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I've been advised to start biologics but need an op anyway

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Sassycrohnie
Sassycrohnie

I'm being advised to take biologics but will need an operation anyway as I have strictures. Does anyone have any ideas what benefit the biologics would have if I need to have the op anyway? I have a high inflammation level. Has anyone else had s similar situation ?

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • craig84609
    craig84609 Sassycrohnie

    Posted

    The biologic meds will keep you from needing future surgery. It will also reduce the risk of cancer. However some can cause cancer and they have nasty side effects. I hope they work for you. I opted to not take them, instead I take Prednisone. That can be nasty as well, so you need to find out which drug is best for you. I hope you feel better soon.
    • Sassycrohnie
      Sassycrohnie craig84609

      Posted

      Thanks Craig. Yes I'm opting not to take the meds because of the possible side effects. I've had prednisone which I felt better on but hasn't helped with the strictures and inflammation is high again.

      Good to hear your experience thanks smile

    • craig84609
      craig84609 Sassycrohnie

      Posted

      Yea, It will not help for stricture, but it will help for the inflamation and pain. It has kept me in remission now for 8 years. It is safer than some of the stronger drugs as long as you can take a low dose of it.
  • sharon09529
    sharon09529 Sassycrohnie

    Posted

    Hi Sassycrohnie

    I'm 50 yo female extra large.

    Diagnosed approx 18 months ago following op for suspected ruptured appendix. It was ruptured but my pain didn't stop so colonoscopoy then showed crohns in terminal illeum

    Had 3 course s prednisolone, each having less effect although initially reduced symptoms. Stricture of 5 cm found about 9 months ago. Symptoms kept coming with increasing stricture pain and one episode blockage.

    Had pentasa then at steroids ..pentasa did not seem to make much difference , and although steroids were fab first course, began to be less effective with the next two courses.

    Was then given mercaptapurine and then methatrexate both caused bad side effects ( can't remember which first ). Was never offered the biologicals, not sure why, Surgery was next in early November 2015, by then stricture was at 20 cm.

    Also had gall blader removed at same time. greedy eh? Out of hospital in 48 hours with all staples removed. Back to work in six weeks in time for Xmas party. Now the stricture pain is gone feeling much happier and crohns symptoms are reduced by good 50%. Still get very tired at times and joints ache including fingers, shoulders knees and ankles

    Still pooh a lot though, but have much more control and warning, don't wear pads now, and not taking any meds other that vitamin tablet for ladies of a certain age and acidofilus supplement. IBD nurse specialist is suggesting bile medicine as remaining loose bowels may he connected to ngall bladder removal... Still to start this, but sort of reluctant as so happy to be drug free and after what it was like prior to op this doesn't feel too bad, swings and roundabouts eh?

    I Take lots of fluids in case I get dehydrated and have to avoid too much fibre. Mainly low residue diet .

    Hope this is useful and good luck with your op. I'm sure you will feel so much better after

    Xx

    • Sassycrohnie
      Sassycrohnie sharon09529

      Posted

      Hi Sharon

      Sounds like you e been through a lot! Thank you for sharing, and I'm really pleased it's gone well and you feel better😊

      You've given me hope! I want to avoid meds as much as I possibly can, so I'm totally with you on that.

      I've decided to go straight to the op and not have biologics, I don't think that will be well received but I need to do what's right for me.

      Hope you keep well and thanks for top tip, low residue isn't too bad and I'd rather stay on that than than take the meds. 😊👍🏻

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