Started Imuran 50mg while waiting for Remicade

[SmileyMinx]

Had an appointment with my GI this morning and when she found out I don't start Remicade until Oct. 25th, she put me on Imuran 50mg. 2 pills a day for a week, then 3 pills a day. I know better, but I'm hoping for an instant fix. So far it's been 1 appointment after another, 1 antibiotic after another and lots of Lortab 5, with no results, but this is the first time for any meds that are Crohn's specific. So much pain, nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, and general discomfort...

I also found out yesterday that while I can enroll in the Health Insurance plan my employer provides, Crohn's is a pre-existing condition so it won't be covered for a year. I was diagnosed last month. Go figure.

 

[chrisnsteph1022]

I'm not sure if your doc was looking for a quick fix until the Remi starts, but Imuran takes 6-8 weeks to take effect. I wish I had better news for you! So sorry to hear about the insurance problem. Will you be able to afford the Remi out-of-pocket?

 

[Lydia]

They will probably keep you on the imuran with the remicade for 2 reasons.

1. To prevent you from forming antibodies to the remicade over time.
2. To cover you in case your funding/insurance falls through and you cant get your remicade on time. This will help prevent some breakthrough symptoms while you wait.

My GI told me that these are the reasons they like to give imuran with remicade.

 

[SmileyMinx]

I'm not sure if your doc was looking for a quick fix until the Remi starts, but Imuran takes 6-8 weeks to take effect. I wish I had better news for you! So sorry to hear about the insurance problem. Will you be able to afford the Remi out-of-pocket?

I applied for assistance through Johnson & Johnson. I also qualified for assistance through the patient assistance program at the hospital. Hopefully it will all work out.

 

[SmileyMinx]

They will probably keep you on the imuran with the remicade for 2 reasons.

1. To prevent you from forming antibodies to the remicade over time.
2. To cover you in case your funding/insurance falls through and you cant get your remicade on time. This will help prevent some breakthrough symptoms while you wait.

My GI told me that these are the reasons they like to give imuran with remicade.

Good to know. My main GI is an intern and she doesn't explain things very well.

 

[SmileyMinx]

I did get approved for Remicade assistance through Johnson & Johnson, thank goodness (got the first statement and the Remicade alone is $10,617). I had my second infusion 2 weeks ago and the pain has intensified. Coupled with that is now I've got a lot of gas, but less D. I'd rather deal with the D quite honestly, it's less painful. The GI refused more Lortab. She prescribed Amitriptyline (Elavil 25mg) for the pain. She wanted something that would stay in my system all the time. Unfortunately, it will take a few weeks to actually have an effect. Until then, I get to just deal with it. JOY! So I spend my days at work nearly doubled over, but trying to hide it because I need the job and the money. Spend my nights in class hiding it because no one likes to be around a whiner and I have to be there (I can't make it up). However, I will survive. How's that saying go... What doesn't kill you makes you stronger? LOL Funtimes.