Complete Remission
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Moosely Immune
- Posts: 14
- Joined: Wed Aug 08, 2007 6:16 am
Complete Remission
Just wanted to post this for general information. I have been in complete remission of my MC since I was started on Humira for Rheumatoid Arthritis, almost 2 years ago. I was able to discontinue Entocort, I no longer need to take any Lomotil - used to have to take 6-8 pills a day & I am only on a maintenance dose of Pentasa, but at half my former dosage. I had been plagued by MC for years & consider this to be a minor miracle. I follow no diet restrictions other than drinking lactose free milk and I still am careful with the amount of fiber in my diet. The only diarrhea I have experienced during this time was a side effect of antibiotics.
Hi,
Congratulations on your remission, and welcome to the group.
Yes, the TNF, (Tumor Necrosis Factor), blockers work by suppressing the immune system, so they also tend to reduce the autoimmune response that causes IBDs, (Inflammatory Bowel Diseases). Since the TNFs, (including Embrel, Humira, and Remicade), are at least a couple of levels above budesonide, as biologic response modifiers go, it would be somewhat redundant to take Entocort along with either of them.
There's more than one way to skin the arthritis cat, though. I used to have RA so bad, that I had to use a cane in each hand, just to walk, at times, because of knee problems. The joints in some of my fingers were always swollen, and painfully inflamed, causing the fingers to grow crooked, etc. My back bothered me, and my neck was always stiff and sore. I started the GF diet almost six years ago, (it will be six years in one week), and about a year later, I cut out all dairy products, and those problems all went away, as my body healed.
I've been eating dairy products again, for about a year and a half, now, since my digestive system can now handle the casein, (the protein in milk), without any apparent problems, but when I do hard physical labor, I notice some arthritic-like pain, so I suspect that I need to cut out the dairy products permanently, to resolve that problem.
Thanks for the information, and I hope your remission continues forever.
Tex
Congratulations on your remission, and welcome to the group.
Yes, the TNF, (Tumor Necrosis Factor), blockers work by suppressing the immune system, so they also tend to reduce the autoimmune response that causes IBDs, (Inflammatory Bowel Diseases). Since the TNFs, (including Embrel, Humira, and Remicade), are at least a couple of levels above budesonide, as biologic response modifiers go, it would be somewhat redundant to take Entocort along with either of them.
There's more than one way to skin the arthritis cat, though. I used to have RA so bad, that I had to use a cane in each hand, just to walk, at times, because of knee problems. The joints in some of my fingers were always swollen, and painfully inflamed, causing the fingers to grow crooked, etc. My back bothered me, and my neck was always stiff and sore. I started the GF diet almost six years ago, (it will be six years in one week), and about a year later, I cut out all dairy products, and those problems all went away, as my body healed.
I've been eating dairy products again, for about a year and a half, now, since my digestive system can now handle the casein, (the protein in milk), without any apparent problems, but when I do hard physical labor, I notice some arthritic-like pain, so I suspect that I need to cut out the dairy products permanently, to resolve that problem.
Thanks for the information, and I hope your remission continues forever.
Tex
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barbaranoela
- Emperor Penguin
- Posts: 5394
- Joined: Wed May 25, 2005 6:11 pm
- Location: New York
And I add my *congrats* also---- As Mary put it---!!Feeling Better!!! is the best *feeling*---almost as good as eating a big bowl of ice cream----
Thanks for letting us hear about your remission---
W are MOOSELY proud of U----
luve Barbara
Thanks for letting us hear about your remission---
W are MOOSELY proud of U----
luve Barbara
the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control
Glad to hear you're in remission. I'm recently diagnosed with LC and just began a regimen of Entocort. Soon after, I noticed that the arthritic pain in my fingers went away. That was a pleasant surprise. I told my GI about it and he noted that another patient of his with MC said the same thing.
I am just starting to realize that I must have had rheumatoid arthritis all these years and that it's also an autoimmune disease, probably reacting to the same foods that have caused the LC.
Wayne, you give me encouragement to think that I might be able to resume some of my forbidden foods again sometime.
I am just starting to realize that I must have had rheumatoid arthritis all these years and that it's also an autoimmune disease, probably reacting to the same foods that have caused the LC.
Wayne, you give me encouragement to think that I might be able to resume some of my forbidden foods again sometime.
You never know what you can do until you have to do it.
MOOSE!!
So good to hear from you! I think of you often! And what great news about your remission!!!! You certainly do deserve it, after all of the suffering you endured for so long. Are you having any side effects from the Humira? Also, does your insurance cover the full amount for each dose? (I remember your telling me how expensive it is).
