Recovering from Remicade Reactions

Hi all!  I know it's been quite a while since I've posted anything.  It's been a long slow recovery from all the Remicade reactions.  The docs may not agree but I believe ALL the problems I've had since September can be attributed to Remicade and auto-antibodies my system built up to it.  In short.. I was on Remicade for one year and developed auto-antibodies which means my body was fighting it.  I've had lethargy and weakness, elevated liver enzymes, autoimmune hepatitis, inflamed gallbladder, abdominal skin rashes, red eyes, and swollen painful joints to the point of barely being able to walk or turn on a light switch.

Swollen Ankle Joint No Injury

Strange Lumps moving up from Swollen Ankle

One Red Eye

Interior view of Gall Bladder

Gallbladder Removal Surgery Incisions Healing

Since stopping the Remicade I've had my gallbladder removed and am being treated with Azathioprine for the hepatitis.  As of this past week my blood tests reveal that my liver enzymes are normal.  Stool studies reveal I am not having inflammation.

Physically I'm now normal with the exception of lethargy.  My hair is falling out at an alarming rate which is probably due to the Azathioprine.  I'll be adding some folic acid to my vitamin regimen to hopefully slow down the hair loss.  Already taking Biotin.  I'm still not wanting to do much, but I'm trying every day and sometimes I manage to get rolling!

Yep Waiting in a Doctor's Office

That's about it for now.  Things are looking better every day.  Thanks for listening!!

Is This a delayed Remicade Reaction?

Hi again!   I am slowly feeling better.  We finally have some sunshine today and crisp, clear blue sky. Makes a body feel good.

Recap:
Lately Diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis, gastritis, and an inflamed gallbladder.  Gallbladder removal surgery is tentatively scheduled for January 28.  Still waiting for results of the test for antibodies to Remicade.  Did not have latest Remicade infusion this week per doctor's orders.

My symptoms have really gotten much better:

 •Constant upper abdominal pain is gone
 •Headaches are gone
 •Stiff muscles much better
 •Pain left back under shoulder blade difficult to take deep breath - gone
 •Puffy eyes better
 •Very bloodshot left outer eye - gone
 •Swollen bruised left ankle no injury - all better
 •Painful neck gone

 •Weakness Lethargy
 •Joint pain - much better latest just in hands and hips
 •Jaw pain
 •Stiff back muscle middle back right of spine (that's been there since before this started)
 •Abdominal rash (large red itchy bumps that come and go)
 •Different itchy areas on torso only now
 •Very weak and tired and seem to require a lot of sleep
 •When I wake up in the morning I'm all sweaty

Treatment of symptoms now:
 •Bland diet

Honestly I feel like my body has been fighting something since September. Perhaps it's all been a reaction to the Remicade. Hopefully I will find out soon.  I'm still not sure about having my gallbladder removed. I will have to talk more to my doctor about it after I find out the results of the Prometheus test.  I want to be able to eat regular food again so if it means my gallbladder has to be removed in order to do so then I will follow through with it.