Remicade through IV

[Lorella]

Hey all,

Would like some advice or reassurance really. Recently diagnosed, mid December last year, and yesterday I met with my GI to talk about treatment of my Crohns.

I'm now a bit scared. Basically he wanted me to have Remicade, but starting next week I have to go in for a 5 hour IV session, then one again 2 weeks from that, then a month, then 3 then 6.

Alongside that I have to take Azathioprine and go weekly for blood tests.

Until next week I have to take Pentaza.

This all seems really extreme to me and I'm kinda scared. Has anyone else gone through this? Is this normal treatment for Crohns?

Thanks :confused2::eek2:

 

[Lisa]

Hi Lorella - and welcome to the forum.

Yes, this is now a 'common' treatment for Crohns - if you check out hte Remicade Forum, there is a TON of information there and stories from people who have had success with the treatment and some who have not.

I myself have been on it for over 5 years now, who knows where I would be if I didn't have this option !

 

[chrisnsteph1022]

You're not alone! I'm starting Remicade tomorrow (then in 2 weeks, then 4 weeks after that, then every 8 weeks ongoing). I'm also on azathioprine and have monthly blood tests. I'll also be on Lialda.

 

[kllyeve]

I was absolutely scared stiff to go on Remicade as well. I have now had 2 doses and no weird reactions and am starting to see some changes.

It took 2 years of really bad illness before I got up the medication piramid to Remicade and I wish I had been given the option much sooner as I would not have such a hole to climb out of now.

So take the leap and do the Remicade, get into remission as soon as you can. I was scared too but once I had the first infusion the fear subsided.

 

[Lorella]

Thanks everyone. Am very new to the "Crohns scene" and don't know anyone else who has it, so I was a bit panicky.

But now I see lots of people have it Had a look at the forums and that's helped as well, it's always nice to know other people have/are going through the same thing.

 

[brianncc]

Lorella-
I am new to Crohns too. I was in the hospital for 5 days in Novemeber was put on Azathioprine and Pred and a few weeks later ended back in the hospital for 6 days. I felt like crap. Doctor started Remicade the second to last day. I have had 2 infusions and get my third on the 23nd. I was scared and upset about it. But I felt great in a like 4 days, total turnaround. I stopped having cramps, stopped passing blood, and went from going 20 times a day (through the night) to 2 to 3 solid movements a day. I am eating almost everything and am back to life. Remicade got me in remission in a couple weeks. Don't worry, have at it. It saved me! Good luck.