New Remicade User

Hi all,

After about 2 years of not going to my doctor and stopping my medication on my own (I know, stupid, stupid idea), I decided I should go see her so I could schedule a colonoscopy and see how my gut was holding up. I hadn't had too many severe symptoms, just occasional stomach pain and diarrhea so I didn't think I could be doing that bad. Well, I just had an MRI done and they are telling me my Chron's is very active and that I should start Remicade. I read the side effects and they really bugged me out...not to mention I hate the thought of needles. I don't understand why I cannot go back on 6mp like I was a couple of years ago. I'm not sure if I should get a second opinion or just listen to this doctor and start getting the Remicade infusions. I'm kicking myself now for not staying on the 6mp. I think I just wanted to pretend like I was a normal person but today I realized I really need to come to terms with this disease and take care of it before I end up in the hospital. Anyway, I guess what I want to know is if Remicade is the way to go and what people have experienced while using it.

Thanks :)

I don't really have any side effects from Remicade. Maybe a little tired the next day. Where Imuran (sister drug to 6mp) landed me in the hospital with pancreatitis. So I personally think the side effects of 6mp are a lot more scarier! But as usual, just depends on the person.

Remicade in combination with Methotrexate seems to be working well for me. I'd give it a try. I personally played around with just taking Asacol and had my primary doctor giving my steroids here and there for what I thought was occasional flares. But it was really just simmering and getting worse inside. Once I finally found a decent GI doctor I was in the severe category.

I recently started Infliximab, I've had 2 infusions so far and am due my third next week. Its put me straight into remission and I've not been premeditated for either infusion and I have had no side effects. I go once a day, full formed, no urgency, minimal need for toilet paper. I'm sure there are plenty of healthy people out there that have never had IBD that are not doing as perfect poops as I am at the moment!

I feel great and while I was reluctant to go on to a biological drug for a long time, a am delighted that I have its worked very well and allowed me to heal - its a no brainer really.