Need to talk about Crohn's disease

Hi , thank you so much for your question. I'm sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis and the pain that you've been experiencing. If you’re looking for more information and personal experiences, you’ve come to the right place and I am glad you have found us!
You may also find our treatment page helpful for different medications, symptom management, surgery options, and complimentary/alternative treatment options.
https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/treatment/

We're all here for you while you go through this and are happy to answer questions you may have. Please let us know how we can help further! - Pam (team member)

Hi ,

I am sorry for your diagnosis, I too have Crohn's Disease. You are definitely being wise in reaching out and finding information and community on this site, I wish I would have done that in the beginning.

I definitely agree with what Pam has said about checking out "the basics" here on the site, as it will give you a lot of answers to frequently asked questions.

Just to give some advice from personal experience, fatigue is one of those symptoms that can really be a nuisance. For me, whenever I was really bad and could barely get out of bed due to fatigue, it was because of anemia and iron deficiency. Of course, everyone is different, but maybe ask your doctor to check this out via blood work. It could give you some answers as to why you are feeling so tired. Also, check your vitamin D and B levels.

Wishing you the best in health.

Always dancing,
Elizabeth (team member)

Thanks for your question. Pentasa is a 5-ASA medicine. These are anti-inflammatories but the are the lowest level of meds (this means they are for more mild cases of Crohn's disease). I was on one of these for many years--Asacol--which is similar to Pentasa (I believe it's virtually the same active ingredient).

The Imuran is an immuno-suppressant. Those types of drugs are for more severe Crohn's disease but some of them have fallen out of favor of late. I was on a type like this...called 6MP...but it didn't work well for me.

Honestly, if you are on Imuran I'd think you might want to consider one of two alternatives...either steroids or antibiotics or some combo of those, or, if that's not working, a biologic (Humira, Remicaid, Stelara etc.).

Of course, I'm not a doctor. But I am a student of Crohn's disease and I've had this thirty years and have been through all kinds of things with it so I think my advice, as a general road map, is fairly sound. Anyway, take care. And be proactive with the meds. You want to stop problems before they get out of control.

Best,
Matt (Team Member)