Remicade and family doctor

I have been taking Remicade for years. At first it was getting the job done. I started having severe pain that seemed to migrate to different places in my body. Sometimes the bottom of my feet would get so tender I could barely walk. My finger would bend while sleeping and I could not straighten it for days and it would hurt real bad. Knees and ankles would do the same things and then move onto other parts of my body. I thought it was more of a tendon problem, but the pain could also be in any random spots on my body, like shins or maybe a random place on my back. My wrists seem to be a favorite place too. The pain can set in fast and sometimes leave fast. Prednisone is the only thing that seems to help these symptoms. I have been taking 5mg a day for years and when I am having problems that is not enough. I went to a Rheumatologist and he says it is not the Remicade but another antimmune problem. My family doctor thinks it is a side affect of the Remicade and I tend to agree with him. I am going to have my damaged pouch removed in hopes of getting off all medications. I have been living with a colostomy bag for the past three years and it is the least of my problems. Before that I had all my large intestines removed and a pouch which worked well for approx 15 years. I am one of the early people to receive that kind of surgery. I can only pray for all of you that are suffering and lend hopeful advise to your journey.

Had 8 infusions that helped a lot,but then things took a turn for the worst. During my treatment I GOT BUTTERFLY RASH ON MY FACE(drug induced lupus). I had small red bumps everywhere I have hair. My body then and still year latter always feel tired and ache. In April of 06 I went to have my colon removed, because the Remicade stopped working, and took my immune system down to nothing. My body could not fight off the infection. Four day after the colon came out my doctor had to open me back up. I was full of infection, it poured out of me. They took my innards out and washed them. Remicade and a weak immune system gave me sepsis infection. The infection clogged my heart and gave me a major heart attack. I was put in a coma for 4 days. They had to continually flush me with water and antibiotic. I did not remember the first 3 weeks of the nightmare. I had a respirator to keep me breathing for 3 weeks. Then a track for two more weeks. I had to be feed threw a tube, go to the bathroom using a catheter. I lost a total of 85 pounds and spent 41 days in the hospital, because of infection. My wife and daughter had to help me up two steps to get in my house. I was suppose to have my surgery April 06, get second surgery June 06 to get rid of the bag and use the pouch the doctor had constructed. Its 7 months later and the healing posses, because of the REMICADE has been so slow I am still waiting. I have a scope up my butt every 6 weeks to check the progress. I thank the Lord , doctor and my wonderful wife I am alive today. Remicade can be deadly, as my family doctor said its like playing with fire cracker. By the way I am 42 years old, my name is Mike H. from Lake city, MI. If you are on Remicade please keep a very watchful eye. If you get a infection , REMICADE has lower you body's ability to fight back. I wish the best for all who suffer from illness, GOD BLESS.