mmccaus

Close Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis

Diagnosed with ulcerative proctitis in 1988. Treated fairly successfully with sulfasalazine and cortisone enemas for 2-3 years. Stopped taking meds and had no major recurrence of symptoms from 1992-2007. Last year, symptoms returned and increased in severity rapidly, resulting in 2 hospitalizations, 40 lb. weight loss. Complicated by C-Diff and CMV infections.

Treatments

Asacol Not Working

No side effects, was taking 12 pills/day but have stopped it since it was having no effect and I'm just starting Remicade. I'd often see whole undigested pills in my bms.

Azulfidine Working / Worked

I took this back in the late 80s/early 90s when I was first diagnosed. I took it for 3 years. It kept symptoms mostly under control.

Flagyl Working / Worked

Took for giardia and c-diff.

Prednisone Somewhat Helpful

It calmed down a severe flare, but CMV colitis complicated my ulcerative colitis at the time. I had severe mood alteration on prednisone (manic).

Probiotics Too Soon to Tell

I've tried several different ones. Some have made me too sick initially for me to stick with them. With others, I haven't noticed any difference in symptoms.

Remicade Working / Worked

I have been on Remicade since April 2008. It has improved my symptoms a great deal.

Close Kidney Stones

Had my first kidney stone when I was 19. I've had about 6-8 since then, most recently about a year ago.