Hello Marion! I was diagnosed with Crohn's at age 69. I am now 76 and have been taking Stelara for 6 years to manage it. There is no cure. Crohn's can rear it's ugly head in many different ways, all of them unpleasant! I understand your fear but with a little instruction you will be able to take charge and manage this disease. The infusion is a one time start up dose. The injections for me are every 8 weeks. This will differ depending on the medication ordered. It is true that this medication lowers your immune system by about 20%. You mentioned you already have autoimmune issues. Do you mind telling me what you mean by that? Based on what you have told us I'm not sure rushing into a surgery is the way to go. If your intestinal tract is full of ulcers you may not be a candidate for a resection and could end up with an ileostomy. I had to have one for 2 and a half years until the Crohn's medication calmed down the inflammation. .What labs have they drawn on you? C reactive protein would tell them your degree of inflammation.