I did a quick search on Simponi before starting this post.  Only a couple of posts turned up and the information was limited...

I was away on the weekend and got back on Monday afternoon.  Later that afternoon I realized that I had forgotten about my monthly Entyvio infusion that was scheduled for Monday at 10am!  (Nothing like missing an appointment for an infusion that costs about $3500 per treatment, yikes!).   It's not like me to forget but usually I had been going in on Thursdays or Fridays so this day was an unusual one.  I just never checked my Google Calendar or my handwritten daytimer - both where I had the appointment well documented as a reminder!  I didn't feel too bad because the last Entyvio infusion appointment I had last month, the hospital had me sit in the waiting room for about 2.5 hours before calling me in to tell me that the medication hadn't arrived yet!  Being a small town / rural hospital, they are pretty laid back and these things really aren't a big deal!  I ended up getting a call from them later that afternoon and going back that evening to get it done.

Instead of calling the hospital to see when I could go in and get it done, I decided to call my GI to see if she still recommends I get my Entyvio after all of those recent tests I took (bloodwork, urine, x-rays etc.) and getting another opinion from another GI (which I wrote about on the other thread I started here).  The doctor's office called me back this morning and I was told to STOP Entyvio.  The nurse told me that the plan is to start me on Simponi. 

Now I am in the process of trying to get ANY and ALL information about the drug Simponi.  I read here that you can do self-injections like I did with Humira.  Can you also take orally?  What can I expect as far as the positives and negatives with this drug?  ANY information from any of you who have taken it or know of those who have would be great...  I imagine I could be looking to start soon. 

I was on Imuran for over a year back in the mid90s prior to my surgery.  I have already tried Humira, Remicade, and Entyvio, each for several months.  Not sure if any of them helped, and if so, how much.  I am not sure if the Entyvio is working or if I would be in exactly the same condition without it.  I started it by getting infusions every second month.  After it seemed ineffective I started monthly infusions and have been on that schedule for the past 4 months or so.  Hard to say.  My daily 24-hour bowel movements tend to be between 6 & 10.  I would estimate my average is 8-9.  At times I am very gassy everyday.  Very gassy.  Lots of times I go to have a bowel movement as a preventative measure or to feel better even if it is not required at the time.  I weigh less now than I can ever remember in my past - except for the few months following my July 2000 surgery.  Typically I weighed around 160-165 in recent years.  This morning I was 153!   Recently I have been well below 160.  I don't feel like I am underweight whatsoever, I have just lost some muscle mass over time... This has not been a sudden thing, either.   

Any information on Simponi is appreciated.