Posted 3/7/2010 12:27 AM (GMT 0)
For me remicade was the last chance before surgery. I was on it for two and a half years and soon went from infusions every eight weeks to infusions every six weeks. Then my symptoms started to return after about four to five weeks. I was also taking Lialda and Canasa still not doing well.
Yes, you need to stay on Remicade to stay in remission if it is working for you. If you go off of it and try to et back on you may not be able to due developing antibodies to it. If that's the case you may be able to go to Humira, but I don't think it's been approved for UC as yet.
I had my colon & I guess my rectum as well out and the j-pouch formed and a temporary ileostomy made on January 12 and on April 6 I will be having the take down surgery.
I am feeling pretty good and not taking any medications other than some Immodium to thicken my output into the ileostomy bag and try to prevent dehydration. he temp ileo is a bit of a struggle but just about another month to go.
I guess if Humira has been approved for UC that might be the last gasp for medicine.
Going the surgical route was a big step, but I was so tired of being sick and tired all the time. As soon as I recovered from the surgery I felt worlds better. I could definitely feel that something was out of my body that had been pulling me down.
My only regret now is not having done it sooner, but I needed to know I had tried everything before taking such a major and irreversible step as surgery.
Meesh