How timely and interesting for me that you should bring this subject up. I've been on Imuran since 2003 w/no problems. Maybe a year or so ago now I had a scaley spot build up that I figured was...
If it helps ease your worries a bit - if you become disabled and qualify for SSDI you are eligible for Medicare regardless of your age after ..... 6 months or a year, I've forgotten which. An...
Perhaps w/colon involvement the number range is indicative or more accurately indicative of inflammation activity. For the small intestine what we used it for was just if the numbers were going up or...
Its been several years now since my GI and I used the FCP to monitor my Crohn's activity. Its originally intended value was to indicate inflammation AND its progression or regression. At that time...
In all the years I've been having scopes, both upper and lower, the CRNAs (those administering the sedation) have been more than willing to sedate me as lightlly or as deeply as I indicated that I...
Once we've been Dx'd w/Crohn's disease most gastros will prefer a colonoscopy at least every 5 years IF the patient is in remission. Once you've had CD for 10 years it is recommended that we have a...
Patients tend to first choose those tests that are easiest on them. Doctors tend to first choose those tests that are likely to provide the most extensive and reliable information w/in "cost" realms....
Wow! Ow!! A colonoscopy for someone w/active proctitis "ain't" anywhere near the same thing as a colonoscopy for someone w/o anal/rectal involvement!!! I don't blame you AT ALL for experiencing "cold...
Prometheus has a test, the Prometheus TM test, that indicates the effective dosage range and likely hepatoxicity range for the dosage you are currently on at the time of the test. There are those who...
Also, Imuran can take up to 6 months to be fully effective. In addition there are risks of liver toxicity w/too high a dose of Imuran. The ideal dose is to reach effectiveness w/o hepatotoxicity....
So how did the prep and the scope go for you, Liz???...
Bloating and nausea after surgery does NOT sound right at all to me. I would STRONGLY suggest that you discuss this w/your gastro AND your colorectal surgeon....
I don't know about my gastro since it has been so long since I last saw her. I know it was next to impossible to get a TIMELY appointment w/her but can't remember how long the waiting period was for...
My Crohn's was in remission long before they started doing colonoscopies. The sigmoidoscopes were all they had back then. I had my resection in early 1978 and didn't have my first colonoscopy until...
(((hugs))) Ides to the rescure yet again!!!! Thanks, Ides. I keep hoping to see you "in the pink". *sigh* We should get together to discuss pulmonary hypertension. I've been Dx'd w/it and can't...
First off, other than the need for a script (which you might well be able to get from your GP) your GI has absolutely no way of knowing which prep you used - all they see/know is that you cleaned out...
You may be able to have the best of both worlds. Your doctor at U of C most likely would be willing to work w/your local gastro once the U of C doctor finds something starting to work for you - or...
And lots and lots of ((((((hugs)))))) as well....
It has been several years now since we last ran a Prometheus that we used to monitor whether my Imuran dosage was w/in effective dosing limits but below hepatotoxicity levels. I don't know but that...
ALL colonoscopy "preppers" MUST keep in mind how vital it is to drink LOTS and LOTS of clear liquids regardless which prep they use!!!!!! Dehydration is a SERIOUS and DANGEROUS risk we take no matter...
Yer right, Mark. I'm glad you did. I read it yesterday but didn't make a comment. I see 300 of our members have read your post already today. I hope at least most have gone to the link and read the...
Taber's Medical Dictionary: Dysplasia = abnormal development of tissue. In the instance of Crohn's disease and/or Ulcerative colitis I would interpret that to mean changes in the liniing of the...
So much for whistling while you work at the aquarium. *sigh*...
It sounds to me like your gastro is feeling overwhelmed and frustrated in not being able to help you achieve remission and wants to send you on to a facility and group of doctors who have much more...
Yeah, it can be rough sometimes to admit "defeat" and certainly knowing from past experience what you can look ahead to as you battle to gain control of this DD again does nothing to improve your...
