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Question on Progression of Crohn's
- Thread starter KB24
- Start date
Yes, but my question is specifically if the progression of Crohn's is slower/faster/same when younger versus older.
I have no one to compare with. When I was 33, I was operated on for both a fistula and hemorrhoids. I had not been diagnosed yet until the following year. I had an abscess at 36. Within the next five years, I had two more fistulas. I went into remission from 1997-2005. I then had an obstruction in 2010. The disease is currently active.
Typically crohns in kids progresses over 10 years from dx and can spread
It also tends to start as inflammatory and progress to fistulas /strictures /abscesses
Adults tend to not have disease type change or spread
That said these statement were before biologics
Ds has been dx for 5 years but so far based on his latest scope things still look good visually at least
He has been on biologics for 4 years
It also tends to start as inflammatory and progress to fistulas /strictures /abscesses
Adults tend to not have disease type change or spread
That said these statement were before biologics
Ds has been dx for 5 years but so far based on his latest scope things still look good visually at least
He has been on biologics for 4 years
That being said how do I know that I'm on the right medication at the moment. I'm on imuran and possibly asacol soon, neither biologics. I do feel better but was wondering should I try to get biologics or settle since this works?
You always go with what works
Since what works for one may not work for someone else
And what your currently on
May stop working
My kiddo follows non of the rules at all including his presentation of crohns
So as one Gi told us there is no right or wrong med
You just use what works for you at the time
Good luck
Since what works for one may not work for someone else
And what your currently on
May stop working
My kiddo follows non of the rules at all including his presentation of crohns
So as one Gi told us there is no right or wrong med
You just use what works for you at the time
Good luck
KB, that's a really interesting question and something I've been wondering about myself, being in the 'elderly' age group (according to the study my little penguin has posted)having been diagnosed two years ago aged 61.
I've wondered about the impact of the disease, the progression, the treatment, and the general toll all this is taking on my body.
I fit the picture almost exactly..at the moment..of someone my age in the study, the latest thing being diagnosed with infliximab related psoriasis two weeks ago.
Bunty x
I've wondered about the impact of the disease, the progression, the treatment, and the general toll all this is taking on my body.
I fit the picture almost exactly..at the moment..of someone my age in the study, the latest thing being diagnosed with infliximab related psoriasis two weeks ago.
Bunty x
If you mean in terms of bloodwork as of now ron, that levels are where they need to be, and inflammatory markers are decreased. I'm really grateful that this is under control, just curious on terms of progression. MLP's information gave me some clarity.
I've often wondered about this as well. And, I wish there was an answer!!
My son had his first flare at 16 1/2, diagnosed just before his 17th birthday. But, while it's accepted that pediatric crohns can extend and develop complications, I don't think '18' is a magic number. When you get to 17, 18, 19, I think it becomes a bit more 'grey' in determining pediatric or adult crohns. I think the reference to '18 & under' is a reflection of the average stage of developement of the entire population. While my son has certainly shown developmental/physical changes since then, at diagnosis he was already fairly mature - 5'10", full beard, emotionally mature, etc. While he was still clearly developing, he at the tail end of puberty/development, I think he would fall more closely as being diagnosed/presenting as an adult (when compared to 12, 13, 14 year olds).
Biologics are a great med (my son is on remicade) but, other meds, such as imuran, can be just as great if they're working. If you and your GI have found a med that is working, I wouldn't change just for the sake of changing. There are many people who successfully maintain remission on imuran for years (and there are people who find that biologics fail them).
My son has not had a flare since diagnosis and, for the first two years, my son maintained clinical remission with his only treatment being exclusive and then supplemental enteral nutrition (no meds). So, age does not always determine early progression. We eventually added remicade (3 years ago) because the supplemental EN wasn't clearing up all inflammation and GI worried about future complications if we allowed inflammation to simmer.
But, i do worry about progression and worry about his next flare - when, how will it present, etc. Unfortunately, while I'd still love to find that crystal ball!, I think I've accepted there is no 'norm' that can be anticipated. :voodoo: Crohns is such an individual disease, how it presents, what it affects, how it changes, how you respond to meds, etc. that no one will be able to tell you what will happen in the future. I've thought to ask my son's GI this question but haven't because, in a nutshell, if he tells us he's unlikely to flare again given his history, my son (and me) may become complacent with diet/supplements/meds, if GI tells us its only a matter of time, it'll be a constant cloud of worry, taking away today's pleasures... so, I just don't ask and try not to wonder about it too much.
