Expert: Odette Yuhas - 6/8/2004

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Hey and thanks again for all of your help. I am sorry that you felt sick this morning I felt bad, and am hoping that you are feeling better. I have been doing pretty well. I have just been packing up because I move back home on Thursday, and so I am busy with that. I had a bit of a stomach ache after lunch, and just now after dinner, but it is now out of my system if you know what I mean.
Is remicade something that you use as a last resort, because I don't know how serious my case is. I am just confused in general. Well I am hoping that the Imuran kicks in soon because I would like to go to the restroom like a normal person and get rid of these darn stomach aches. What does Flagyl do? How does Remicade work, and is it one of those things that you can just ask for. If I did it would I also be on the other medications along with it? I know I will always be on Iron, but what about the other meds? I have a blood drawing on the first of July to check the organs, and I think I should probably check my SED rate because I dont think I have ever had that one done. I have heard that the Remicade is quite expensive, but at this point it may be worth it.
In terms of what foods to eat I have gotten some advice, but it is all very broad. I know not to eat like raw veggies and stuff, and I can't have dairy other than I do eat cheese. I went to a dietician recently but she basically gave me info that I already was quite familiar with, and it didn't help to much. She gave me a snack list but most of it won't work because it will give me stomach pains or it is dairy. So we will see about that, but if you have any other tips that would be awesome.
I was wondering what type of things help with stomach aches because when ever I call my doctor and get the nurse she never helps me and just sounds annoyed, which is hard because it is already an embaressing thing, and she doesnt help. I have issues with calling the doctor when I am really sick, because I never think that it is bad enough or I just assume that it will go away eventually. It is the stubborn I dont want to bother anyone trait in me. I know that it isnt a good thing, but I dont want to cry wolf or have a false alarm and just seem annoying. Well I am hoping that you are feeling better tonight, and I hope to hear from you soon!
Jane

Answer
Hi Jane,

I am going to give you my personal email address in the event you want to talk.  Oyuhas@cfl.rr.com
be sure to put in the subject line crohns so I don't delete you!  

Remicade is usually used if the traditional meds don't work.

Didn't the doctor tell you what the imuran is?  It does not prevent you from going to the bathroom all the time.  It is used to block the immune system.  Ask the doc for Lomotil, it will help with the runs.

Remicade is covered with medical insurance now, so it won't be as bad as when I had it and medical did not pick up on the charges.  If you don't have insurance, see if you can get into one of the trials for the drug.  Centicor always keeps batches aside for the folks with CD who have no insurance, so have your doctor check into that for you a well.

Foods to stay away from:  Pork, lettuce, slaws, any fried foods.  All of us are different so you will need to experiment.

I know about the stubborn trait as I am the same.  Have gotten so bad in the past that I almost died from this, so please, don't mess around with this, okay?

You will do just fine and please let me know from time to time how you are doing.  Again here is my personal email:
oyuhas@cfl.rr.com

Anytime you need someone to talk to, I am here.

Odette