It's starting again. Losing hope, learning patience. (New to the forum)

Diagnosed with Crohn's at 8 (had symptoms since being weaned). Bowel resections at 11 and 17, then remission for 25 years. Stopped seeing a GI when I went to college.

Last year, while going through some anxiety/depression issues I decided to deal with my biggest fear (that the Crohn's would return), started with a GI group and had a colonoscopy. Saw some narrowing at the surgery site, biopsied ulcer and confirmed Crohn's. I refused a biologic at the time because I was still symptom free. Two months ago, with no warning, had a small bowel obstruction and landed in the ER. No other symptoms, all labs are great, and yesterday's colonoscopy seems to be the same as last year's.

My new GI wanted me in a trial group for Stelara. Couldn't join because I was "too healthy". The biopsy might help me to meet the criteria. Not going to refuse treatment now since an obstruction is a pretty big symptom. Hard to accept it emotionally, since day-to-day life has been great for 25 years.

Any other drug trial guinea pigs out there with advice/info?

No idea what caused the obstruction. No inflamation at all. The narrowing at the surgery site was minor - he did a dilation to make me feel "more comfortable". Now, unfortunately, I have fever, chills, fatigue, and headache. I've been switched to a liquid diet for today and it's "wait and see". He thinks the dilation "stressed my system". Hey, wasn't it supposed to make me more comfortable?

Why a trial drug? Because he's head of research for his group.

I agree with BabeintheWoods. Trials are usually a last resort. There are drugs currently on the market that are already tested and that may help you with your condition and your symptoms. Good luck with everything.