Remicade Day 1 - Advice Needed!

I was first diagnosed with UC in August 2009 at 19 years old. After starting Asacol and Prednisone, and tapering the prednisone over a few months time, I achieved remission and remained there until April this year. I have been on 40mg prednisone ever since, along with another steroid called entocort, and am still suffering a flare up. I have also developed strange new symptoms- I have been waking up in tremendous pain in my joints, to the point that they are so swollen I cannot see my bones nor bend them. First I would like to know, has anyone else had a similar experience during a flare up?

I am ready to start feeling better, and hopefully taper the steroids SOON (I am sure everyone agrees they are awful!). I start my first treatment with Remicade tomorrow, but am feeling a bit apprehensive to be starting biologics at 23 years old for the rest of my life. Can anyone offer any advice or insight? about how long until one can expect to feel better (in the intestines and joints)?

I truly appreciate it!

ksreed, good luck with remicade!!!

don't even think about the "rest of your life" thing. you will NOT be on remicade forever- i can almost guarantee it. you would be LUCKY if you are, but UC drugs aren't that good. they lose effectiveness pretty quickly- after a few months or years. just be hopeful that it does anything to improve your condition and keep hoping that it works. there will be other drugs down the pipeline if you don't get along with remicade.

my only side effects on remicade were headaches and joint pains/frozen joints.

as for prednisone, i get wicked bad water retention when i take it to the point where my bones are not visible at all. it's all squishy flesh. my face has looked like a balloon since july- still on pred now.

I had my first yesterday. It really wasn't that bad. Can't wait to feel better.

Good luck, I hope it works well for you, as it has for me. I had my first Remicade infusion on September 10th. I didn't notice a lot of difference until I had the 2nd infusion. After the 2nd and 3rd infusions I've felt a lot better. I'm hoping I can get off the last 12.5 mgs of pred soon.

I am 23 years old, and was diagnosed with UC in college. It made my college experience horrible that year, It was difficult to attend classes without running to the restroom every 10 minutes. (I knew where every restroom was at my university). I am currently taking remicade and Imuran, and have been doing so for over 8 months. I have been in remission ever since and feel absolutely amazing to feel healthy and sympton free. This drug is a miracle worker, I have no issue taking this the rest of my life to avoid the trauma I went through during the UC days. Goodluck and feel better.

keep us posted, I'm doing remicade as my next treatment. Hope you feel better each and every single day :)

Madcat25 r u still doing remi? If so how long have u been in it?

My daughter who is 19 got her 2nd remicade infusion today. It has really helped as far as decreased bathroom trips; however, she says she feels very bloated and feels like she is gaining weight. She is also on 25 mg prednisone - she is on a taper.

I am not sure what is causing her to feel bloated and like there is a huge weight gain I know it is really upsetting her. I do know her face is round and puffy which I am assuming is the prednisone. She is also complaining of aching joints.

I just want her to feel better and be happy. I hate this disease. I am so worried about her taking remicade. Some people have told me it is a terrible drug. I just don't know what other options we have.

I know I am rambling but I just know I have a very sad daughter right now. I think she feels like there is no hope. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you for any advice