A few questions rolled into this. I get Entyvio infusions. My dr said my levels aren’t where they should be, and suggested it get the infusions every 6 weeks, rather than the current schedule of every 8 weeks.
My general every day status is i have about 10 bowel movements a day (have for many years), usually diarrhea, and chronic joint pain. I also take methotrexate.
I got bronchitis recently (a stubborn one, three weeks of sickness!), and took doxycycline. My bowel movements changed dramatically, and very quickly. They were much more solid, and gas was a big issue. I felt like i might be getting better (less loose stool), but had to go to the bathroom just as often because of the gas. My joint aches were somewhat improved. I also got a mild yeast infection while taking the doxycycline, and my cough got better.
My GI guy is going to do a test to see if the gas is caused by SIBO. He’s also going to do a colonoscopy to see if he’ll recommend the higher frequency for Entyvio.
Now that I’ve been off the antibiotic, my stool is loose again, like usual. It’s hard to tell if the gas is better, because the looser stool makes it less painful. My yeast infection has improved. And i have a sinus infection, and a bad cough. I know these things are going around. I’m just not normally prone to cold symptoms like this. I’ve been sick in bed for almost 4 of the last 6 weeks. Definitely not covid, and tested negative for the other common things going around.
Years ago i took Xifaxan. It didn’t change my bowel habits, but greatly improved my joint aches. I took it intermittently, and it helped a little less each time.
1) could Entyvio be contributing to any/all of these symptoms? The chest/sinus infection? The firmer stool? The gas?
2) are antibiotics known to affect the inflammation of Crohn’s? Joint and bowel?
3) is Xifaxan a less risky antibiotic to take, since it works right in the intestine, rather than systemically? (Is that correct?)
i’m so tired of trying to juggle which pain to confront!