Biologics for asymptomatic Crohn's?

@Carmap Hello Carmap, thank you for opening this discussion. I'm sorry to hear about your son, I hope he starts to feel better soon! Let me tag some members who can potentially weigh in on this topic.

Hello all, how are you today? What do you think about using biologics for asymptomatic or mild Crohn's disease? Does this sound like appropriate treatment to you? Should Carmap ask her doctor for a second opinion? Have you found biologics effective in treating your Crohn's? What do you think? 
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Take care,
Courtney

Hi Carmap,

sorry to hear about your sons diagnosis. I was diagnosed with Crohn’s at 19 although issues were obvious from around the age of 15. I’m now 44 and I’ve been on biological treatment (infliximab) for nearly 10 years. I only wish this medication was available when I was younger, after 20+ years of extreme suffering, several major surgeries constant pain and issues with all food this drug has given me a life as close to “normal” as possible although I still have side effects from previous surgery’s. They are suggesting the biologic for your son to prevent any further damage being done by the Crohn’s and hopefully to prevent future surgery. I know it seems a daunting prospect especially if you read up on the possible side effects but from my personal point of view, I have many friends with the disease made over the years and many on biologics most of whom have a much better quality of life because of them. I would suggest maybe arrange a visit with your IBD nurse specialist, or biological nurse specialist and discuss your concerns with them. Wishing you and your son the very best x

Thank you for replying.  My main concern is he has no symptoms so was hoping to start a softer med if that makes sense... 

wish you good health and strength :-)

@Carmap hi carmap,

From my personal experience a consultant won't issue a medication like humira if it's not needed due to the cost of it.

They are probably seeing his inflammation rise and want to start the humira before it gets worse.

Humira didn't work for me personally but I've been deemed allergic to 3 medication like humira, so for his benefit id start sooner rather than later just incase he doesn't take to humira you need to have a wash out period before trying a new medication. 

The side effects are frightening but they have to advise every possible side effect to cover them legally. 

Injecting it yourself is alot easier that it seems its frightening yet again but if he does start I found the tummy easier to inject then the leg as the skin isn't as tough. 

Their is also no harm is requesting a second opinion or more bloods or a CT scan to see how bad the inflammation is.

Also as in symptoms is he experiencing nothing like dirrehea, nausea, stomach pains etc as everyone's symptoms are different ? 

f you have any more questions or worries that you think i could help with ask away. 

Thanks for great reply. No symptoms at all...