Simponi and Update

I am feeling so optimistic about simponi.  I really can't say weather or not it is working yet.  First dose was just over a week ago and I do my next shot next week.  It was so easy to do and didn't hurt one bit.  I have tapered from 40mg of prednisone to 20mg now.  No symptoms yet.  At all!!!!  It has been SO long since I have felt like this.  I can't believe how much I am able to do (cleaning, housework, family life, social life, work productivity) now that I am feeling well!  It had been so long that I forgot what I was missing!  I don't know if the feeling will last once I taper off the prednisone or not, but I am definitely going to enjoy it while I can and not take my health for granted!  It is nerve wracking though to not know if this treatment will work or not.  I despise the unknown. :)  Just wanted to share my progress.  Well wishes to you all!

Ps.  A few of you have already shared, but is there anyone else who has had any experiences with simponi?  good/bad? 

That's great. I am so happy you're improving. I hope it works for you for a very long time :)

My goal is to wean off Prednisone but I've never been successful in doing that. My GI suggested I stay on 5mg until vedolizumab is released. Once I start Vedo, then the goal will be to taper off Pred permanently. If Vedo does not work for me, I will have surgery. In the meantime,  I'm going to try heavy doses of resistant starch to see if I can get below 5mg. I was using Nicotine patches for a little while but I quit that as I was never really comfortable using Nicotine. I have enough worries about the toxic medicines I take for UC let alone adding toxic nicotine to the mix.

I had my first two shots one week ago, and I've been on 40 mgs of prednisone for 2 weeks. My BMs are definitely better, but the side effects of the prednisone are too unbearable to enjoy being about to go out or leave the bathroom or eat. My doctor is out of the country, but I'm about ready to start tapering my prednisone by myself, and ASAP. I just hope the Simponi is working so when I stop Prednisone Ill feel better

Scott I'm curious how old you were at diagnosis? 40 years is a long time to deal with this haha.

Lots of people are trying Simponi it seems. hopefully we'll hear some good stories of remission in the coming weeks/month.

So nice to hear stories of others using this med! I am doing really well so far! I am down to 5mg of prednisone as of today. I haven't had much symptoms...have had a few minor (mucous, light light pain/swelling) things a few times but I came right out of that. I take my next injection on the 20th of this month. I SO hope this works for me and for all of us giving it a try!

I'm glad you're doing so well!!!! I know how you feel about the fear of the unknown as far as how long the meds will work for, definitely scary to think about but I guess all we can do is take one day at a time and hope for the best (easier said than done, I know)...wishing you continued success.