I was diagnosed in 2011, but have probably had Crohn's disease for many years. I began having infrequent bouts of inflammation (iritis, joint inflammation, rectal bleeding) in my 20's but did not exhibit normal symptoms of abdominal pain, diarrhea, etc. My diagnosis came 30 years later during a work up for a chronic anal fissure. Other than soreness and red blood on the tissue, I had no abdominal pain, no frequent diarrhea, etc. the Gastroenterologist ordered an upper GI barium x-Ray which revealed narrowing and stricture in my terminal ileum. Because I was a-symptomatic, the GI doc did not know if he should treat me and I was referred to a specialist at a University Medical Center. I learned that some of my other physical ailments (fatigue, joint pain, iritis) could also be caused by my disease. Well I am in my third year of treatment and while not in remission, per se, I guess my condition has been stabilized and has not gotten any worse.
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Two years later, I feel worse than before diagnosis
- Thread starter Suby55
- Start date
My treatments started with Entocort and Imuran. After 6 months my liver tests were unfavorable so I was put on Methotrexate. After 6 months, colonoscopy showed moderate to severe actives disease so I was started on Humira. For the year on Humira I had relief from joint pain but started to have skin outbreaks (pustules), Psoriasis on my shins and chronic (every 4 weeks) upper respiratory infections. My GI suggested I try Remicade infusions to see if I still had these side effects. 11 months in and I have pustular psoriasis and recurring tonsillitis/sinus infections, and the outbreaks of pustules on scalp and trunk. I will be having an encapsulated camera endoscopy in a week or so to see if my disease is better or worse on the a Remicade.
Hi Suby55, there are a few of us in the same boat as you, who don't have much in symptoms and feel like the meds are making problems/making us feel WORSE. But silent damage is just as bad (as i finally have come close to accept this year) and it's great you're getting treated...hopefully those side effects should dissipate soon. I hope you find comfort in this forum, like I have...DJW always pretty much responds! 