Crohn's Disease
 

You may remember (if your memory is better than mine) that I have fairly advanced Crohn's disease. Mostly I am ok since the last surgery, but the various drugs I'm on to keep me this way are NOT upside only.

So I am really happy to read about a new drug that is nearing release which is NOT just another immune-suppressor. I have my fingers crossed for this one.

RedHill Biopharma Announces RHB-104

I hope it comes through!

Hope they're not outrageously greedy. :mad:

Yeah, that’s one of my fears.

Can you find out who's running the studies? Could you be eligible?

For the last 18 years, I've suffered from IBS (diarrhea specific; in other words, I've had never-ending diarrhea for 18 years. Yay.). Granted, it's not the same thing as Chrone's, but it's just as debilitating. Pain. Bloating. Surprise "episodes." I can't go anywhere without having a full-on bathroom/accident game plan in advance.

I've always avoided the "cure-all" drugs that might (or more likely, might not) have an positive impact on my condition.

Please be certain that the side effects of the treatment won't affect you in other, more-adverse ways!

Also, do a bit of research on medical marijuana. It has some amazing qualities that may help you without the debilitating side effects.

My dermatologist has been suggesting I try immune suppression therapy for my skin. I'm not convinced.

I know 3 people who've gone down that route for various immune conditions - 1 has had a mixed experience - one has had an appalling experience and one has nothing but positive feedback.

I'm as undecided as I was before I sought their opinion :P


That new treatment certainly sounds interesting Pete. Might be great if it does what it says on the tin.

Dana, do you guys have a version of the med called Gastrocrom in the UK? It kind of neutralizes parts of the immune system rather than suppressing it--like promoting condom usage instead of abstinence among teens. :) Anyway, it's been a big help for the autoimmune issues in our house, in cases where traditional immune suppressors were only moderately effective.

Hmm. I'll ask about that. Thanks Clod :)

I have an appointment scheduled with my gastro. It's one of the topics on my list.

I would be much worse off without immune suppressors. But it's not all lollipops and sunshine. I have had eight surgeries for skin cancers; I'm on a first-name basis with my dermatologist.

Do you know what the standard treatment is for your skin issue?