I have apparently had Crohn's Disease since 1984 when they first diagnosed me with Ulcerative Colitis. I had my colon removed and a J-Pouch installed and the J-Pouch never really worked very well. I was constantly having problems with strictures and inflammation. Finally, in August of 1999, I had the J-Pouch removed and a regular ileostomy installed. It was not until this summer (2007) that a surgeon began running all kinds of new tests that she discovered I had probably had Crohn's Disease since 1984 and that that is why the J-Pouch never worked properly. I had some major surgery early last fall (2007) to remove a great many adhesions, but apparently a flare up occurred at the same time. I had all kinds of blockages and was on prednisone IV's. Finally, after three months of in and out of the hospital, I got out, but the Crohn's began to flare up again about a month later. I started on Imuran (no Prednisone this time), but it gave me all kinds of side effects and did not take care of the Crohn's Disease anyway. The Doctor suggested Remicade and we (my wife and I) did not like the IV part of it (I had gotten septic because of the TPN I had while in the hospital and wound up in the ICU until the whole terrible episode was over). So we held off on the Remicade until our next visit when we were finally gave in. I have had three infusions now and I feel a little better, but certainly not nearly as good as all the literature seems to make you believe. I am just thinking that I will have to be patient with the Remicade a little longer. People have said that after the second infusion they have already felt better, but I am still having symptoms. Does anybody have any advice? Should I keep going with the Remicade? Or am I just wimping out!! It has been a difficult year and I have been easily depressed these days. I could use whatever encouragement you might have! I have enjoyed reading all the other posts.

Thank you very much!