Turning your eyes and not looking as well as having someone dear to you holding your hand should all help. In addition they may be willing to give you a small shot of lidocane before setting an IV or...
Reference ranges for various tests can vary from one lab to another so there isn't a whole lot we can tell you w/o having the normal reference ranges included on your test results report....
Who amongst us is not a "sinner" from time to time? Its in the nature of the "beast" I think to fall off the wagon on occasion....
Oh, yeah. I"m doing fine w/the alternating dosage (I wouldn't still be on it this long if it wasn't working for me). I also take Pentasa and I've been in remission or symptomatic remission all this...
The hair loss is temporary. It resolves itself. I've been on 100 mg Imuran Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and 75 mg of Imuran on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays for .... I'm not even sure...
NancyP, those are NOT guaranteed side effects of 6MP, they are POSSIBLE side effects. Did you bother to check the possible side effects of budesonide before you started taking it? Are you even aware...
IF I had an active fistula I would NOT consider my Crohn's disease to be in remission! And if I kept getting repeating fistulas I WOULD be looking for more effective medications for my Crohn's...
Hi Rose. Yup, yup, as Ides said, I have COPD and Crohn's and osteoporosis too so we share some common ailments. And some of the timing too. You can see a brief rundown of my Crohn's history in my sig...
You don't ever want to be stuck w/prednisone or entocort as a long term maintenace drug - but - neither should you just routinely out of hand refuse to consider short term tapering doses when you are...
Was he also given antibiotics that first episode w/dental work for the two cavities?? I understand your reluctance and would most likely wait out a REASONABLE amount of time after the filling of...
My very favorite doctor is a "foreigner". He is kind and caring and very upfront w/me, willing to answer any questions I have - and to make things even better he has great "desk dragons" on his...
JonJoy, do NOT quit taking the prednisol until you talk to your prescribing doctor or his/her nurse practitioner or physician's assistant. Not everyone encounters the side effects you've read about....
When is the last time they had a "look" at your gut via some imaging process? That "stuff" is not so nasty as the ole barium we used to have to get down for an upper GI and SBFT - so try to remind...
I can't say for sure regarding the CT scan, BUT ... for a colonoscopy Dr May always told us Boost okay but NOT the Plus. The Plus is NOT considered a clear liquid, the Plus in it does interfere w/the...
Aspirin is more effective for inflammation than Tylenol. Unfortunately, as an NSAID aspirin is also most likely to cause GI bleed - at least eventually - by reducing the clotting factor. *sigh* You...
Just sounds like a UTI (urinary tract infection). Not all that uncommon in women. Is is a suspected risk factor for this drug? Or contraindicated for qualifying for this particular drug study?...
Ooooh! Ooooooh, Habs!!! I opt for the fancy cake. And then you can share it here w/us. I, for one, LOVE cake! Even the non-fancy ones. (((hugs))) You've made my day, girl....
And it can't hurt to call U of C to see if you can wrangle an initial appointment sooner than your gastro's referral can get you in. Sometimes you can. It worked for me at Cleveland Clinic....
It may well help you to cope if you have another fecal calprotectin test run. Compare the two results. You may be very relieved to find that the "score" is going down indicating a reduction in...
By the way. I used to love the Zagnut candy bars but I haven't seen any for sale around here in a long time. *sigh*...
Does your INSURANCE require a referral? Does the specific surgeon you want to see REQUIRE a referral? I'm thinking that Mass General most likely does NOT require a referral but these are all things...
Eh, lay back and relax. Take a couple of good books or some embroidery or other time fillers. Just think of it as a tune-up....
No sweat, BrigMan. You weren't the first and you won't be the last. Its even happened to me a time or two when I'm in a hurry....
And, Brigman, if you can't get a timely appointment w/your specialist that simple stool sample exam for occult blood can easily be ordered by your family doctor. By the way, the only reason I edited...
Hi Brigman, we welcome your first post and are glad you decided to "speak up". After 30 years and reading here for any length of time I'm pretty sure you know what that black BM usually means. *sigh*...