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Remicade immediately before vacation?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 1/15/2010 5:54 PM (GMT 0)
So my 8 week infusion is scheduled for Tuesday the 19th, I leave for a trip to Mexico and Houston on the 21st.  Being worried about TB, and exposure to other infections I'm thinking of putting off the infusion until two weeks later after I get back to not have my immune system suppressed as much.

The infusion center did not want to reschedule.  My GI left it up to me, but said that he would rather not have me slip into a flare and need to load up on the steriods after. 

I'm going back and forth on this one.  I think being that the immune system is already suppressed with the remicade (also taking 6mp 50mg/colazol 6,750mg daily) that I do the infusion and when I come back get a tb test a couple weeks later to check.

Has anyone been advised in any particular direction?  Any thing to watchout for while traveling?  Water?  Preparation of Meals?

Posted 1/15/2010 6:03 PM (GMT 0)
I'd probably do it before vacation. I had mine rescheduled to before I went to GA...all the way from Tx. I was worried about being in a germy dirty airport, but I ended up fine. It's probably better to get the infusion that will keep you in remission and feeling good during your trip.. than to do it after and delay it. Plus.. if you just wash your hands religiously and carry around some antibacterial handgel.. you should be fine. Oh, and drink bottled water.
Posted 1/15/2010 6:17 PM (GMT 0)
Get the infusion before you go. I travel all the time for my job, and I haven't had a bit of a problem. I even had an infusion the day I left for Europe for two weeks and I felt great. Just remember to wash the hands often, etc. I even stick some wet wipes in a little baggie and wipe off the seat, tray table...maybe a little over doing it, but it makes me feel better. I also take a Zicam before boarding, but again...makes me feel better. Also, don't touch your mouth, eyes or ears before you wash. Most of all....have fun! Just remember to drink the bottled water, avoicd ice unless it's filtered water, and washed foods that aren't cooked such as lettuce. Let us know how the vacation was! ;-) Enjoy!

Posted 1/15/2010 6:19 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, goodness - if the guidlelines are similar to when my kids have gone to Central America from the US, don't eat fresh fruits or veggies unless you peel them - the skins of fruit otherwise will have been washed in local water, which has different microbes than we're used to....so also, salads wouldn't be smart to eat, either.
And - so you drink bottled water or juice or whatever, - don't forget that ice cubes are wade from local water also!
Use bottled water to brush your teeth, don't "drink" while in the shower.

LOL but I envy you the trip, I'd LOVE to go to Mexico!
Posted 1/15/2010 7:58 PM (GMT 0)
Get the infusion. If you're specifically concerned about TB, know that it generally takes prolonged, repeated contact to transmit from person to person. Even people living in the same household with people often don't catch it.

Also, I've been on Remicade for four years and haven't noticed that I'm any more likely to catch infectious diseases than I ever was.
Posted 1/15/2010 8:07 PM (GMT 0)
Trust your instincts. And be very careful about what you eat or drink or touch!
Posted 1/15/2010 9:29 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone, I appreciate the advice.
Posted 1/15/2010 11:11 PM (GMT 0)
I think the 6MP suppresses the immune system more than Remicade. The doctor had me on 100 mgm of 6MP during the summer and I felt like crap. First of all, it didn't keep me in remission, secondly, my white count went down to 1.6!!! He took me off it for a few weeks, my white count went up to 4.0 and then he placed me on 50 mgm. It still did nada for my UP. Two weeks before starting Remicade he took me off the 6MP completely. I feel sooo much better. My white count is now 5.1. So I know I have antibodies to fight off illness.
Posted 1/16/2010 4:14 PM (GMT 0)
I think you can do it either way. Last year when I was getting my 3rd infusion of that stuff, I delayed a few days since I was down in Mexico for a bachelor party that could not be missed. As for being a healthy travel person, definitely if you are going to a spot where the water has potential to be not "clean" drink bottled water at all costs. You can send me the bill if you need to. Dirty water can really mess you up if you are even in a slight flare. That happened to me just over a year and a half ago, and I will never forget it. two separate antibiotics were needed to take care of it.
Good Luck, you are going to be OK no matter what you decide!!
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