Newly diagnosed with Crohn's

[ibsandrad]

Hello, I am new to the forum. It is great to read everyone's posts to know what to expect and know that I am not alone.

I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease last month. Unforturnately this was in the ER during my appendectomy. My husband received a call from the surgeon that not only were they removing my appendix but a foot of small and large intestine due to a blockage.

It is pretty overwhelming and all seems to be moving pretty quickly. I am currently on Pentasa but they are pushing to get me started on Humira since I have severe CD. I really am nervous about being on an immuno suppressent. This seems like a big step for just being diagnosed.

Although I was just diagnosed, now that I look back, I have been dealing with this for a long time. I was mis-diagnosed when I was a teenager as having IBS.

Any thoughts on the fast track to Humira?

 

[Clarej121]

Hi
Welcome... I am newish to the forum aswell.
My son has Crohn's, my thoughts on the immuno suppressent is start it sooner rather than later, as it seems a medication that lots end up on.. Also takes 3 months to fully get into the system. My son is on Azathioprine which is similar.
I find it interesting on depending where in the world you are, which drug they use!

I wish you the best of luck & you have joined the right forum as the menbers are so supportive.. i left it a year & so wish i joined earlier.

Clare x

 

[Grumbletum]

Hello there I'm sorry to hear you have CD but very glad you have found us here. Sounds like you've had a whirlwind introduction. How are you feeling after the surgery?
I know it's scary to get on to a 'hardcore' med so soon, but with severe Crohns I honestly think it's the best option. I seem to be climbing the ladder quite quickly myself!! Have you checked out the Humira sub-forum?

 

[IAmTheWalrus]

Jumping straight to Biologics seems to be the way, my GI told me that it's accepted that the sooner you go on said drugs the better chance it has at working and stop you from getting any further complications.

Good luck. =D

 

[mercy7889]

i would really research Humira before actually taking it. there are a lot of side effects. so check that before using it. i'm sure there are other options. i'm sorry that your crohns disease is advanced, but slowly but surely you will be feeling better. just get on the right medications and watch your diet. good luck!

 

[Jennjenn]

Hi welcome

Sorry you had to find out that way through surgery. A blockage can be very painful. I know along with many others here. I hope that your doctors get you on the path to recovery and for a healthy future.

 

[Crohn's 35]

I gotta say first of all welcome :bigwave: second I am surprise so fast tracked to the biologics. Most cases (in my Gi's 50 year experience) is to have a course of Flagyl, and or Cipro, both help alot. Then the pentasa and or Entocort. Best to stay away from Prednisone at all costs. Are you in pain now? Do you have alot of bm's?

Hope you join our community, welcome.

 

[ibsandrad]

Thank you for all of your responses. I have been reading many posts and feel more fortunate then others when it comes to symptoms. I do have the joint pain, fatigue and about 3 or so BM's a day. The recovery from the surgery was slow going but I am able to do quite a bit. I am scheduled for a colonoscopy, endoscopy and MRI in December. I really would like to know the extent of the damage in my intestinal tract before I begin Humira but at the same time I do not want to end up back in the hospital with another blockage.
I have seen alot of comments regarding regulating your diet. I know that alcohol, spicy foods and greasy foods are definitely off the menu, but I am struggling with what is good for you and what is not. I have seen alot of conflicting information and GI doc is of no help. I found some Crohn's diet cookbook's on Amazon. Has anyone tried these? Any you would recommend?