Why only 2 remicade infusions?

[spiceman]

Feeling a little deflated in the last few days, bloating and major gurgling has returned somewhat. Had the 1st infusion of Remicade and 2nd is due in 8 days time.

What worries me is that my GI said he's going to give me 2 infusions to see if it sorts out the bloating and obstructions and if it doesn't he's refering me to the surgical team.

My concerns are will 2 infusions be enough to heal a stricture if its caused by Inflammation rather than scar tissue?(GI thinks). In the back of my mind I can't help thinking that I'm only having the 2 because the drug is so expensive.

Most people start seeing real improvemnet after 3/4 infusions so why would he only suggest the 2? Does it have anything to do with building up antibodies if I need to have surgury and oneday need to go back on it.

Thanks for any help.

 

[moogie]

I remember my doctor telling me a few years ago before I had my BAG episodes that he could not give me remicade unless I was stable because he said it would not be effective.

Maybe your doctor is hoping for a miracle and trrying it out before a surgery?

In my case I started feeling good after my 3rd infusion.

Sorry I could not be more helpful.

 

[spiceman]

Pleased to hear your feeling good on Remicade moogie. I sure do hope miracles can happen. I can't wait for my next infusion to be here.

thank you

 

[Grumbletum]

Not sure either, Spiceman. I thought three was the sort of normal loading doses :-( I've had three, last one at the end of October. I did notice a massive improvement in symptoms after the second one. I have a colonoscopy next week to assess progress and for them to decide if I need to stay on it or not.

 

[spiceman]

Grumbletum thanks for your reply. Really nice to know you got massive improvement after the 2nd infusion i'm so counting the days down to my next one!

Good luck on the colonoscopy for next week. Fingers crossed your be clean as whistle!

Thank you

 

[chrisnsteph1022]

My GI told me if I didn't see improvement after the 3rd infusion, it wouldn't work for me. Luckily, I see some improvement after one. Number 2 is this Friday.

 

[spiceman]

My GI told me if I didn't see improvement after the 3rd infusion, it wouldn't work for me. Luckily, I see some improvement after one. Number 2 is this Friday.

The Loading dose is normally 3 so would've felt better if the GI had just said that.

I do have the 3rd infusion all booked so if he doesn't get in contact after the 2nd
like he said he would I will go ahead and have the 3rd.

Chrisnsteph1022 how much improvement have you had in % since starting the drug and what were your main symtoms for starting?

Thanks for your reply

 

[chrisnsteph1022]

Prior to the infusion, I was having diarrhea 15-20 times/day, some days with blood, bad pain all day, nausea every morning.

Two days after infusion, I was going 5-6 times a day, moderate pain all day, no blood, no nausea.

One week after infusion, I was going once/day, no pain, no nausea, no blood. That lasted 3 days. Unfortunately, the past couple days, I've been getting a little pain and going 3 times/day. It's like it's wearing off.

 

[lew-e]

I was on Remicade 6? years ago and it worked wonders for me! I was hastily taken off when my doctor revealed to me some problems with the drug at that time. I would love to get back on it however! I would say 2 Remicade infusions is better than no infusions and going straight to surgery. Give it a try and see if it helps.