A pristeen ileum

Finally, I have an update that is absolutely definitely, 100% positive.  I have been for my colonoscopy to see if my biologic/immunosupressant combination is working. The results are brilliant.  The pictures below show a stricture free and ulcer free rectum (top photo)  A "pristeen" ileum (middle photo - the scope only actually went through 30cm to the small bowel, but what we could see was good), and an anastamosis (bottom photo: the resultant join between the sigmoid and the ileum after my subtotal colectomy) with just one small ulcer.

In plain English, this is fantastic news.  My last colonoscopy revealed ulcers along the rectum to the sigmoid one of which was 6 inches long, and several ulcers around the anastamosis which were "friable"  meaning active and with dead tissue surrounding them.  These pictures prove beyond doubt that healing has taken place and I pretty much do not have any active Crohn's disease at present.  Woo hoo!

I can't believe just how good I feel about this.  I know I have been feeling well in general, but there has always been this worry at the back of my mind that things may be bubbling away in there without me realising it.  Now I know I am definitely on the right track with regards my treatment.  I will continue with my fortnightly Humira injections, and taking 50mg of mercaptopurine a day.  I will also continue to avoid whole foods (brown bread, brown rice, brown pasta) and pulses (peas, beans and lentils).  I may experiment a little with other vegetables, but will basically keep my portion sizes of roughage relatively low.  Here's to kicking Crohn's ass and getting on with life!

Colonoscopy number three tomorrow

You know, sometimes I wonder if i have a sixth sense. My last post stated i was six months into my meds combo, and that would make me due for a colonoscopy in April, which would probably mean I'd have it in August. Well, what do you know, it's September 3rd and I'm in for a colonoscopy tomorrow!

I am half way through my 4th total bowel evacuation courtesy of citrafleet and oh my goodness I don't remember it making my behind quite so sore! To say every bowel movement (and believe me it's given me plenty of those) smarts, is an understatement. Thankfully its calmed down now so I should be able to sleep before I take another dose of the horror that is citrafleet at 0600 hrs. Then the frequent loo trips can start all over again so that my bowel is lovely and clean for the endoscopist!

I really hope we see healing happening up there this time. I have generally felt very well over the past six months, hence the lack of blogging activity. What worries me is things may still be bubbling away without me realising it. Well, I'll find out tomorrow anyway. I should be grateful really. I know my illness, and after this colonoscopy I'll have a far better view of its status. There will be plenty of people in that departmtent tomorrow who don't know what's wrong, who will be fearing the worst, and who will go away without answers and be waiting for biopsies to come back.

Anyway, here's to a good nights rest before tomorrows fun filled day ....

Immunosupressant/biologic combo looking positive!

Firstly, apologies for the six month gap between posts!  It has to be said though, if I'm not posting regularly then it's a pretty good sign with regards my personal health!  So, in my last post, I was at the start of a combination of humira (a biologic) and mercaptopurine (an immunosuppressive) and I was trying to tail off the prednisolone ( a corticosteroid).

Well, I am off of the steroids, and it looks like the mercaptopurine, humira combination is making a difference thank goodness!  I have also been quite strict about maintaining a relatively low residue diet.  As I have been feeling relatively well and I have also been extremely busy with work, family and study, I haven't got around to an update!

I'm fairly sure the crohns is still active mind you, as there is still regular urgency, loose stools, occasional blood, blah blah blah .... BUT I hardly ever get pain, I am far less fatigued, and most of the time I forget about this stupid illness. Long may it continue!

I have recently seen my consultant, and he would like me to have a colonoscopy after a year of treatment to see if the last ulcers they saw have healed. I think it's a year in April, so the way things seem to go, if I don't get any alarming symptoms, then I should have one by about August!

I mentioned a concern over my diet as I really avoid fruit and vegetables. He suggested I try and experiment more, so I'll keep you posted about how that goes. For now though, let's just say hooray for mercaptopurine!