No expert here. From what I understand about HS, it is similar to other autoimmune diseases in that it's punctuated by intermittent flare-ups. As far as I know, there is no certainty regarding the...
Glad that you were able to get the vaccine. Moderna does seem to be easier to keep stable. I'm in Ontario as well, and the supply issues on both vaccines have been a big concern. I think the...
Might need a little more information regarding your current dietary plan. While most Crohn's sufferers battle weight loss, there are many that have difficulty with losing weight. I'm guessing that...
Hi Lois, Welcome back to HW. I'm sorry that I don't remember you right off. Perhaps you were active here before I came onboard. Regardless, I'm sure many here can benefit from your experiences....
I don't think you're presenting with typical Crohn's symptoms. Although, since you're having digestive issues, I would certainly opt for a colonoscopy, just for the peace of mind. IBS would be my...
Minnie, As @straydog said, I believe a short course would mean a daily 5mg taper. Not sure of the starting dose, but whatever it might be, you would likely taper at a rate of 1 pill a day. Not sure...
I would press your GI further, explaining your concerns again. Although, when they suggest a short course, I'm thinking 7-10 days, with a daily taper. You shouldn't have the issues you've had in the...
Merry Christmas to everyone at HW!!!...
Totally agree with @scifigal. You need to get to the hospital now. There should be some sort of on call GI. It does sound to me like you might be in need of a resection at this point, but until you...
I'm sorry that you're going through a painful time. Unfortunately, I think the only answer is to get some accurate diagnostics done, and proceed from there. I know that you seem to have terrible...
So sorry for what you're going through. I too have no experience with setons. Really hope you get some quick action to rectify your current situation. You might want to try the diplomatic approach...
Nothing worse than struggling with a diagnosis. Really hope you get the symptoms under control, and are able to move away from the Covid symptoms....
Upping the Aza would certainly be worth a try. Even with the risks you mentioned, I would strongly consider a biologic. Stelara is getting very good reviews. Even rivalling Remicade now. Hopefully...
A course of Prednisone may certainly help you. Be sure if taking it for more than a short course, to follow the descending dose for the full 8 weeks. Are you sure about the use of anti-TNF's in the...
If you've managed on only 50mcg's of Aza for the last nine years, then you've been doing really well. Your dosage does sound low, and am surprised you haven't been on any other maintenance meds along...
At least you won't have to fret for long. Anxiety issues are fueled from fear, and the fear comes from uncertainty. You'll get your answers in 10 days, and it will hopefully be very good news. Good...
I'm certainly no expert here, but would first discuss the likelihood of contracting C-diff with your GI/Dr. before considering anitiotics. From what I understand, it's more the repeated use of...
If weight gain is an issue, you might try to supplement your diet with calorie rich meal replacement drinks, like Ensure or Boost. There are many, many others in this category though. You'll need to...
A low residue diet isn't a diet that's meant to be followed as a long term alternative to a normal eating plan. The good side of going low residue, particularly for those with IBD is, it will give...
Definitely no expert here, but as I understand it, as long as you're not using live vaccines you should be fine. Start doing some research on that though....
Thanks so much for posting your story. You've obviously endured as much and more than most that are suffering with this disease. It does sound like you have been in good hands, and you've had...
Sorry to hear of your current troubles. I can't be of too much help. I can tell you that Remicade, does have the best track record for fistulizing Crohn's. An increase in your dosage might help. I...
Welcome to HW, Crohn's can be a very insidious disease. It can smolder it's way along over years causing damage, and ultimately serious damage, but not always obviously or overtly. Getting a...
I too would think you should resume Humira as soon as possible. A consult with your GI should be happening right away....
Perhaps it's time for some updated diagnostics. Get a good look at your narrowing and see if things have stabilized. An MRE would be the least intrusive....
@straydog, Thanks so much for that advice. I'll definitely pass it on to her. She does avoid caffeine but does still drink decaf daily. The other contributor that she needs to cut back on is red...
Thanks for the replies, and just wanted to give a bit of an update anyway. My Daughters reflux seems to have improved, but for the last couple of months she just keeps complaining of not feeling...
Well at least you have the good news that it's not Covid. Hopefully, they get to the bottom of things sooner than later. Once again, keep us posted....
It's called Pantoprazole....
For the last couple of months, my Daughter has been having reflux like symptoms. After going to our family Dr. she prescribed a proton pump inhibitor. The symptoms subsided a little, but she's...
Really hoping it's not Covid, but keep us posted as soon as your hear of your results. If positive, hopefully you'll get through it without issue....
If he even suspects Covid, he should have given you a test immediately. My Daughter has had a few Covid tests now just as a precaution. Most Covid tests do come back negative, so I wouldn't worry....
Really hard to say what's going on. A high CRP just indicates that you are showing inflammation somewhere in your body. Could be totally unrelated to Crohn's. Hopefully they keep trying to get to the...
Hi Miranda, Glad you posted. Hope the tests all go well. Let us know how things turn out, and what your next move is....
I found it so strange that your GI has moved on, and you weren't notified, or referred to a new GI. Glad that there is someone taking his place, and you now have some access though. I know the idea...
Nanners!!! How great that you saw my post and replied. So sorry to hear of your struggles, but really hope you can get everything to a manageable level. Would really like to see you return as a...
Not an expert here, but I do know that having gallstones can certainly raise liver enzymes. Not sure if the effects could be present when having symptoms or symptom free. Hopefully nothing to worry...
I've never heard of elevated B12? I would discount what you're finding on the internet though. What does your Dr. think of the high level you're displaying?...
Thanks so much for the advice. Will definitely get some Florastor today. The other issue she's had after taking antibiotics is yeast infections. Hope this will lessen the chances of that recurring as...
Not on any probiotics. Would it be a good idea to help with the after effects of antibiotics? It seems that every time she's had to be on them, she'll either get thrush or some other issue. Any...
My daughter has developed an infection on one of her wisdom teeth. The bottom two are impacted, and the Dentist said that the roots are hooked, and will have to be removed under general anesthetic....
Have you considered a Covid test? The symptoms are all over the place with it, so might want to rule it out just to be on the safe side....
I've seen a couple of posts regarding some past forum members that are no longer actively posting here. I can still remember two particular regulars here, (Nanners and Gachrons), that provided me...
A stool test can be for several things. Could be looking for infection. Salmonella, C-Diff. Could be looking for blood, or could be doing a fecal caloprectin test for IBD. Probably will do a colon...
Diuretics really aren't something to mess with unless really warranted. They can upset your electrolyte balance, affect your heart, and cause several uncomfortable milder side effects. You should...
Well I would say that diagnosis or not, if Cimzia is working for you, then stay the course. Hopefully this will turn out to be a very long term treatment option for you indeed....
rootsmith, Quite a long story, and filled with ups and downs for sure. Sometimes I think our Dr's/GI's just perform guess work. Try this, we'll try that etc. Since you still have no difinitive...
Just a reminder, you can have the contrast for an MRE in almost any palatable drink of your choice. Iced tea, juice, gatorade etc....
It's really difficult to comment on the risks of anti-TNF's, and Covid-19. There would have to be long term studies to show whether having Crohn's, and being treated with the types of immunos that...
I suppose it could be SIBO. To be on the safe side, the best thing to do is address it with diagnostics. I believe you'll need a breath test. At least it's very non-invasive, requires fasting prior...