Expert: Odette Yuhas - 10/8/2004

Question
Dear Sir,

I am suffering from chrones from an year.I am on treatment of mEesacol drug from an year.I was also on steroids for an year.
Dose of steriod initally was around 40 mg per day.
It reduced to  around 5 mg alternate day till last month.
Our doctor stopped the steriods last month.
Now I am suffereing from back pain and leg pain inKnee area.
What is your suggestion?
Please advise me.I am writing this letter to you from India


Thanks,

Nayna

Answer
Hello!

We here in the US have a new drug that is called Remicade.  You should ask your doctor about this.  It is good that he is taking you off the steroids as they do a lot of damage.  Your knee hurting shows that the steroid has cause arthritis.  There is also a drug I take called Imuran.  No side effects so far and I have been on it for 4 years.  Wish I could help you more.

Best of health,
Odette