Biopsy results / Entyvio advise?

Hi guys,

So after another colonoscopy a few weeks ago and talking with my GI doctor today, he now believes I either have Crohn's disease or possible a combination of UC and Crohn's, the 1st scope (Nov 2017) only showed inflammation in the colon, but the current one showed inflammation more in the small intestine that was not present earlier and not as much in the colon now??

He is submitting approval for Entyvio to my insurance (I did labs 2 weeks ago so i knew this was coming), I have BCBS through my employer, and was told the infusion center would contact me for an appointment once approved. I didnt really get answers, but how long does this usually take to get started? Anything I should know before starting this adventure? I signed up for the Entyvio Connect card, but anyone have an idea of the extra cost from the infusion center?

Thanks for any help
Shannon

Actually, it is possible to have both. It's fairly rare, but it has happened. I've heard a case report on such a person.

Shannon, did the doc take biopsies in the small intestine where the inflammation was seen? That would help with figuring out the diagnosis. Sometimes UC can lead to inflammation in the end of the small intestine, but that usually occurs with UC that manifests as pancolitis. It's less common with UC that involves only the rectum, and/or sigmoid and/or left side of colon.

Do you take any medications (non-UC), either prescription or over-the-counter? Certain medications can cause inflammation in the small bowel.

If it is Crohn's, and maybe if it's just UC, your insurance might want you to try an anti-TNF (like Remicade or Humira) before you get to try Entyvio.

The anti-TNFs usually work faster, whereas Entyvio can take several weeks, or even a few months, to kick in fully. And they *might* be more effective for Crohn's. Entyvio is great for UC and data so far shows lower risk of side effects compared to the anti-TNFs.

Yep you can have both or they’ll tell you it’s either one like they did with me and then they’ll eventually decide. The infusion center can give you an estimate but the connect card covers all but maybe $5 of the actual entyvio. You pay your after BCBScost of the vein puncture/admin. I think for me I paid $50 but I could be wrong. It’ll change once you hit your deductible which you may have already. You might even hit your max and then it’ll be zero. Anyway just wanted to say I hope the entyvio helps you! It did not work for me but I had zero side effects. Super easy! It does help many people!