Hi everyone!
I am a 25-year old college student and a wife.
I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease when I was 17. I have been on numerous medications- Colazal, Entocort, prednisone, cipro, flagyl, Imuran, 6MP, Remicade, Humira, and other types of drugs, including different steroids, painkillers, antibiotics, and even psychotropics (for the Crohn's).
Most of the medications either stopped working or caused me to have violent reactions. The ones that caused reactions were Remicade, prednisone, and Imuran. I also currently have a picc line and have been on TPN. So far, I've been lucky enough to avoid surgery.
I have tried different types of diets and natural/alternative therapies- they didn't help me much.
I am about to go on Cimzia. I'm a bit nervous about it since the Remicade has made me so ill. I had a delayed infusion reaction which involved severe muscle pain, excruciating joint pain, fevers, and body aches. My husband found a post on a forum like this one- possibly even this one- where a member complained about similar problems. He mentioned that his doctor had him take acetaminophen, benadryl, and methylprednisolone. I took the Tylenol and Benadryl until I was able to reach my doctor- and what do you know, she recommended that I take acetaminophen, Benadryl, and methylprednisolone!
It's hard to be chronically ill. I'm so grateful that forums like this exist. Having the support and advice of other people who know what you're going through just seems awesome-sauce. All too often, it's been other patients who have had great living tips, advice, and knowledge that the doctors either dn't know about or forgot to tell you.
So I'm glad that you're here, and I'm especially glad to be here! 