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Positive urine histoplasmosis

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 6/18/2008 2:29 AM (GMT 0)
I am on remicade, and every year my gi has me do this test.  This year I tested positive for it.  Now I have to go see an infectious disease dr. to see what he has to say about me conitinuing remicade.

Has anybody else ever tested positive for this?  If so, what did you do?

Posted 6/18/2008 5:10 AM (GMT 0)
So you must be in an area of the country/world where the fungus that causes histoplasmosis is common [central and eastern US]. Your GI is one smart and good doctor to have you doing this testing yearly if that is the case. Remicade, as an immunosuppressant, can cause someone exposed to the fungus to go on to develop raging problems - Not always the case but a possibility. I can't recall anyone here bringing this subject up in the last 2-3 years. However the older I get the more forgetful I am! So I guess from my standpoint your fate with Remicade lies in the hands of the infectious disease doc.
Posted 6/18/2008 6:16 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Ides. I don't remember anyone bringing it up either. I am in Michigan, and according to my gi, it is very prevelant because of all of our lakes....I was not aware of this, but obviously, am very thankful for her precautions.
Posted 6/18/2008 3:36 PM (GMT 0)
bump
Posted 6/18/2008 5:21 PM (GMT 0)
I don't have personal experience but I do know that disseminated (systemic) histoplamosis is very, very serious. It has happened to people with Crohn's or RA who were on combined immunosuppression. You should talk to the infectious disease doc as soon as you can. Even with treatment histoplasmosis can reactivate with later immunosuppression, so you need to consider your options carefully. JMHO.
Posted 6/18/2008 5:39 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Illini. I have read up on the disseminated histoplasmosis and that is quite scary! The first available was July 1st, and obviously, I'm not getting my next remicade anytime soon if ever. It was weakly postitive at 2.6 with 2 being positive. I am also trying to get into an infectious disease dr at U of M to get another opinion also. I have no symptoms of the histo.
Posted 6/19/2008 12:41 AM (GMT 0)
bump...anyone else?????????
Posted 6/20/2008 12:35 AM (GMT 0)
bump
Posted 6/20/2008 2:00 AM (GMT 0)
Hey C-mom2 - since you are having little luck why don't you add your question onto the UC page and the arthritis page. I think people w/ arthritis take rem as well!
Posted 6/20/2008 2:01 AM (GMT 0)
Good idea! Thanks!
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