Prednisone to Imuran & Remicade

[littlemama]

Hello everyone!


I'm 21 and was diagnosed this past November with Crohns following the pregnancy from hell. Peg tube, TPN, gall bladder removed... I looked like a toothpick with a blueberry stuck through it and nobody knew what was causing it... I'm now on the mend (kinda) but I have some questions about some of these medications I'm either on or will be on.


Currently on a 40mg dose of prednisone as well as Prilosec for acid reflux. My doctor HAS been trying to cut my dose down (by 5mg a week) but most recently when I weaned down to just 30 the pain/swelling just got to be to much after only 4 days. Back to 40 and I'm feeling better... I know short-term prednisone is hard to beat but long-term is a concern. My last visit my doctor mentioned starting me on a low dose of "imuran" and gradually increasing it while cutting back on the prednisone. She certainly didn't glamourous it and encouraged me to do my own research.


I'll also be starting remicade as soon as the insurance sorts itself out. I'm looking forward to the remicade and I've done iron infusions before (looks like coke syrup...) so I'm familiar with what the treatment process may be like. But she scared me with the imuran. I know the prednisone is harsh stuff and my body just feels so worn out... but now the reality is sinking in that all this medication to counter the crohns is just going to make me sick in other ways. Like increasing my risk for cancer down the road...

I would just appreciate some of your experiences with Remicade or especially Imuran. Thanks in advance

 

[Grumbletum]

Hello there
The med path you are following is exactly the one I've been on. Started on 20 mg Pred, started to taper but had to go up to 40 and start on Imuran as further tests after initial diagnosis showed inflammation was more severe than they first thought and I had an internal fistula.
They then prescribed Remicade when the inflammation persisted and I've had remission confirmed after three infusions.
They're keeping me on the Imuran for maintenance so we'll see how it goes.
I too hate being on these seriously scary drugs, but I was so ill pre-diagnosis, that I don't think I have any other choice.