Advice from all sides

I got a phone call from my GP today.  He was asking gor an update on how I got on at my endoscopy.  It appears he has received a report on the gastroscopy, but not necessarily the colonoscopy.  After I got the impression that my oesophagus down to the top of my small intestine was clear, it seems that the report he received says that there was some inflammation.  He read it out to me, and whilst I can't remember the exact phrase, words such as erythema, and duodenitis were in amongst it.  He interepreted it as an inflamed duodenum.

He asked whether I had been put on any medication, and I explained that biologics had been suggested, but I was to have the MRI, blood tests and a chest x-ray next week.  He wondered whether the inflammation in the duodenum might be a side effect of the pentasa, and has given me a prescription for omeprazole as some "protection" for my stomach.  He has tasked me with enquiring with my consultant as to whether this is a sensible course of action, and if he might think that the inflammation in my duodenum could be due to the pentasa.

I am quite pleased that my GP is still taking an interest in my health, and wants to ensure he understands the results of examinations.  I am also pleased that he has passed on the results of the gastroscopy to me, as I was under the impression that everything was normal in this part of my digestive tract, when it obviously isn't.  I have to admit though, I am a little concerned at this stage that I might begin to feel like I'm being pushed and shoved in all directions between IBD nurse, consultant and GP.  I guess I'm not really used to having worthwhile support from medical professionals.  Up until now, I have pretty much felt like anybody I have seen, (except for the dermatologist who dealth with my Pyoderma Gangrenosum - who was exceptional)  couldn't wait to get me out of their consulting room as they had rather a lot of other patients to deal with thank you very much!

I am beginnning now, to see just why the consultant is considering taking a "top-down" approach to my treatment.  If there is inflammation in my duodenum, then I no longer simply have Colonic crohn's, it is quite possibly all the way through my digestive tract.  The MRI scan should be able to tell if this is the case.

I think possibly, I have little choice but to begin ant-TNF drugs if I am to push this baby back into remission.  As to whether I choose Humira or Remicade, I'm think it doesn't really matter.  If I am able to take Humira and there are no ill effects, then this may be the most practical for me.  Injecting myself, although it may take a bit of getting used to, is preferable to having to keep taking half days off of work in order to go to the hospital for an infusion.