Stelara

Not much help but my GI did mention Stelara this week - first time he's mentioned it. Before it has always been methotrexate or Tysabri. I failed Humira after almost 3 years and am currently doing Cimzia. I assume your Crohn's is in your colon if you are talking about a possible colostomy? Have you shown active disease in any other areas of your GI tract? Mine was in my colon and rectum (HORRIBLE in my rectum, just AWFUL!) but I had previously had sores in my mouth and into my esophagus as well. I opted for an ileostomy because I wanted EVERYTHING out!

I have Crohns Colitis so the majority of my disease is in my colon. I don't think, there's much, if any disease, in my small intestine..at the moment, but too have severe disease in my rectum. It's at the very end of it and the Dr prescribed Cortifoam so we'll see if that works. I had surgery about 9 years ago and apparently I don't have much colon left, so it would be a total colectomy, which seems extreme. Stelara seems a little scary, but at the same time, all meds are scary especially when you start exhausting all your options! What exactly is an iloestomy? I refuse to try Tsybari due to it's side effects.

Adler- Thank you! Have you had any side effects? From the little I've started reading about it, it seems like getting an infection is the most common side effect. Glad it's helped put you in remission!!

This is my first post!
I want to reassure wahoo217 that if an ileostomy is recommended it is nothing to fear. I have had an oleostomy for many years and, after initial adjustment, it is easy to manage and works well.
Best thing to do is to ask the hospital/doctor if there is anyone locally who has an oleostomy and try to meet with that person to see for yourself and get your questions answered.

Good luck.

Thanks Sr5599. I'm a little nervous about risks of infection and latent issues coming out. I'm currently getting my list of questions ready. I'm so glad to hear it's helping you with your Crohns. That is definitely encouraging considering like you, nothing else seems to be working. I'll keep everyone posted and please keep the feedback coming!!