As for me, I have remained in remission for about 5 years now, on diet alone. I pretty much eat the Caveman/Paleo diet, which contains no grains or dairy whatsoever. I was so lucky with the original arthritis symptoms I had - they all disappeared within 3-6 months of the elimination diet. (I was so relieved because my grandmother suffered her whole life with severe rheumatoid arthritis).
How is your son? Mine is in his second year of community college, still living at home. He will get his AA degree after the next semester and is planning to transfer to a 4 year college. He has also worked part-time now for 2 years at Home Depot. - started as cashier, then did loading with the forklift, then garden shop, and recently promoted to lumber (where he now gets a commission!). They really DO grow up, don't they???? Hallelujah!
Gardening has been difficult this year - we've been in the throes of a major drought. But the pond is thriving. How is your pond/gardening coming along? I still have that lovely photo of the rabbit that you took.
Love,
Polly
So good to hear from you! I think of you often! And what great news about your remission!!!! You certainly do deserve it, after all of the suffering you endured for so long. Are you having any side effects from the Humira? Also, does your insurance cover the full amount for each dose? (I remember your telling me how expensive it is).
As for me, I have remained in remission for about 5 years now, on diet alone. I pretty much eat the Caveman/Paleo diet, which contains no grains or dairy whatsoever. I was so lucky with the original arthritis symptoms I had - they all disappeared within 3-6 months of the elimination diet. (I was so relieved because my grandmother suffered her whole life with severe rheumatoid arthritis).
How is your son? Mine is in his second year of community college, still living at home. He will get his AA degree after the next semester and is planning to transfer to a 4 year college. He has also worked part-time now for 2 years at Home Depot. - started as cashier, then did loading with the forklift, then garden shop, and recently promoted to lumber (where he now gets a commission!). They really DO grow up, don't they???? Hallelujah!
Gardening has been difficult this year - we've been in the throes of a major drought. But the pond is thriving. How is your pond/gardening coming along? I still have that lovely photo of the rabbit that you took.
Love,
Polly
Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused.
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barbaranoela
- Emperor Penguin
- Posts: 5394
- Joined: Wed May 25, 2005 6:11 pm
- Location: New York
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Moosely Immune
- Posts: 14
- Joined: Wed Aug 08, 2007 6:16 am
Yeah - it's me.
You guys are just too smart - I thought I would just pass along my news incognito. It kind of crept up on me - the remission. One day I realized I couldn't remember the last time I had taken a lomotil. Polly, the Humira is covered well by my insurance. The Remicade was very costly & cost me much more out of pocket & the Remicade did not have the great effect on my gut! Unfortunately, even though the Humira helps my RA, the RA has gotten increasingly severe. I am on morphine & I retired last fall & qualified for Social Security disability. The doctors originally thought the RA was secondary to the MC, however, it appears the RA is independent of my MC, as the improvement in my MC has not correlated with an improvement in my RA. The doctor just started me on Imuran again, & it seems to be helping - but I am in constant pain. I am still trying to get off the Prednisone. I had several dislocations & a fracture of my left shoulder socket last summer, and had to have it surgically repaired in December. i am now suffering from a ruptured plantar fascia ligament in my left foot - so the Prednisone is not good! I have also had a TIA. Anyway, I was really surprised by how well the Humira brought the MC under control & Humira was recently approved for treatment of Crohn's, so I thought it might be something to consider for folks like me that have had such a severe, long standing case of MC that doesn't respond to diet or other meds.
My son graduated from high school & has been attending the local community college in the auto tech program. He loves it! We are so proud of him. He also qualified for SS disability & SSI because of me & his own disabilities which is helping pay for his college. He did win enough in scholarships to cover his first year. And, I was told several years ago he would never go to college...HAH! Determination & lots of prayers!
I just discovered baby fish in my pond that have survived the raccoons, & the chicadees love the stream. I've been propagating fushias in my greenhouse, so I've got lots of hummingbirds this year too. I've been taking close ups of flowers & making cards. Have sold a few at a local shop in town. Not much else. I spend a lot of time as a couch potato watching HGTV & getting ideas for fixing up the house. Glad to hear from all of you - it sounds like you are all doing great!
My son graduated from high school & has been attending the local community college in the auto tech program. He loves it! We are so proud of him. He also qualified for SS disability & SSI because of me & his own disabilities which is helping pay for his college. He did win enough in scholarships to cover his first year. And, I was told several years ago he would never go to college...HAH! Determination & lots of prayers!
