My Crohn's Disease Blog Update - More Osiris Prochymal

So in the ultimate good news/bad news case...I went to the doctor last week and because my CDI score was so high, I qualified for another round of 4 stem cell infusions in the Osiris Prochymal study. I begin the week after Thanksgiving. Back to smelling like an onion, the worst side effect of the treatment. I am still not sure if I got a Placebo or stem cells in round one of the Osiris Prochymal study. Keeping my fingers crossed this time. Chances are pretty good given two rounds of treatment that I at least get a 50% dose. Nothing like being a lab rat. In the meantime I continue to have bad days, and OK days. Good days are pretty rare, and lately there have been more bad days (bad cramping, night sweats, 20+ trips to the restroom, etc). I know alot of you out there deal with worse Crohn's Disease Symptoms than I have.....so I am not complaining. Keep your heads up Chronies.

Heading up to Indiana for a week to spend time with family. As always, thanks for checking out my Crohn's Disease blog. Safe travels and I will check in around Thanksgiving.

Doctor's Appointment, Vitamins and More Oh My!

Had a doctor's appointment at Dr. Shafran's office today to stay on track for the osiris prochymal stem cell study. My stomach has been pretty rough lately, lots of cramping and pain. I think I may be in for the next round of stem cell infusions.

I have a lot of trouble with vitamins. Maybe it is just me, but multi-vitamins tend to aggravate my stomach (cough, cough diarrhea!). I found a new multi-vitamin in a liquid format that seems to work really well for me. If you are looking for a good vitamin..check out Nature's Plan, Source of Life vitamins. I found them onsale for 40% off at Amazon. (click the link to the left). Anyone else have any suggestions for good vitamins for people with Crohn's disease?

Cimzia Approved to Treat Crohn's Disease - Another New Crohn's Drug

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved a new drug for sufferers of Crohn's disease. Certolizumab pegol (Cimzia) received approval for use in adults with moderate to severe Crohn's disease who have not responded to conventional therapies. This product was approved with a Medication Guide."Crohn's is a debilitating disease that disrupts the quality of life for its sufferers," said Julie Beitz, MD, Director, Office of Drug Evaluation III, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, FDA, Rockville, Maryland. "This drug works to reduce the signs and symptoms of Crohn's, but it also carries risks that will require patients on it to be closely monitored by their physicians or other healthcare professionals."Patients treated with certolizumab will receive an injection every 2 weeks for the first 3 injections. Once benefit has been established, certolizumab should be given once every 4 weeks.The most common side effects of certolizumab are headache, upper respiratory infections, abdominal pain, injection-site reactions, and nausea.Patients taking certolizumab are at increased risk for serious adverse effects, including serious infections that can lead to hospitalisation or death. Because certolizumab affects the immune system, it can lower the body's ability to fight infections, such as tuberculosis and other opportunistic infections. Certolizumab is a tumour necrosis factor inhibitor and may cause lymphomas and other malignancies. Although an increased risk of tumours was not noted in studies of certolizumab, the modest size and relatively short duration of the controlled studies prevent any firm conclusion. Postmarketing studies and clinical trials will be required to obtain long-term safety data.Patients taking certolizumab should be educated about how to identify an infection and should be instructed to contact their healthcare professional at the first sign of infection. In cases of serious infections, the drug should be discontinued immediately.SOURCE: US Food and Drug Administration

Typical Crohn's Pain and Night Sweats

Typical past few days and nights. Severe pain in the area of my Crohn's (terminal illieum) and big-time night sweats. It is likely a combination of the Crohn's and a crowded bed..whatever it is, it has me sweating. We got a new boxer puppy...He is 10 weeks old, and sleeps between my wife and me. Our 9 year old springer sleeps across our feet. It's a crowd, and last night I slept in the ever-desirable "fish hook" position. Fun times! Anyhow, my Crohn's always acts up during the holidays. I have been running again so maybe that will keep the Chron's Disease at bay. We will see. Good luck to all of you Crohn's disease sweaters out there.

Is Humira Really working for me? Worst Night Sweats Ever

After lining my side of the bed with towels and having pretty much the worst night sweats I have ever had...my wife challenged me this AM with a statement that went something like this "I know the Dr. is holding out alot of faith on this Humira working but I don't know if it really is." I paused to reflect and have to wonder myself. The pain has been getting worse and the night sweats are back. I am fresh off a shot Friday night too...so usually I am doing OK at this point.

About this time last year (before I started this Crohn's Blog), I had to go on a liquid diet and ended up not being able to eat at Thanksgiving or Christmas). I lost about 12 pounds...that might be the only good part.....and spent about 5 days in the hospital.

Anyways, crazy week at work. Just took on responsibility for all of our marketing (was just doing online portion) and am working on 2008 business plans and budgeting. Fun times!!

Enough bitching, lets all have a positive week. -Scott