Possible to have a minor flareup?

[Pam58]

Hi, have a question for anyone with this experience:

I had a bad flareup last year (after 7 years remission). Took Entocort, then 3 Remicade treatments. (Got two infections 2 weeks after I took the last Remicade treatment in October). Anyway, after the infections cleared up, everything seemed ok until about 6 weeks ago. Started having some cramp like pains, the low grade fever every night, some fatigue, and some very weird reddish purplish scaly patches on my skin in a few spots (dermatologist has no idea what they are). But no nausea and no diarrhea. Went to my GI, took a blood test, and my inflammation marker is high (from sedimentation rate?). She sent me a note and said I should start Entocort if I'm not feeling better.

Question is- has anyone experienced Crohn's symptoms without the diarrhea, or experienced mild symptoms and did not go into a full flare? I'm hesitating to start Entocort, I guess, because of the low immunity thing with both Entocort and Remicade, since I experienced the two infections right after finishing the Remicade.

Thanks.

 

[dreamintwilight]

That kinda sounds like how I was before I was hospitalized for an abscess. I've don't usually experience diarrhea either.

I would take the Entocort with the Remicade. In fact, lots of people take steroids and TNF meds together. I'm actually on Humira, Entocort, AND Imuran. How's that for a suppressed immune system! :ybatty: Just try to stay away from people who may be sick and wash your hands a LOT.

As far as the skin stuff...I am not sure myself, but know there are several posts on the forum talking about people's experiences with skin rashes and things. Use the Search link at the top of the site to type in keywords for relative topics. I know there are a few common skin conditions that people get because they have Crohn's. Maybe someone else can be more specific on the technical names.

Has your GI mentioned getting any scans to see if anything is going on inside as far as inflammation, abscesses, etc.? I'd ask about that if the Entocort doesn't help.

 

[Pam58]

Thanks, Marisa. No, my GI hasn't mentioned any additional tests. I'm going to have a follow up with her and I'll ask her about that.

I also did a Google search on weird skin spots and Crohns, and found a few people who had spots like mine, and their dermatologist and/or GI had a hard time pinpointing the cause; one said it was probably due to Crohns. Doesn't seem to be a serious problem....just ugly looking!

 

[dreamintwilight]

Yeah...must be the autoimmune aspect of the disease. Just some weirdo things pop up here and there because our systems are out of whack.

Keep us updated!

 

[BLM]

Throuhout the years Ive had small episodes...where I wouldnt have d, but pain and low fever. I never had diagnosis until a few months ago, so I would just have to self medicate until I was better. I wish you luck~

 

[Pam58]

Thanks, Bev - your info helped. Since you experienced some moderate flareups, I may just wait and see if my symptoms get worse. I can always start on Entocort since I have some left over from the last episode. Hopefully the Entocort is working for you?

Pam

 

[BLM]

This has by far been the illest Ive ever been, hence the new diagnosis. In the past I could wait a week maybe two and I was better....not this last time. I would just be super conscious about it, and if you at all start feeling worse take the Entocort and call your GI. And even if your not feeling worse if your symptoms dont start to improve or go away, I would call my doc.

The Entocort is working...but unfortunately I expericence severe migraines from the meds...I suffer from migraine problems as is...but the meds seem to make it much worse. I am feeling better after about 6 months of severe illness, I hope I continue to feel good. I can only contribute some of my healing to the meds, the rest is stress management, and diet for me. So I hope and pray Im going into remission!! Thake care, and good luck~