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Crohn's and medication

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 1/13/2013 12:05 AM (GMT 0)
Hello,

Been awhile since I posted here. I would like to ask some questions and vent a little. I was diagnosed with crohn's in 1995. I had one resection in 2007 and have been on various meds through the years. I was on Remicade for 2 years but developed UTIs that would not go away. Dr. switched me to Humira last March. Still have the UTIs. Had a recent MRI and they tell me now that I have cirrhosis of the liver. Haven't had a drop of alcohol in 25 years. Had to quit so I could have done some damage before that. I'm thinking that it has to do with the meds.

Had a colonoscopy recently and found that the crohn's is active again.
Dr now wants to put me on 6mp.

I am so confused and frustrated. If the crohn's is active and the humira is not working and causing others issues, such as the liver problem and UTIs, then what do I do next?

Thanks
Posted 1/13/2013 8:13 PM (GMT 0)
I am sorry you are having a hard time. Crohn's itself can cause cirrhosis of the liver. It is one of the extraintestinal manifestations of Crohn's disease. Remicade and Humira also can cause liver damage but regular labs should have caught it before the cirrhosis stage. I have a couple of not-so common extraintestinal manifestations - peripheral neuropathy and avascular necrosis and totally understand your frustration.

Hopefully 6MP could put you into remission. Some had just it work, others had to use prednisone short term to get the inflammation down until the 6MP kicked in.

Where is your disease activity located? TI? Lower colon? Depending on location, some of the "topically" treating meds might help, ie. Entocort, Pentasa, Asacol, etc.

Please keep in touch. Feel free to vent here anytime!
Posted 1/17/2013 3:04 AM (GMT 0)
If you are having liver issues, please see you doc and get it tested. I have a liver disease that is associated with Chrohn's and UC...I'm glad my Dr. caught it in time. But I'm glad my Dr. is on the ball and looking out for any and all complications (I'm an odd case anyways). BTW, I have PCS (or Primary Sclerosing Colangitis), which can happen with some people with crohn's (esp if it is in primary in the large intestine). There are some tests to see what is causing your liver issues, and this can be pretty serious...so just make sure you see your doc and ask, it could be due to meds, but also could be another aspect of your illness. Hope this helps.
Posted 1/25/2013 10:22 AM (GMT 0)
Becoming undone...
I was recently diagnosed with Crohn's (like, 4 days ago!).
It is 4:00 AM, and I am unable to sleep due to abdominal pain (even on max dose of morphine), so I'm cruising the internet looking for answers.
I come across HealingWell, read this post, and find you...
What caught my eye and why I am writing is that your are the first person I've seen who has both PSC and Crohn's.
I do too.
I was diagnosed with PSC Sept. 2011. Have had numerous ERCPs, stents, infections, pain, etc.
My pain began to get worse about 6 months ago. Everyone said "You shouldn't have this much pain with PSC. Must be in your head." Etc.
Finally, last week it was so severe (and not responding to pain meds) that I had to go to the emergency room. After 6 days in hospital (with the associated pokes, prods, and numerous tests), I was diagnosed with Crohn's.
Why do I tell you this? I just want to communicate with someone who understands. I'd like to share notes and experiences... find out what you've done to alleviate pain... see how you've handled scoffers, etc.
Is there anyway to communicate directly, or must it always be posted in a thread? Is there a thread on PSC and Chrone's?
Thank you for your understanding and time. I look forward to a reply.
Posted 1/26/2013 4:07 PM (GMT 0)
Scotty,
One of the easiest ways I found some relief was to take a hot bath with Epsom salts in it.

I would also get some ginger root, honey and lemon. Peel and grind the ginger root(about2inches) boil the ginger and a quater of a lemon in about 2 cups of water. Add a tablespoon of honey to it. Let it cool. The longer it sits the stronger and more effective it is. When you are ready to drink it heat it to tea temperature. Strain out all the ginger and lemon. Drink up. You will release some gas, but it will feel much better when you do! My poor family! LOL.

Chamomile tea works for some people too.

Oh yeah, I love when they tell you it's all in your head!
Posted 1/26/2013 4:20 PM (GMT 0)
Tommy sang I am so sorry you are going through this. Keep working on finding the right meds and diet. I know tat is frustrating to hear. I have a friend who Hmira didn't work for and she switched to Remicade and has been in remission since. I know others Humira worked for. We are all different. I have just started humira and if it doesn't work my GI thinks 6MP is next. I look back to when I was healthy sometimes and am amazed at where I am now. Do NOT let thoughts like that pull you under!

Check this out...
http://drkevinconners.com/destructive-emotional-patterns-the-poison-of-pity/
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