Thanks for all the responses!
Right - I think that is what the dr. thinks is happening with my husband - that the inflammation is not being controlled with the Asacol and that he will eventually wind up with an obstruction. That is what he told us. I really like his GI and I trust him and don't think that he is suggesting the new medication for any reason other than the well being of my husband.
It is just that we are relatively young with a young toddler and all of these rare but fatal side effects of the medications are really scary to us! And when you feel fine - it doesn't seem like a good trade off. We aren't doubting the dr.'s diagnosis - it would just be easier to chance the odds if his quality of life were suffering. But he is relatively symptom free, except for occasional joint pain. Even his dr. can't explain how he remains symptom free with no inflammation markers on his blood tests. I think that is why he is really pushing for a stronger drug because he said that he has no way to monitor the progression of his disease except with a colonoscopy. There are no other markers in my husband. My husband was really only sick when he was first diagnosed and seemed to get well very quick. He has never been on steriods or anything other than the Asacol and has never been to the hospital for it or had any kind of surgery.
We have thought about getting a second opinion and will likely do that before we start any of these new med's. We are just curious about the side effects and how "rare" they actually are.
Post Edited (jagwebb) : 5/21/2008 11:50:10 AM (GMT-6)