Remicade or not

Hi,

Remicade helped me return to a somewhat normal life, it worked well for me but i didnt achieve remission. Its a very powerful drug and you should research it before you decide! For most people within a week it starts to work and my GI describes it as a miracle reaction. If you chose to try it, dont get down if it doesnt work miracoulsy, it can still work. My side effects were very limited, occasional headache and just very tired after the infusion. I had severe pancolitis when i went on it. There are other things out there, such as IV prednisone. But, im not a GI and just sharing my experience with it. After going into a flare after the 4th infusion ive decided on surgery to get my life back to normal. I wish you the very best with your battle and a fast reovery!

Also, i take a small dose of imuran 50mg a day, apparently that helps with stopping your body from creating antibodies that would fend off remicade

Good Luck!

23-m-ON CANADA
Remi-Imuran

have you tried Imuran? I tried that before Remicade. I am doing well (knock on wood) with remi. I have been on it for almost a year and have had one head cold that lasted for 3 weeks.

I just joined this forum and have been reading and learning a lot.  I have been on Remicade for about 3 years.  It has controlled my UC.  I was in bad shape, but I have my life back.  I am an older perso though.  53. I still have questions about some of the side effects, but I am a teacher and the results of the treatment has allowed me to continue to work at this point.  I don't know what the future has in store, as I am still learning a lot. This treatment has worked for me, and my GI is amazed at how well it has worked.  It is expensive if your insurance is not good.  Good luck.  Any other questions, feel free to ask. I am new to the forum and have found it helpful to learn of others going through the same thing I am. I am willing to help as much as I can.

Other countries use Remi early on to control symptoms, heal the colon, and to allow time for them to shift gears onto something easier...like a 5asa. That said, the US typically uses it as last resort OR early on when steroids can't control things. Either way, it can be a miracle drug for symptoms, healing, and remission...but probably not a long term maintenance med (IMO). That said, my son has been on it for a 1.5 years, my mom has been on it for several years, and I have a good friend who has been on it for a couple years. Each of them have had good solid success with it...but again, how long will it last?

That was interesting to read how other countries use Remi. I was given Remicade after my pouchitis was no longer controlled and as much as I did not want to, it was that or pouch removel. Needless to say the remicade after 2 doses put me into a complete remission but I developed neurological problems and had to stop. To be honest I never felt totally comfortable having to be on this forever anyway. I am now just using canassa and have been for the past 2 years in a remission. Now I too have no idea how long this will last but for now its good.