I just discovered baby fish in my pond that have survived the raccoons, & the chicadees love the stream. I've been propagating fushias in my greenhouse, so I've got lots of hummingbirds this year too. I've been taking close ups of flowers & making cards. Have sold a few at a local shop in town. Not much else. I spend a lot of time as a couch potato watching HGTV & getting ideas for fixing up the house. Glad to hear from all of you - it sounds like you are all doing great!
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Moosely Immune
- Posts: 14
- Joined: Wed Aug 08, 2007 6:16 am
No side effects.
Just two more things - Polly, I have no real side effects from the Humira other than being tired for a day after the injection. It seems to be easier on my body. My hair has grown back & gotten fine & straight again & grayer than ever. I do not get the easy bruising & the fragile skin like I did on the Remicade.
And Barb, yes, my son played the sax. His sax was severely damaged by the airlines his senior year, so he hasn't played since graduation. He does continue to love music & plays his guitar & piano. He is also my chauffeur & is learning to help more around the house.
And Barb, yes, my son played the sax. His sax was severely damaged by the airlines his senior year, so he hasn't played since graduation. He does continue to love music & plays his guitar & piano. He is also my chauffeur & is learning to help more around the house.
Hi again Moose,
Oh, that's right - it was the Remicade that was so expensive and didn't help much. The last time we spoke I don't think you had tried the Humira yet. But I am so sorry to hear about your constant pain - NOT FAIR after all you've been through.
Do you remember when Sally had a terrible time coming off of prednisone and had found some internet articles likening it to a severe drug withdrawal? I recall she had awful pain in her feet at the end, but she did it. She wrote a post titled "Prednisone Withdrawal" on this website - check out the Personal Experience with Medications forum if you are interested.
Great news about Joe (I think that was his name?)! Our sons MADE it, wahooo, despite learning differences and those battles with the school system!
Would love to see your pond and flowers. You take such lovely photos, and I know you have a super duper camera. Would you mind sharing some here with us? And some of your animal photos. We have lots of nature nuts on board.
Welcome back to the family. We have missed you (as you can see). Hope you plan stick around for a while!
Love
Polly
Oh, that's right - it was the Remicade that was so expensive and didn't help much. The last time we spoke I don't think you had tried the Humira yet. But I am so sorry to hear about your constant pain - NOT FAIR after all you've been through.
Do you remember when Sally had a terrible time coming off of prednisone and had found some internet articles likening it to a severe drug withdrawal? I recall she had awful pain in her feet at the end, but she did it. She wrote a post titled "Prednisone Withdrawal" on this website - check out the Personal Experience with Medications forum if you are interested.
Great news about Joe (I think that was his name?)! Our sons MADE it, wahooo, despite learning differences and those battles with the school system!
Would love to see your pond and flowers. You take such lovely photos, and I know you have a super duper camera. Would you mind sharing some here with us? And some of your animal photos. We have lots of nature nuts on board.
Welcome back to the family. We have missed you (as you can see). Hope you plan stick around for a while!
Love
Polly
Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused.
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kate_ce1995
- Rockhopper Penguin
- Posts: 1321
- Joined: Wed May 25, 2005 5:53 pm
- Location: Vermont
Hi Moose! I saw your post over the weekend, but didn't have time to post. I'm so happy for you about the MC, sorry to hear the RA hasn't improved.
I don't remember when we last corresponded, but I am back in Vermont, got married in June so now have a wonderful husband and 2 stepdaughters (and 3 cats). I also bought a house with 6 acres of land and have a small vegetable garden with strawberries! I need to move them to their own space as they are taking over the plot for veggies. Also have a big raspberry patch that I'm working on getting back into shape. Got about 10 cups this year. Could have had more if life wasn't so hecktic and I'd been able to pick before a couple rain storms. It is at the end of our septic system, so all this poop is good for something! Of course there was also an 8 foot high stinging neddle in the middle of it too.
Well, I've got to get to work this morning. Hang out. We miss you.
Katy
I don't remember when we last corresponded, but I am back in Vermont, got married in June so now have a wonderful husband and 2 stepdaughters (and 3 cats). I also bought a house with 6 acres of land and have a small vegetable garden with strawberries! I need to move them to their own space as they are taking over the plot for veggies. Also have a big raspberry patch that I'm working on getting back into shape. Got about 10 cups this year. Could have had more if life wasn't so hecktic and I'd been able to pick before a couple rain storms. It is at the end of our septic system, so all this poop is good for something! Of course there was also an 8 foot high stinging neddle in the middle of it too.
Well, I've got to get to work this morning. Hang out. We miss you.
Katy