Hi all! I am new to this forum. I was diagnosed with UC last summer, 2012. The prednisone/asacol mix didn't work long, so I was started on Remicade (8 week intervals) which did the trick. Later in the fall, I started getting arthritis symptoms, starting sooner after each infusion as time went on. My docs (GI and Rheum.) think I have the arthritis that is unique to colitis, but with there being no definitive testing for this, they cannot be sure. I've started Remicade every six weeks (next infusion May 7) and at a higher dose. I'm also taking sulfasalazine, as well. (three a day now, 4 made me very tired, but I'm working my way back up.) Both treat arthritis and the colitis.
My question, anyone else dealing with arthritis? What are your experiences and thoughts. For me, although the last infusion is keeping the arthritis mostly at bay, (after 5 weeks; the last Remi. only lasted 2 weeks). I've still got some colitis symptoms and, although I really, really don't want surgery, I also am having a hard time with this "roller coaster" of symptoms. It's hard on my family, work, etc. Surgery may be the best option - don't yet know.
I'm beginning to get my energy back after my two flares in Feb. and March.
My other meds are: synthroid for Hypothyroidism; also calcium, Super B complex, iron, and some St. John's Wort - all approved by my doc.
Thanks for any input :yoshijumpjoy:
My question, anyone else dealing with arthritis? What are your experiences and thoughts. For me, although the last infusion is keeping the arthritis mostly at bay, (after 5 weeks; the last Remi. only lasted 2 weeks). I've still got some colitis symptoms and, although I really, really don't want surgery, I also am having a hard time with this "roller coaster" of symptoms. It's hard on my family, work, etc. Surgery may be the best option - don't yet know.
I'm beginning to get my energy back after my two flares in Feb. and March.
My other meds are: synthroid for Hypothyroidism; also calcium, Super B complex, iron, and some St. John's Wort - all approved by my doc.
Thanks for any input :yoshijumpjoy: