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Went to new GI today, he wants me off Humira UPDATE-All is well!

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 8/26/2008 2:31 AM (GMT 0)
I have new insurance so I had to go to a new GI today.  I showed him my ulcer photos and tried to explain my 12 year history.  He was pretty uninterested. Then he was looking at my meds and said he was very concerned about the 6MP and Humira combination.  (It made me think of that other poster here that went into ICU from 6MP!)  The GI said that my immunity could be so low that I could get such a bad infection that I could die.  I tried to explain how the Humira/6MP has been the only thing keeping me from a violent flare and so far I have not had any infections.  He again was not interested.  Told me fine stay on Humira for now and he'll see me in 2 months then he wants me off the Humira.  I am getting a different doctor. 

UPDATE: I went to my old GI and he is going to join my insurance, yay!  He said that the GI I went to is a complete moron who doesn't care about his patients, basically.   Last blood test I had my WBC's were normal.  GI says by September I should feel even more improvement on the 6MP.  I picked up my script for Humira the other day, there was no pre-auth hassle like with my old insurance and it was only $30.  So today I am a happy camper. smilewinkgrin

Posted 8/26/2008 11:06 AM (GMT 0)
I don't blame you. Just from your post, I don't like this doc either! You need to find one that is willing to work with you not you with him.
Posted 8/26/2008 1:24 PM (GMT 0)
Oh heck yeah....I second getting a different doctor. Sorry that you had to go through that princess. You've been through so much.

Posted 8/26/2008 1:29 PM (GMT 0)
Just be sure to tell your new doctor what your current doctor has told you about the combination of drugs.  Although you were put off by his disinterest (which I can completely relate to), he may have a point about the immunity problem.  I know its hard to even consider the idea of getting off of a drug that's working for you, but if you're risking major infection it may be in your best interest. 

I hope you find a resolution that works for you.  Let us know how it goes!

Posted 8/26/2008 1:57 PM (GMT 0)
If he wanted you off of Humira, what did he recommend as an alternative treatment?

Sue
Posted 8/26/2008 2:43 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your concerns, it's a relief knowing someone who understands is listening. Sue, he said he wants me to try just one 6MP a day and maybe raise it to two if necessary and if I get worse to get back on Humira. I know from my experience that going off meds and then re-trying them later usually is a disaster for me.
Posted 8/27/2008 1:38 AM (GMT 0)
I agree get a new GI, so sorry for you having to deal w/that!  I thought it was remi + 6-MP/Imuran that was potentially a problem??

Posted 8/27/2008 3:18 AM (GMT 0)
Our son was on 6MP before starting Humira. After his third Humira injection, they did stop the 6MP. So far, so good. I did find a list of things that interact with Humira.

Abatacept

Abciximab

Anakinra

Echinacea

Methotrexate

Natalizumab

Rilonacept

Trastuzumab

 

Posted 8/27/2008 11:14 AM (GMT 0)
I sometimes think that it would be so much better that if whatever illness we have, the doctor we see has the same illness.
Then we would get some understanding.
Posted 8/27/2008 6:55 PM (GMT 0)
Don't assume that he/she doesn't or doesn't have a family member or friend who does.
Posted 8/27/2008 7:13 PM (GMT 0)
Well tomorrow I am going back to my old GI who is not in network, and I am going to ask him to pick an approved doctor for me. I will discuss the 6MP/Humira with him as well, he's the one who put me on them. I was initially on only Humira but my last scope in June was very disappointing so my GI added the 6MP. Since then I have less bleeding and diarrhea and I understand the new doctor's concerns and will get my blood tested but honestly I'd rather take a chance. I know it's easy to say now, but I am enjoying getting some of my life back. I personally wouldn't wish this disease on anyone, not even my worst enemy. I just wish doctors and family/friends would be more understanding.
Posted 8/28/2008 4:36 PM (GMT 0)
That sounds like the reasonable thing to do. We all have to beware of the problems that can arise when changing gastros. Good luck with resolving this issue! / Old Hat (nearly 30 yrs with left-sided UC ... [etc.])

Posted 8/29/2008 12:19 AM (GMT 0)
Hooray!

Great news :) I'm sure that relieved some stress.
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