Remicade

I think it most definitely is. I started Remicade three years ago when imuran gave me pancreatitis. It has been amazing - I am in remission for the first time. We've had to up the dose because my Crohn's has been particularly aggressive, but my quality of life has changed so dramatically. I get a headache and feel kind of crummy for a couple of days after the infusion, but other than that I really don't have any problems that I didn't have from being on imuran.

They say things like "it doubles chance of cancer" or whatever (I'm making up exact amounts right now to use as an example), which sounds like a lot, but when that chance is only 1%, then doubling it only makes it 2%. Does that make sense? So yes, there can be severe side effects, but they really are not all that common.

I don't think you necessarily have to stay off the internet - I did the same thing, and I agree that being informed is best. For me, I decided I'd much rather deal with a "maybe" of the side effects than the certainty of the awful flare and pancreatitis I was having. :)

I've been suffering with crohn's colitis for 23 years then developed my first recto-vaginal fistula in 2013 and I too could not use the common oral meds to treat my disease (either allergic or non-responsive) so once the fistula developed my GI asked me which biologic I wanted (choosing either Remi or Humira) I chose Humira for convenience and for the other difference between the 2 is the Remi is made with mouse protein and the Humira with human and I've heard there's less of a chance of developing antibodies using the Humira because of it being made with human protein and since I can't seem to take other meds to avoid the antibodies and the time consumption with Remicade (having to go in for a few hours to get the infusions done) it seemed obvious to me that Humira was the way to go.

It put my crohn's colitis into remission and I'm pretty sure it has healed up the fistula (just had another MRI last month to confirm, will be seeing my GI mid may for results)

I do deal with IBS though, so when my GI told me I was in remission with my CD (via colonoscopy) I was depressed cuz I never thought I would get into remission and figured if I ever did that I'd know it before my GI wouldbased on how I was feeling, but like I said, I didn't feel like I was in remission (stupid IBS) so I asked him to up my Humira from biweekly to weekly (this was just before I went in for my scope, and he agreed to up it for me)...

Despite the IBS issues, I am feeling better (a little hard to describe the differences) but it's definitely better than when I was sick with both CD and IBS at he same time (I also have lactose intolerance but take lactaid pills for that issue). I'll be seeing a dietitian tomorrow (referred to me by my GI) to help me combat IBS issues using diet, and a therapist in April to help me with all the emotional trauma of being in a CD flare for 23 years straight.

I think you should ask about Humira and if it's not an option then definitely try the Remicade, the possible side effects are very rare (especially the dangerous/scary ones) so I say go for it.

Thanks to everyone for the info. I will give Remi a try. It seems that the serious side effects are rare and the benefits are strong.

I just had my second infusion on Remicade on Tuesday. I was really nervous like you before starting it. But it's been pretty great so far. I haven't felt this good in years to be honest. Normal bowel movements, a lot more energy. I would give it a try.