Going straight to a biologic?
Just came from my GI doc and we decided on Entyvio. I was just diagnosed with moderate pancolitis and am on my pred taper (day 19, 20 mg) and mesalamine oral plus suppositories. My symptoms are gone, no blood or diarrhea now but who knows what will happen as I taper off the pred.
My doctor said I could wait and see with mesalamine or try the Entyvio. She seemed to support starting the biologic more, so I went straight for it. Of course I'm double guessing myself now. It's my first biologic. 🥹 I guess the way I see it is that since Entyvio is the safest and gut specific it's better to just go for it instead of waiting to see if the mesalamine works. What do you guys think?
What's your diet, be specific...all details of what you eat
For me, I was on prednisone for 20 years and was very comfortable with it and declined a biologic early 2000s. I gave in eventually and went onto Remicade and I felt results within a month. I have always stated that biologics are a "God send". I have not had any side effects (the main reason I refused to go on them) and was on Remicade for 8 years until my body began to become immune to it so I was switched to Humira which I have been on for 2 years and still no side effects.
In my opinion, I would go for the biologic.
Vern - IBD Team Memberthank you so much! I'm sk happy the biologics have helped you for so many years. I feel like with moderate pancolitis it's harder to treat and I'm probably eventually going to get the surgery! I'm trying to be hopefully though. I hope surgery works for you as it has for me a number of times 😁but if it comes down to choosing biologic or not, my opinion is to go biologic.
Let us know how you get on.
Vern
I think that's a great way to start. I wish you the best and just know that if Entyvio doesn't work you have more options to explore. I had to try many medications until I finally found one that worked. So just keep an open mind and stay positive. Best of luck to you, Elizabeth (team member)
Thank you so much! I'm trying to stay positive but I have this idea that most people just cycle through all the meds eventually and then need surgery anyway! Especially with pancolitis.
I did have my first infusion yesterday so we'll see!No not at all. Many, many Crohn's patients don't ever need surgery. Me being one of them. So many out there that find medicine and feel great and go on to thrive. Stay diligent with a good diet, take meds and supplement with a healthy lifestyle. Deep breaths. Rooting for you. Definitely ask questions and use this community as a way to get info and ways to manage the diagnosis. My biggest regret was not connecting with others that actually have the disease from the start. It could have saved me a lot of trial and error. Hugs, Elizabeth (team member)
