Last Remicade loading dose--fingers crossed!

I'm hoping that I have more improvement after this third/final loading dose. After my first one, I felt a lot better, but I didn't improve more after my second one two weeks later. I've been using mesalamine enemas again, which have helped a lot, but after a few mostly solid BMs, I start having looser stool again. So I think I still have some inflammation higher up in my colon, which the enemas aren't reaching.

My fatigue has improved since I started using the enemas again, so I think that I might be too critical of 6MP. However, like many people on this forum, I prefer to be on fewer medications if possible, so I might still ask to stop taking it at some point in the near future, especially if I improve a lot after this last loading dose.

I was worried I would have to reschedule it. I live and work in Boston (not Boston-area, but Boston proper), and I have my infusions done in a Boston hospital. Fortunately, I didn't have to reschedule.

I'm trying to remember how my response to Remicade went. I think like you, after the first infusion I felt a lot better as well. I believe there was substantially less inflammation. But then things just sort of leveled during the balance of the loading phase. If I remember correctly it was a few months into it (say two or three more 8 week scheduled infusions) when things really calmed down. I wouldn't worry to much if you don't see a big change after this infusion - I'd give it some time to build up in your body as well as time for your body to try and heal...

I know it's hard to find the patience... we all just want to wake up and for things to go back to normal again...

Good luck with the infusion - Hope you do see some improvement.

I'm starting my first does in the morning. Let us know hows things progress after this 3rd loading dose.

Thanks, folks. Infusion went pretty well, although the nurse tried so hard to get the IV in my wrist that, although she got it in, it hurt the entire time. I still have some swelling around the site, and a bruise is developing :\

I have no plans to go off any meds any time soon. I've been dealing with a lot of fatigue lately, which I think is due to the 6MP, which is the major reason I'd rather be off it. Right now, I'm on 4 meds (6MP, Remi, Asacol HD, and mesalamine enemas) and while I'll stay on all 4 if I need to, it's really tough to keep up!

I'm glad to hear that a lot of people did well on Remi even after a non-flawless start. Definitely need the support right now, since I'm in a pretty bad place emotionally since the bombing yesterday.