Pancreatitis

Hello All!

I am very new to this website. This is only my second post. But, I really enjoy reading about everyone's situations. It's nice to know other people are going through exactly what I am feeling and experiencing.

So, here's my problem. I was just diagnosed with Crohns about 3 months ago. I went on Entocort for 2 months. Then I started 6mp because my symptoms were coming back quickly. Well, 2 weeks after I started 6mp, I started throwing up after each time I would take it. Not immediately after, but like 3-4 hours later. Crazy throwing up, like 4-5 times. I also started getting this terrible pain in my upper abdomen.

Well, today is a week later, and I saw my doctor and she says I have pancreatitis. She said I had a rare reaction to the 6mp where my pancreas was getting inflamed because of the meds, and then that made my duodenum constrict and also made me throw up. That was why my upper abdomen was hurting. Is that crazy or what? Has this ever happened to anyone else?

My doc said pancreatitis is very serious and if I had kept taking the 6mp, it could have been even worse.

My options for meds now are remicade or humira. Any advice on which is better? I hear remicade is quite pricey, but effective. But I also hear that Humira is easier to manage.

I am going back on the Entocort until my doctor decides which is best.

Anyways, that is all about me. Oh, and i am 25. I look forward to hearing from all of you.

I'm sorry you had that reaction to 6-mp. 6-mp worked wonders for me back in the day but I got joint pain while on it.
So I can't take it anymore either.

Hi Pianogirl - the same thing happened to me in Dec & I spent Christmas in the hospital. I had been having pain for 2 - 3 days before I realized what was happening - thanks to the internet. When I finally entered "side effects of 6-MP" and saw the word "fatal", I immediately went to the ER and was admitted - my enzymes were sooo high.
I, too, am being offered Humira or Remicade, but what I've read about both is pretty scary. I see my doctor in 10 days for the results of a small bowel follow through and may be too obstructed and need surgery. From people in this forum, I take it that injecting humira is painful. I already inject myself with B-12 monthly, and am pretty used to the needle, but I don't know if I'd be able to inflict painful shot on myself every 2 weeks. Side effects of both drugs sound pretty awful - and since I reacted to Pentasa and 6-MP, not sure I want to play with the odds.
Please keep us posted on what you decide to take. Honestly, I feel for you at 25 just beginning the trek through crohndom - Keep reading all the info you can. When I was diagnosed at 20, there was very little support and/or info anywhere. This forum is a blessing . . ..

Hi Pianogrl I tried Remicade but only for 6 months as it did not help I went into a flare and was not responding to it . Lots here have done good with the Remicade. As far as Humura I am a bit reluctant to try that line of meds again but would go for it if it is necessary I guess. lol gail