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When do you know its time to start stronger meds?

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Crohn's Disease
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spiceman
Regular Member
Joined : Aug 2008
Posts : 51
Posted 2/21/2009 3:00 PM (GMT -7)
Hi was just wondering when you thought it was the right time to start stronger medication?

I've been on Pentasa 3000mg and Azathiroprine 100mg for many years and have just recently had a ileum cecum operation due to feeling bloated and distended for 9 months continuously. I'm seeing my GI in a few days and will be asking him if he thought the medication I've been on in the past has been working efficiently. I've had Crohns for roughly 17 years but started getting blockages after around 2 years once diagnosed. When I had my surgery 3 weeks ago the surgeon told me to stop all meds and he thought thats what my GI would recommend too. I know this is not right so will be asking him about meds and possible stronger ones too, like remicade or Humira. Im still having diarrhea about 4 times per day.

Just wondered what your views were. Thanks

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gachrons
Veteran Member
Joined : Mar 2007
Posts : 4527
Posted 2/22/2009 5:13 AM (GMT -7)
Hi Sometimes after surgery it takes a bit to get the bowels working better,I find banana's help me... As for stronger meds my view is only when a person is not doing good on the lower ones and like surgery as a last resort.. lol gail
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belleenstein
Veteran Member
Joined : Feb 2007
Posts : 1010
Posted 2/22/2009 2:07 PM (GMT -7)
It would be unlikely for your physician to recommend remicade or any other immuno-modulating drugs unless you have active disease. There are many serious risks associated with these, relatively new, medications. There are certainly times when the risks are outweighed by the benefits but probably not when you have just had surgery and appear to be symptom free. Diarrhea four times a day less than a month after resection is is within the realm of normal.
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sjkly
Veteran Member
Joined : Dec 2007
Posts : 2113
Posted 2/22/2009 8:36 PM (GMT -7)
For me there are two answers to the question about when to start stronger medications they are:
1. When the disease is effecting my ability to work and manage everyday life.
2. When my blood tests indicate high levels of inflamation which can indicate that the disease is damaging my body.

The decision is always made with input from both myself and my doctor.
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Wolfie40
Veteran Member
Joined : Dec 2008
Posts : 947
Posted 2/25/2009 8:38 AM (GMT -7)
Spiceman, How have you been since your surgery?
I'm one week post-op today.
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