I know I haven't exactly answered your question but maybe it helps to have a different way to consider this question?? :ghug:
My son had his first flare at 16 1/2, diagnosed just before his 17th birthday. But, while it's accepted that pediatric crohns can extend and develop complications, I don't think '18' is a magic number. When you get to 17, 18, 19, I think it becomes a bit more 'grey' in determining pediatric or adult crohns. I think the reference to '18 & under' is a reflection of the average stage of developement of the entire population. While my son has certainly shown developmental/physical changes since then, at diagnosis he was already fairly mature - 5'10", full beard, emotionally mature, etc. While he was still clearly developing, he at the tail end of puberty/development, I think he would fall more closely as being diagnosed/presenting as an adult (when compared to 12, 13, 14 year olds).
Biologics are a great med (my son is on remicade) but, other meds, such as imuran, can be just as great if they're working. If you and your GI have found a med that is working, I wouldn't change just for the sake of changing. There are many people who successfully maintain remission on imuran for years (and there are people who find that biologics fail them).
My son has not had a flare since diagnosis and, for the first two years, my son maintained clinical remission with his only treatment being exclusive and then supplemental enteral nutrition (no meds). So, age does not always determine early progression. We eventually added remicade (3 years ago) because the supplemental EN wasn't clearing up all inflammation and GI worried about future complications if we allowed inflammation to simmer.
But, i do worry about progression and worry about his next flare - when, how will it present, etc. Unfortunately, while I'd still love to find that crystal ball!, I think I've accepted there is no 'norm' that can be anticipated. :voodoo: Crohns is such an individual disease, how it presents, what it affects, how it changes, how you respond to meds, etc. that no one will be able to tell you what will happen in the future. I've thought to ask my son's GI this question but haven't because, in a nutshell, if he tells us he's unlikely to flare again given his history, my son (and me) may become complacent with diet/supplements/meds, if GI tells us its only a matter of time, it'll be a constant cloud of worry, taking away today's pleasures... so, I just don't ask and try not to wonder about it too much.
I know I haven't exactly answered your question but maybe it helps to have a different way to consider this question?? :ghug:
I was diagnosed with Crohns in 1970, 20 years old. From 1970-2000 there were hardly any biologics (the beginnings of Remicade). So for 30 years I had drugs that did not work for me: Azulfidine, Asacol, Pentasa.
The disease progressed to my colon, had my descending colon removed and four feet of intestine. The progression went on to my rectum in which I had a fissure which needed to be operated. Also had 3 fistulas that led to another surgery. I started on Remicade and Imuran which I am currently on. I was previously on Humira for 5 years until it stopped working. Then I was on Entyvio for 8 months (did not work at all).
If you are fortunate to start on Crohns in the last 16 years, you have plenty of biologics to try. I am 67 now and have seen a lot of advances in medicine in these last 16 years. There is hope now.
The disease progressed to my colon, had my descending colon removed and four feet of intestine. The progression went on to my rectum in which I had a fissure which needed to be operated. Also had 3 fistulas that led to another surgery. I started on Remicade and Imuran which I am currently on. I was previously on Humira for 5 years until it stopped working. Then I was on Entyvio for 8 months (did not work at all).
If you are fortunate to start on Crohns in the last 16 years, you have plenty of biologics to try. I am 67 now and have seen a lot of advances in medicine in these last 16 years. There is hope now.
I started having symptoms of Crohn's disease when I was 20. Was not diagnosed until age 53 with a blockage. A few months after diagnosis I had a bowel resection (9 cm) and no other damaged was noted in my small bowel at the time of surgery. Since I had managed my disease on my own for 30 years, both my surgeon and GI doc decided not to put me on medication.
I continued having diarrhea, but felt healthy and pain free. Switched to a high fiber vegan diet a year ago and have been symptom free since. All blood work and colonoscopies are normal.
Crohn's presents in many different ways. Some people suffer greatly, others, like myself do not. I wish you success in dealing with your symptoms.
I continued having diarrhea, but felt healthy and pain free. Switched to a high fiber vegan diet a year ago and have been symptom free since. All blood work and colonoscopies are normal.
Crohn's presents in many different ways. Some people suffer greatly, others, like myself do not. I wish you success in dealing with your symptoms.