New to the group

[dougsgirl91]

I just found your forum while I was searching online for more info about Crohns, It has been very helpful
I started having stomach problems in July of 2009 I went to the hospital 3times in one week because of the severe pain that I was having at the time.

I was diagnosed with pancreatitis and I ended up having my gallbladder removed even after having my gallbladder removed I continued to have problems.In January of 2011 I ended up in the Emercency Room with nausea and non stop vomiting I was admitted at first they thought I had a bowel obstruction was going to take me to surgery but they decided to run test and scope me and determined that I had Crohns.

This past last year has been a constant journey for me there is so much to learn about crohns and it can be really overwhelming at times, I recently was just admitted again for a flare up and ended up having a small bowel follow through done, thank god at this time surgery is not needed but my Dr wants to start me on Humira and Im not to sure about that I currently take Pentasa,Omeprazole,and he just put me on Prednisone this week.

 

[Snap]

Welcome!

:smile: Hey Dougsgirl! Welcome! We are kind of neighbors--about 90 minutes away from each other! Okay, I have questions. I am assuming that, at first diagnosis, the Crohn's was in your large intestine? Is is in your small as well? And, how much prednisone are you on? I agree, it's quite overwhelming at first--I was diagnosed about 12 years ago with Crohns (large bowel). I recently had my first surgery--but we won't talk about that right now. My advice to you is get as much information as you can about where the disease affects you. Do you have any extraintestional problems like skin disorders, joint swelling? Does your Dr. think Humira is the ONLY option? I would ask if you are a candidate for Azathioprine--it's MUCH cheaper). I remember having problems at first diagnosis with recognizing flares. Diarrhea isn't always the first symptom with a lot of Crohnies. I remember one day noticing that my left ankle was really red and swollen. I thought I just bumped it or whatever. 2 days later I was in the hospital with a horrible Crohn's flare! Go figure! It's a crazy disease--different in all of us. Stick with this forum---you will get lots of help and advice from bunches of wonderful people! Hang in there!
:hug: Dana

 

[Angrybird]

Hello and welcome to the forum :bigwave: Have a good look at our treatment forum as this gives lots helpful info about the differents meds. I would agree with Dana about asking about Azathioprine over Humira, not sure about cost as I am on the NHS but I would say Humira is something that comes into play after the slightly less 'invasive' meds like Aza have been tried. Am really pleased you have found us, there is always lots of help and support here

 

[Jessi]

Welcome to the family, Dougsgirl.

I understand your thoughts about taking Humira. It is, after all, one of the "big guns." Some doctors, including mine, like to try the "top down" approach for treatment. The idea behind it is that you can knock down the disease with the big guns early on in hopes for a better future.

For me, it is working really well. I started on Asacol and prednisone, then moved to Remicade (another big gun). The Remicade has put me in remission and I no longer have to take any other drugs. Yay for no pred!

If you would like to learn more about first-hand experience taking Humira, read here in the Humira forum. You can chat with others in your same boat.

And don't worry too much over the price of the drug. Insurance should cover a bunch of it. Plus there are programs that allow you to get it for just $5, I think.

Again, a great big welcome to you. And loads of big hugs, too. :hug:

 

[mikeyarmo]

Welcome to the forum dougsgirl91!

I am glad you were able to find us and have found the forum useful.

We have a sub forum dedicated to Humira so please feel free to search through there or post any of the questions or concerns you have there.

Looking forward to seeing you around the forum!

 

[dougsgirl91]

Thank you for your help.

 

[jlanier]

I wouldn't worry about the price of Humira if that is a concern. I am currently on it, and their assistance program is great. I also currently take pred and azathioprine. Definitely good that surgery isnt needed. I know that a lot of doctors are putting people on the biologics who have very active and severe crohns almost before they try anything else with the thought that by starting out big, it can be kicked into remission quicker. That's basically what my doc has done, due to some of the other drugs just being a waste of time. I have heard people who have gone into remission with azathioprine, as well as with Humira. It just depends on how severe things are, and how your body reacts to the drugs. With crohns everyone is so different, so you never know what will or wont work. I hope the best for you.