrexate is to only be used in the most dire circumstances. If you had to choose methotrexate or prednisone, I would choose prednisone first as it is far less harmful.

As far as maintenance goes, talk to your doctor about options and see.