Pill cam results...questions

[Cross-stitch gal]

I got my results tonight of my pill cam test. My doctor recommended these drugs for me to use. Can anyone tell me anything about Methotrexate? Does it seem to work very well? How much does this cost and is there a generic available without insurance? Can you also tell me of any side effects? Thanks.

The capsule camera showed some areas of ulceration and inflammation in the small intestine related to Crohn's disease. I suspect this is what is causing your abdominal pain.

I would encourage you to find out if your insurance coverage could allow for treatment with Humira or Remicade. Humira is a shot that is taken under the skin, like insulin. The first dose is given in a nurse treatment room, then you are able to do the shots at home. Both of these medications work on the immune system in a way that helps control Crohn's disease. There are potential side effects, and increased risks of infections.

The other medicine used in the management of Crohn's disease is Methotrexate. This also has potential side effects.

 

[Aura]

Hi there

You may be best to start looking at the treatment pages on this forum. There is a page for Methotrexate - I have my thread on there when I was on it. Now I am on Aza and have just started Humira. I had my pill cam swallow last week and have it in 9 places in the small bowel - I got a copy of the pics with my report, did you?

Yes, the drugs have side effects and some pretty scary ones at that. But the GI's and ourselves weigh up if risk v's benefit and that's why we end up on them. Yes there is a risk to taking them, but for myself staying as I am now is not an option. I have a severe flare, had to quit work and am showing very little improvement at this point in time. I am waiting to get enough of the drugs in my system to put it in to remission. If that does not work in a few months time then I guess we look at surgery.

Being informed is good, being wise in making decisions is useful and sometimes you made need to put things on paper to try and get an objective look at the current situation and what the way forward will look like.

Good luck