Introduction:
Hello. My name is Dan K. and I am 54. I was diagnosed with UC after I had the standard colonoscopy when I turned 50. I am currently struggling to make a decision on a next treatment drug.
My Remicade / Humira Dilema:
Since being diagnosed, I have tried several drug treatments. I have found that I am allergic to most of the standard treatment drugs such as azathioprine and mesalamine (Asacol / Lialda). The azathioprine made me dizzy and sick with flu-like symptoms. Mesalamine brought on the symptoms of colitis even worse than when it first started with me.
Therefore, for almost four years, I have been on an entocort / prednisone treatment. Generally, I am on the entocort as it is slightly better than the prednisone per my doctor. However, as I try to taper off on the dosage from 9 mg to 3 mg, I usually end up having a flare up and then have to go back to the 9 mg plus 20 mg of prednisone to calm the flare-up. I then gradually reduce the prednisone to zero and try to stay on the entocort.
My gastrointestinal doctor is really pushing me to either go to humira or remicade, as he says I can’t stay on the steriod treatment much longer. I am really struggling with this decision when I read this site and other information about these drugs and their side effects. I don’t see or read about any other options from what I am currently doing versus going to humira or remicade.
Does anyone know of any other options that I could seek out? Humira and remicade options make me very nervous.
I don’t currently have a lot of the steriod side effects of puffiness / weight gain, etc.. I am physically active with running / weight lifting / etc.. I have had two bone scans as well and I don’t seem to have any bone density issues with the steriod treatment. I regularily take calcium supplements as well as other vitamins to be sure I have enough supplements.
Thank you for any help and assistance!
Dan
submitted in the colitis venting area
Alternative Treatment Pages:
Using Diet and Kinesiology To treat Colitis Successfully
Vitamin E Enemas as A UC Treatment
A Bunch of other Alternative Medicine Ideas/Posts for Colitis
Hello. My name is Dan K. and I am 54. I was diagnosed with UC after I had the standard colonoscopy when I turned 50. I am currently struggling to make a decision on a next treatment drug
