Posted 8/31/2010 1:16 AM (GMT 0)
I would definitely get a stool test if I were you. I think antibiotics helped my situation. I was never diagnosed with an infection but a few days after a course of Flagyl and Cipro, I have had positive changes. My doctor thinks the changes are due to adding oral 5ASAs back into the routine but I am not so sure because I had tried a variety of 5ASAs earlier in the flare with absolutely no results. I do think the 5ASAs are helping now but I don't know why they weren't helping previously? I saw positive results from the antibiotics before adding 5ASAs, I was going ALL day, bloody, urgent... After a few days of antibiotics, my bathroom trips were halved. I know this is not most peoples experience but I think it probably helped me a bit.
I would ask about getting stool tests and also about steroid foam.
How long have you been using Remicade? If it doesn't help you could try Humira or look into clinical trials. There are options besides surgery. I've heard of some people having success with methotrexate... You could try other 5ASAs, I've tried a lot but none were effective when my flare was really out of control.
I wish I could offer more suggestions. I know how stressful and discouraging it is. Last week I thought surgery would be in my future and now I am thinking maybe I have a shot at remission. If you do end up having surgery, it could end up being a blessing in disguise. Would be nice to be off medication and have a more predictable lifestyle.