Update and Questions:)!

[MendyVarner]

Went to my doctor on Monday, and he did in fact confirm I do have Crohn's disease. The inflammation with in the distal part of my small bowel. (Whatever that is..lol)

He asked me to start taking Asacol HD 800 mg 3x a day. I am terrified of taking this as I have read some scary stuff. Any one have any experience with this?


Also, I have pain ALL over anymore. In my fingers (especially my pinky), toes, feet, ankles, upper spine, shoulders, etc. My GI said it's just the Crohn's. At this point, my aches and pain all over are the WORST part of my symptoms! Anyone else have these pains ALL over?!

Thanks so much!!!

Mendy

 

[Angrybird]

Hi Mendy, you can get joint pain with active disease. Mine mostly is in the knees, ankles, knuckles and lower back. Hopefully once your med kicks in and starts treating the crohns this will settle down. I have not been on Asacol myself so could not advise on this, hopefully someone who has some experience with this will come along soon with some info. Hope you start to feel better soon hun.

 

[MendyVarner]

Thanks Angrybird!!! It seems my pain travels all over..lol I'm just over feeling bad!
I appreciate your response!!!

 

[Jessi]

Mendy, it's too bad about the definite diagnosis, but also a good thing. I'm happy that you're getting treatment now. I took Asacol HD. Probably the same amount as you. I wasn't really bothered much by the side effects. I did notice that the shell of the pill comes out into the toilet after traveling through the bowels, though. don't be alarmed when you you see it. It's perfectly normal.

I totally understand the aching, too. I don't know if you've been told yet, but just in case, stay away from NSAIDS. Only use acetaminophen for pain. All the others could cause some serious problems for you.

Good luck. :hug: And feel better soon.

 

[MendyVarner]

Thanks Jessi. I haven't in my adult life taken an NSAID...I have always been sensitive to them..so I have always took acetaminophen Thanks for the advice though!!!

I am starting the Asacol HD tomorrow, and had no idea that might happen. I can't imagine how that would happen based on how the pill looks!! (They look like longer advil pills to me)

Thanks for the advice! I really appreciate it!!!!!!!

 

[Jessi]

Yeah, I was shocked when I first saw it, so I researched.

The pills have a perforation along the sides that opens in the colon and allows medicine to be released bit by bit as it travels through. That's how it works for Asacol HD. Another pill just called Asacol (without the HD) is similar, but opens in the terminal ilium (last part of the small intestine) and continues through the colon.

I hope that clears it up. Let us know how you get on, and if you have any questions or complaints about Asacol, visit this subforum: http://www.crohnsforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=125

 

[MendyVarner]

Thanks Jessi!!! Terrific information, and I will post any other questions or complaints about the medicine in that forum! I asked a question about it in that forum just last night!

THANK YOU!!!!