Update post followup with my Gastro 01/23

[aideen33]

she thinks the tingling/numb extremities are probably related to fluid retention/swelling from the steroids, but we are doing labs to check on my blood counts, along with cholesterol, thyroid, liver/kidneys/pancreas, so we can rule out anemia as well. Stopping the Asacol (yay for 4 less pills per day!), keeping most of my other meds the same, and attempting a prednisone taper...

 

[POTTYTIME!]

I do agree with the fluid retention on the steroids. Im also on 40mg prednisone. My hands swell, my knees hurt, think im getting a kidney stone. How are you doing on the humira? My GI has started the process to get me on that.

 

[aideen33]

Its not what we would call remission yet, but i can say we are cautiously optimistic. I noticed a fairly rapid onset of decreased frequency/urgency, more formed BMs rather than being all liquidy, and decrease in the bleeding. (Im almost 8 weeks in now) Doc thinks it should continue to improve over the next 4-6 weeks so we are hopeful. Sides arent bad, the "humira flu" the day after i inject (run down/fatigue etc for about 24 hrs), and 24-48 hrs before shot day i get what i call "withdrawal" where its wearing off cause im about due for another shot.

 

[POTTYTIME!]

Thanks for the info. Also how about the first round of shots, 4 in one day? I have been reading of people going home and crashing for a day or more.

 

[aideen33]

we did mine a bit differently, my gastro opted to have me take one shot each on day 1, day 2, day 14, day 15, day 28, and day 29. So one shot each on 2 consecutive days, 2 weeks apart. She likes that method better so i cant speak to the 4 in one day but i can say that 1 shot makes me feel run down so id imagine 4 at once would have put me on my butt for a day or 2.