My diagnosis was Ulcerative Colitis in November 2005.
My doctor originally wanted to start me on 40mg of prednisone. However, after some quick research my husband and I phoned the doctor to request a different option. So, I started Asacol and didn't respond at all. I eventually had to get on prednisone anyway. I progressed to trying Azathioprine which could have contributed to my first two hospitalizations in January 2006. I was likely just intolerant but my rapid weight loss and inability to consume water made my hospitalization necessary. The second hospitalization was essentially an encore to the first.
By May 2006 I was on to trying Remicade. I had a total of 4 infusions before developing a rare lung disease called BOOP (Broncial Obliterans Organizing Pneumonia). The doctors can not determine if the BOOP was a response to Remicade or a Crohn's related disease.
My BOOP developed in July of 2006 and required me to be in the hospital for over a month. During this time I had an open-lung biopsy, was intubated and induced into a coma. While in the coma a blood clot developed in my leg. What a mess! The doctors concluded that IV chemotherapy was my best hope at surviving the BOOP. I was lucky that I responded to chemo. My case was so severe that I endured 6 months of IV chemo and 6 months of oral chemo.
I am still monitored closely but have made nearly a fully recovery.
My Crohn's is currently in remission. I will consider starting Humira in May as a preventative medication.
