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Scared and Worried - Anxiety from Inflectra

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 9/1/2020 4:14 PM (GMT 0)
I had my second resection back in 2017 and since then I've been on Inflectra (8 weeks), 6-MP, Cholystremine and Immodium. Lately, I guess because of COVID, I've been looking into biologics and other medications to combat Crohn's. By the way, since 2017 I've had no flare ups and my GI doctor believes I'm in remission. I've been eating pretty much anything, I am able to control my bowel habits by going once a day. On the other hand, I have been experiencing lots of anxiety because of the many articles I've read about deaths due to people who've been on Inflectra and 6-MP. I'm so worried. I am the sole provider for my family and I still relatively young, 44. I am worried about nothing here? Or, should I consult my GI doctor to see if I can begin to eliminate medications such as 6-MP.
Posted 9/1/2020 4:43 PM (GMT 0)
Awhile back there was discussion about biologics & medications being used during the virus. A study was being done & the medications do not put people at higher risk.

My suggestions dial back reading about the virus. I know a lot of perfectly healthy people that are so stressed out because of anxiety & fear. I only look once a day to check the number of cases in my city only. This helped me tremendously because I was getting too upset.

Talk to your gi & perhaps it will give you peace of mind. I would not rock a boat needlessly & end up with a flare again.

Take care.
Posted 9/1/2020 7:33 PM (GMT 0)
What are your thoughts of safety of the cocktail (Inflectra, 6-MP) when not factoring COVID?
Posted 9/1/2020 9:11 PM (GMT 0)
It's really difficult to comment on the risks of anti-TNF's, and Covid-19. There would have to be long term studies to show whether having Crohn's, and being treated with the types of immunos that are commonly used now, put someone at greater or lesser risk of medical distress or death. So far I haven't heard of any serious increased risk of this among IBD sufferers.

As for the question regarding the safety of combination therapy. It is a treatment option that's been around for quite some time now, and seems to be well received. There will always be some anxiety over having to take long term medications for any medical condition. For most IBDer's, the seriousness of their disease raging out of control, should outweigh the risks of the medications being used.
Posted 9/1/2020 11:05 PM (GMT 0)
This forum is awesome. I do have to say that Cholystremine has been a lifestyle saver. After my 2nd resection, I was going multiple times a day because I lost my IC valve. With Cholystremine, it's like magic powder resulting in nice formed poo. Where else can I say that online? Lol.
Posted 9/1/2020 11:41 PM (GMT 0)
In April, I developed Corona virus symptoms of severe headache, vomiting, muscle ache and sore throat. I did not have any tests, btw. A Remicade infusion was due and I texted my GI who recommended I postponed my dose for 2 weeks which I did. I only took paracetamol and an antihistamine drug and my symptoms resolved in a week w/o any complications. All doctors I kow suggested that that was mild corona infection. I read lately a research paper explaining that the reason why things went on well was because I'm on a biologic.
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