Introduction:
36yr old professional, sporty male
Diagnosed with autoimmune UC in 2005 – Tried pretty much everything over the years. Apart from few bad years, my UC is more of an annoyance (planning trips around loos, avoiding dinner parties) than something that rules my life.
Some more about me:
Anything to do with sports (playing, not slobing in front of the TV ;)
Symptoms:
None – Boom!
Infliximab/Remicade Double Dose
Finally, after having this UC for 8 yrs now, i’m symptom free. Over time, I’ve tried all sorts, diets, aloe vera, VSL3, pretty much everything you read about and nothing really works. I’ve been in hospital 3 times and had a couple of years where it has been quite hard in that knowing the location of ever loo has ruled my world :). The trickiest part is that I’m in the military and can’t tell anyone so hiding it can become a comedy at times, especially with some of the things I’ve had to do to cover up symptoms and stories I’ve made up to get out of situations (fast!). Me and UC have never gotten on well and i refuse to let it ruin my life or make me take a back seat.
I have a good GI who has tried me on all sorts of meds and the combination above has kept me with minimal symptoms over the years (with the exception of a couple of 6 month periods where the flares have been bad). I’ve come to accept that even when ‘well’ I’ll always have some blood, pain or the occasional short notice poop.
Getting to the point – A month or so ago, my GI suggested a one off double dose of Infliximab, and as usual, i’m willing to try anything to beat this. Since then, i’ve had an on & off cold that i cant shake due to the immune system hit (and the fact i have a baby in nursery), but, and this is a big but….. I am completely symptom free for the first time in 6 yrs. One poop per day, same time each morning, no blood or mucus, that’s it. I’m eating what i like and having a few beers too!
If you’re on Infliximab and its just about holding things at bay but not quite, i suggest you ask your doc about a double dose.
Now off for a run (without taking a packet of tissues!!!) – I am so excited in a way that only a UC’er could understand! :)
Medications:
Methotrexate
Pentasa
Folic acid
Vit D
Infliximab (Remicade)
written by Matt
submitted in the colitis venting area
…Not sure why i’m sharing all this. I guess, in a strange way, its nice to know you’re not the only one….
