Where do I go from here?

[chiquitatwist]

Hi everyone! I'm new here, so I apologize if there's already a question like mine that has been answered. I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease in February of last year and started on Entocort and Imuran to help with the inflammation. My Dr. and I thought I was going into remission on the Imuran a few times, but no such luck. He put me on Flagyl and Cipro and I also started Humira injections. My latest CT scan showed that my inflammation is getting worse even though I've been on the Humira for 12 weeks. I'm on prednisone right now until my next appointment at the end of the month. Does anyone have any ideas about what other medications he might try? How long into unsuccessful treatment until surgery is discussed? How long did it take, or is it taking, for you to find a treatment that works? I feel so new to all of this and appreciate any insight. Thanks so much! :ysmile:

 

[David]

Hi there and welcome I'm sorry you didn't get any responses until now. I'm also sorry to hear that your inflammation is getting worse

What dose of Imuran are you on? Are they monitoring your 6-TGN levels on it to make sure you are in the therapeutic range?

Other drugs he might try that come to mind are Remicade and Cimzia. He could also up your dose of Imuran depending on various factors.

Prior to your next appointment I would strongly suggest researching enteral nutrition and discuss adding that to your treatment regimen with your doctor.

I wish you well.

 

[archie]

Hi can you tell us a bit about your crohns ie where it is and what extent and how you feel etc? Have they tried steroids yet to control the inflammation?

 

[tots]

I would ask about Remicade call the makers of both drugs and ask what the sucess rate is of inducing and maintaining remisson. I did, they are happy to answer your questions. Remicade sent me paperwork on it and honestly it was harder to read than the concent to my sons surgery (broken back) along with his tramatic brain injury!!!


Lauren

 

[Jennifer]

The medications I was taking before my resection were 6MP, Asacol, Prednisone and Entocort. They didn't start talking about a resection until I was on the max dose for each for my weight and at the time there weren't a lot of other meds to turn to as a few weren't approved in the US yet. My GI realized that the inflammation was getting out of control and was causing a lot of scar tissue which medication cannot repair and the ulcers weren't healing either. We tried the medication for about a year before I had my surgery.

After the resection I was only on Asacol and 6MP and since have just been reduced to 6MP (recently added Entocort again).

Can't suggest anymore than David already has though.

Edit: @ archie, Prednisone and Entocort are steroids.