Opinions on Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)

Had a visit to the doc yesterday and confirmed what I was afaraid of....the Humira is not do much of anything and I most likely have a partial obstruction of the small intestine.

Here is what he said....and I invite comments and opinions on this...PLEASE...
First he thinks I should switch to Remicade. In his opinion many folks who don't see results with Humira can still do well with Remicade and conversley those who don't do well with Remicade can do well with Humira...so he feels it is worth a try.

He suggested that I read up G-CSF and consider using this alongside the Remicade.
He is not concerned with the possibility that the Humira could have contributed to the partial blockage nor is he concerned that the Remicade could make it worse. In his opinion it will not go away on its own anyway, he feels certain that it will require surgery eventually and said if the remicade makes it worse it really only sped up the process but would not change the end result which is the need to remove it. He says we will need to do some tests...maybe a C scan to see the partial blockage...but he is pretty sure it is going to be due to either a twising bowel or scar tissue. (I have had three major incidents from this in the past 4 weeks).

I am supposed to keep taking the Humira until he sets up the infusion of the Remicade, but he does want me to switch from 2 shots every other week, to one shot every week ...He does feel I need to have any waiting period between treatment of the Humira and the Remicade.
MY CONCERNS......Is it okay to go directly from Humira to Remicade?
Is mixing recombinant DNA technology with the Biologic treatment a good idea? I am concerned that I messing about with my bodies building blocks to much and could really do some damage. Maybe create cancer issues.

How often do partial blockages clear themselves up? What other things should I be doing to reverse it?

My first inclination is just chuck it and go back on Tysabri...but my current doc is pretty much against it based on the risk and if I insist on it he will okay it but will not do the infusions...i will have to travel to gainesville, fl for them.

I have no idea. But I do know people who have done the exact reverse. Cancer is pretty much a given for about 1/4 of Americans.

As to the Humira not working, is less then a month enough time to get a theraputic dose in the body?

As to the blockage liquid diet sometimes help.

The only drawback I see to this is the possibility of developing sweet's syndrome which. According to the article I read, it's already associated with certain autoimmune diseases such as this one and there may even be a genetic link in the first place. However, it could also help you. It sounds a lot like the 50/50 with taking humira and remicade.
I would listen to my doctor personally, but I realize that this is dependent upon the nature of the relationship you have with him/her so I'm not sure in your case. All I can say is that if you trusted them before and still do now to go ahead with it. At least you'll know a little bit better what your options are depending on how the remicade affects you.
I know surgery is not the brightest outlook, but it could really help you if it that's what your treatment comes to. I've had family members in the medical profession talk about the benefits and not so beneficial aspects to this, and the former does outweigh the latter.
Anyway, best of luck in your decision!

I did not take a break when switching between Remicade/Humira and back again. I had my Humira shot and 4 days later Remicade. But, i'd been off the Remicade for 6 months, so there was no "loading" dose.

I never did hear the outcome of the G-CSF trials either. So, you're talking off-label use. At least your doctor is willing to consider such.

I have an appt with my GI today, maybe I'll ask his opinion about the G-CSF with TNF blockers. I'm also asking about a trial anti-IL-12/23 antibody, called ABT-874. I heard someone on here talk about it. It's got an open-label portion after the 12 weeks (I believe) of control group. There is an 8 week washout for TNFs and 16 week washout for Tysabri.

thanks....I will double check...

when I did some research I found that under the G-CSF it describe pretty much the same things that you mention "factor that increases the production of immune system agents, including white blood cells and stem cells. " so now I am confused.