What should I do?

[sf925415]

scheduling my resection surgery, stopped humira because I want to build my immune system before the surgery. of course now i'm flaring with some weight loss apetite loss, D, fatigue, and a one day mild fever that hasn't come back. even my joints are hurting, and abdominal pain increased but not severe or sustained. I don't want to go back on the humira, I want to tolerate the flare until the surgery. Problem is my doc is out for the next few weeks. Should I just use the pentasa I think I have at the house? for now i'm planning on nothing and will see if the symptoms get worse. Like if i can't kick a fever I will be more aggressive, or if my weight starts dropping too much. defintely at least I would then do the pentasa, though I suspect that won't do much for me. anyway I have a few extra pounds to lose so its kind of a silver lining!

So should I just go back on humira? try the pentasa? wait it out like I want to? try to find another doctor (I'm sure I can go through his office, but they won't know my history like he did)? thanks!

 

[DustyKat]

I don't know that I am qualified to answer this so of course this is just my opinion.

I would think the best position to be in when facing surgery is in optimal health if that is possible. I don't think it is wise to run yourself down by allowing a flare to take hold and under these conditions I don't see how you are able to build your immune system as such. My other concern would be the damage that is being done to your bowel in the interim. I know it is being removed but that doesn't mean it won't strike somewhere else or extend what is already there. Also I think a surgeon would much prefer to operate on a bowel that is under control rather than one that is in flare.

Is your doctor under the impression that you would be continuing your Humira?

Dusty.

 

[crazycanuck]

I would advise calling your doctors office and findinf a number of someone you can talk to. I know my GI works in a team of 3 and if one is away the others can step in. And actually in my case my doc called me from san fransisco (Im in vancouver) to talk to me about what had happened. So Id give them a call before you stop taking humira for too long or start up any other drugs. As dusty said Im not sure how much of an immune system you can build up flaring anyway.