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Flare or no flare?


Tue, April 20, 2010 12:13 PM

I am experiencing what I believe to be is yet another flare. I was diagnosed with Crohns almost 11 years ago and have been on all kinds of meds. I am currently taking Cimzia which was working fine up until about 8 weeks ago. I am having major pain in my lower stomach and in my right side along with intense inflammation (you can actually feel it on the outside of my body), feverish and achy legs, sores on my lower legs and feet (saw the dermatologist and she confirmed it was a type of eczema caused from the inflammation from the crohns), and fever. I am also being treated for a toenail fungal infection which I have never had before. I have a narrowed section of intestine on that side of my body that has hurt for years so that pain is chronic but tolerable....it only gets worse with inflammation. I went to see my gastro. dr the first week in march (after having to wait almost 3 weeks to get in) because the pain level had increased and I have been having major fatigue. He does not believe in giving pain medicine and sent me home with one week of oral steroids and antibiotics. Called him back a week later and told him there was no improvement. I am trying to avoid surgery if at all possible and cimzia is my only remaining drug option. What I dont understand is why the week long dosage and nothing a week later....no scope, no scans, nothing. He did tell me my blood work is "normal" (whatever that means). Do not understand why he can prescribe the oral junk but  wouldnt it be better and logical to do iv meds and nip this in the bud???? I am so upset....this is wreaking havoc with my job (I am a high school teacher ) and am currently working on trying for disability retirement from my state . I am suffering from pain that makes me shake, my bms range from diarrhea to consipation (that is a new one). Not sure what to do but am sooooooo tired of having to deal with any of this. sorry to have written a novel.

FPO temathteechr
Joined Oct 7, 2009

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