Crohns and Colitis

[capt.k]

I posted this in Health and Fitness but thought I would try it here as well

Unfortunately it looks like I might be facing a diagnosis of either Crohns or Colitis.
I was wondering if anyone had any experience with dealing with this and your medical.
Some of the medication options to treat this interfere with a Cat 1 medical but I am hearing mixed information as to the extent. My long term Came just retired and I am looking for a new one.
In the mean time I was hoping to hear about anyone's experience with Transport and medications like
Remicade, prednisone, humira, Entyvio,Simponi.

Thanks

[Scudrunner703]

Diagnosed in 2010 with crohns. Resection in 2013. Been on humira since. No trouble with my medical just have to report any changes in condition.

Good luck. Shitty disease.

[co-joe]

Done any reading on CBD and Crohns? I'd ad it to the list of treatment options, but I have no idea if it negatively effects your Cat 1 medical.

[DXR]

Been on Imuran for 10 years. Never an issue with my Cat 1

[GARRETT]

I flew in Canada for 20+ years with Crohn's. Luckily for me after surgery in 94' I didn't need to be on any heavy medications. I've never had an issue with TC issuing a Cat.1 medical.

[DHC-1 Jockey]

Over 10 years with Crohn's and currently on Pentasa. All TC needs from me is a note from my GI stating what medication I am on, that the Crohn's is currently stable (no flare-ups) and bloodwork once per year. I go see my GI about a month before my Aviation Medical appointment and have my GI forward the lab results and report directly to my CAME. Never had an issue with my CAT1.

[pilotsmack89]

In the mean time I was hoping to hear about anyone's experience with Transport and medications like
Remicade, prednisone, humira, Entyvio,Simponi.

Been diagnosed with Crohn's for 20 years and flying for 12. Was in remission for 10 years, then had a flare up last year that grounded me for 7 months, then took TC 4 (completely healthy) months to let me fly again. Have been on Imuran before, no problem.

I know TC currently allows Remicade, Humira, Entyvio for Cat 1 with no additional restrictions, but as was mentioned, you will need a letter from your GI stating your current regimen. I am currently on Entyvio and have been very happy with it.

They are NOT happy with prednisone, however. Understandable, cuz that stuff messes you up. Their big book of medical references states you cannot fly on more that 7.5mg/day, however they wouldn't declare me fit until I was completely off it.

https://www.aviationmedicine.com/medication-database/

Above is a good database that is in line with FAA standards, though TC has different standards because.... reasons?

It's a rough disease, though it has come a very long way in recent years. When I first was sick 11 years ago, Remicade was brand new. They told me they would shred my licence if I used it. My how times have changed.

Best of luck, Cap.

[Commonwealth]

My wife takes Salofalk. It is an anti-inflammatory and she experiences pretty benign side effects. The downside for most is that the dosage is taken backwards

[capt.k]

Thanks for all the info.
Much appreciated.

[8675309]

2013 Bowel resection a year after Crohn's diagnoses. Pentasa, Asacol, and Entocort for the flare ups. Never needed a note from my GI Doc. Basically just asked how I was doing on the drugs. Pentasa and Asacol were absolutely useless with big side effects. Entocort was great for simmering everything down. Three years of medium IBD and had to get off the Asacol. Read some crap on the internet and started Oregano oil capsules last February. Complete remission, no drugs. Lucky and counting my blessings. I was pro active with the Transport Medical office and always inquired as to what they would want for further information in order to approve upcoming medicals. The only thing they snagged was Humira. They said they would require a letter from my GI as to how I was reacting to the medicine. Never agreed to go on the stuff and didn't need the letter.
Signed: Lucky Shit!

[2000AGL]

Got a surgery 35 years ago in France
For a crohn disease
I have a healthy life, Nevers smoked,Nevers drank any alcool and go to the gym on a regular basis for over 35 years.
I have to be very careful what I eat and always have my lunch box
Im flying since 1990 with no issues
No medication since 1983
Im a flight instructor

[dahspeers]

Remicaid and Imuran, never an issue. I've had colitis as long as I've been flying. Best thing you can do is manage your diet. I can't even so much as stare at processed carbs without feeling like crap, and living in the washroom. Pasta, lots of bread, etc.

Had a few hard times with employers about. Been fired over it. Life goes on.

[GARRETT]

Hey guys/gals. FYI, I did some research before my GI doc wanted me to take Imuran. It's bad shite! Be careful. I would say only use it if your in a lot of discomfort. I didn't think the risk was worth it as I had no pain or discomfort and opted not to take it. Do your own research but most articles mention the increased cancer risk. My doc didn't mention this to me prior to prescribing it.

IMURAN
(azathioprine) 50-mg Scored Tablets

WARNING

MALIGNANCY

Chronic immunosuppression with IMURAN, a purine antimetabolite increases risk of malignancy in humans. Reports of malignancy include post-transplant lymphoma and hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Physicians using this drug should be very familiar with this risk as well as with the mutagenic potential to both men and women and with possible hematologic toxicities. Physicians should inform patients of the risk of malignancy with IMURAN. See WARNINGS.

[bubba070]

Over 10 years with Crohn's and currently on Pentasa. All TC needs from me is a note from my GI stating what medication I am on, that the Crohn's is currently stable (no flare-ups) and bloodwork once per year. I go see my GI about a month before my Aviation Medical appointment and have my GI forward the lab results and report directly to my CAME. Never had an issue with my CAT1.

Diagnosed in 2003, resection same year. Currently in remission but am on Pentasa and Colested. No issues with medical or TC. I do not neeed a note from my GI, nor do I need to show lab resuls.