Posted 8/12/2014 1:52 AM (GMT 0)
Last September I was diagnosed with Colitis and C-difficile. After numerous medications failed to put the colitis into remission my GI put me on remicade, after two infusions my colitis was in complete remission. The GI said I need to continue the remicade which I did for two more infusions. Then came the joint pain to the point that I could not walk or lift my arms.
Blood work showed I developed antibodies to the remicade and ANA was possible for lupus and I was sent to a rheumatologist. The rheumatologist feels this is probably spondylitis and the GI says it is a result of the colitis. Again, I have not had an issue with my GI/Colitis in 7 months and was off the remicade for three months. The only thing to help the joint pain was prednisone and we all know that cannot be used on a regular basis. So, I'm now on Cimzia have just completed my 2nd loading dose and on 10mg of prednisone. So far I have not had any ioint pain. I just find it hard to believe that at 50 years old I suddenly developed colitis and wonder if it wasn't the c-difficile and the joint pain a result of the antibodies to the remicade. Of course neither the GI or rheumatologist feel this is possible. None of us want to take biologics with the potential risks they carry, however they are also our saving grace. I wanted to not take them to see if this joint pain would eventually 'go away' if it was induced from remicade however both doctors said the colitis would return if I didn't'.
Has anyone experienced this situation? Where as the colitis dissapears and you are left with unberable joint pain?
Currently taking Lialda, Cimzia, 10mg prednisone, Vitamins A,BComplex,C,D, folic acid, fish oil, zync